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The Gebel al-Mawta looks great from a distance, but it is even more impressive up close. The name
means simply Mountain of the Dead, and it is the place where Siwans for over 2000 years buried
their loved ones. The mountain holds a couple of truly great graves, full
of wall-paintings equally beautiful to the noble tombs of Luxor or Aswan.
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The Oracle of Amon is today mainly remembered for being
visited by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, when he was seeking confirmation that he was the
son of Zeus (whom the Greeks associated with the Egyptian Amon). The temple complex, complete
with a well (quite well-preserved) takes all of a little mountain rising up from the oasis.
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It is believe to have been built by the command of King
Nectanebo 2 in the 4th century BCE. If the oracle has been badly treated by time, the Temple of
Amon is in an even worse condition. Just a piece of a wall still stands, held up by crude modern
bricks. Fortunately some fine wall-paintings on the western side of the wall have survived.
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One of Siwa's nicest pools, nowadays it is used by local men
for bathing, but foreign female visitors will not be denied entry. It was formerly used by local
brides for bathing, but that practice has now moved to the nearby Tamusi bath, which is more
secluded. Cleopatra's Pool has a little cafe, sheltered from the sun and good for hot days.
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There is no better place to take in fabulous views over
the entire oasis than at Gebel Dakrur. It is a fair climb, but can probably be vertigous for
some. The mountain has three peeks, and lies near the Birket Zeitun. But there are stunning
views over the western part of the oasis too. Every year, the Tourist Festival is held on
the mountain's foot.
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The Fatnis Island lies about 10 metres out into the Birket
Siwa, and is completely covered by palms, except for the circular, tiled pool. The entire setting
is beautiful and coming out here, an hour or so before sunset is perfect. You start with swim, then
head down to the coffee shop to take in the sunset over the Libyan Desert.
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A structure with Macedonian inscriptions in Greek
letters, 55 metres long and complete with much decorations was discovered here. A theory
for the tomb is, that it belonged to a Macedonian general. However, the tomb might give hints
to where Alexander is buried. It is not certain that he was even buried in Siwa according to
his wish, rathar in Alexandria.
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Bir Wahed is both one of the new tourist traps of Siwa, and
a quiet, secluded place for spending the late afternoon and evening. This is a well set out 12 km
southwest of Siwa, with water right in the middle of the sand dunes, without
the typical oasis vegetation. Bir Wahed is visited as part of a 4WD excursions and a great place to
bath.
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Tour Through History (10 DAYS)
Giza I Cairo I Aswan I Abu Simbel
Nile Cruise I Luxor
Price: Starting From $280
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Pharaonic Egypt (10 DAYS)
Giza I Cairo I Aswan I Nile Cruise
Luxor I Hurghada
Price: Starting From $450
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Adventurer Trip (16 DAYS)
Giza I Cairo I Oasis I Desert Safari
AswanINile BoatILuxorIDahabISinai
Price: Starting From $450
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