Just 50km from the border with Libya, the Village of Siwa and the Oasis that takes its name reflect a time forgotten. The major mode of transportation is donkey cart, and donkey taxis driven by 10 year old boys are the most common site.
The Fortress of Shali, a crumbling 12th century 5 story mud brick fortress which overlooks the main square, sets a medieval tone that permeates the area. A necropolis Mountain of the Dead stands at the north end of the village providing the area's Pharonic legacy complete with tomb hieroglyphics. The Temple of Ammon, with its famous Oracle stands in ruins on the east side. History shows that Alexander the Great came to this temple to have the Oracle declare him the son of Ammon and rightful ruler of Egypt. Close by stands Cleopatra's pool.
A cart ride out to Fatnas Island on the west side provides a stunning orange sunset over the lake with the Great Sand Sea of the Sahara Desert in the distance. [edit text][editors]
