Temple of the Oracle
This temple was once the main reason for coming to Siwa, but its remains now stand alone on a small hill. Built by the 26th-dynasty King Amasis, the temple constitutes some of the earliest evidence that the ancient Egyptians controlled the oasis (then called Sekhet-imit, Place of the Palm Trees). The oracle was an important and influential source of information to the Greeks, but it declined under the Romans.
A 10- to 15-minute ride from the middle of town, this site makes an excellent short bike excursion. Because it's situated on a small hill among the ruins of the abandoned town of Aghurmi, the view from the top gives you a good sense of where you are. Though the temple has been poorly restored, it's still worth a 30-minute visit.
This temple was once the main reason for coming to Siwa, but its remains now stand alone on a small hill. Built by the 26th-dynasty King Amasis, the temple constitutes some of the earliest evidence that the ancient Egyptians controlled the oasis (then called Sekhet-imit, Place of the Palm Trees). The oracle was an important and influential source of information to the Greeks, but it declined under the Romans.
A 10- to 15-minute ride from the middle of town, this site makes an excellent short bike excursion. Because it's situated on a small hill among the ruins of the abandoned town of Aghurmi, the view from the top gives you a good sense of where you are. Though the temple has been poorly restored, it's still worth a 30-minute visit.
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