Egypt, as the birthplace of the world’s richest ancient civilizations, has a plethora of tourism and historical sites. There is a lot to see and learn when it comes to sightseeing. While the Pyramids of Giza and ancient temples in Luxor and Aswan receive all of the attention, Egypt also has a number of hidden jewels that will captivate you. So let’s get off the usual path and discover Egypt’s hidden gems.
The Must-See Sights In Egypt That Aren’t Spoken About Enough
Shali Fortress, Old Siwa
Shali Fortress was created in the 13th century out of karshif, a native soil composed of salt, clay, and fine sand. The stronghold was built in ancient times to provide a safe haven for residents fleeing invasions and adversaries. For many years, the fortress stood strong and towering until torrential rains damaged a large portion of it, forcing the inhabitants to flee. The remains of this structure can still be seen today, adding to the splendor of Shali Fortress.
Nilometer, Rhoda Island
The incredible cave with its rock craftsmanship is located in the Western desert near Farafra Oassis and is believed to contain some engravings dating back over 12,000 years. Gerard Rohlfs, a German explorer, originally discovered the cave in 1873. The cave remained forgotten once the climate changed and the people disappeared, until it was rediscovered in 1989 by Carlo Bergmann, a German desert adventurer. As a result of the water reacting with the arid desert climate, the cave is totally comprised of limestone satalctites.
Colored Canyon, Nuweiba
The colorful canyon, which stands 40 meters tall, is a delight for hikers and people who enjoy discovering new areas. Nuweiba’s stunning maze-like canyon is a gorgeous painting of red, magenta, purple, and yellow. Because of the high iron content in the sandstone, water erosion, and wind, the canyon was formed, resulting in this beautiful color range.
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Alexandria
While tombs and temples are generally recognized for being located in Luxor and Aswan, Alexandria has a real gem going back to the Hellenistic era. The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Egypt’s largest Roman necropolis, date from the second century AD and house many statues and other artifacts from the Hellenistic and early Roman periods. This archaeological site was considered one of the seven wonders of the Middle Ages because it provided a detailed view into the time of the Ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks.
Djara Cave, El-Dakhla Oasis
The Djara Cave is a one-of-a-kind cave hidden in the Western Desert. While there is a level floor for visitors to explore, the major attraction is the ceiling, which is formed entirely of limestone stalactites, which are the result of water reacting with the stone and flowing down to the floor over many years. It’s simply breathtaking. Despite the fact that the pointed structures are mostly frozen in place, we recommend taking a helmet just in case.
Temple of Amun, Siwa
The Temple of Amun/the Oracle is a really unusual place, as it is Egypt’s only temple dedicated to Alexander the Great. It was constructed between 663 and 535 BC, and it was here that he was crowned King of Egypt in 332 BC.
Cave of Beasts, Gilf Kebir
The Cave of Beasts is one of the oldest caves in the area, dating back over 7,000 years. It houses 5,000 Stone Age artworks that have been wonderfully conserved. They use red, yellow, and black colors to paint various creatures and humans on the walls. A cave named the Cave of Swimmers, located just a few kilometers east, contains a different series of prehistoric drawings.
Eel Garden, Dahab
The Eel Garden is a spot off the coast of Dahab where you can see little eels with only their heads exposed, like thick grass in a field. You can see eels when snorkeling, but diving is the best way to see them. They are gorgeous to watch, despite the fact that they are easily startled and will flee if they feel threatened.
Wadi El-Weshwash, Nuweiba
Wadi El-Weshwash, a true hidden gem, is an exquisite place tucked away in the mountains, which is why you’ll need a guide to get there. The gorgeous granite-clad walls catch water from rain and floods and channel it into its own private pool, which is truly breathtaking. It’s a must-see for any adventurer looking for a primal feel to wipe away the mental cloud brought on by any city.