Siwa Oasis: Shali, Culture and Water Sites

On a trip to Siwa Oasis, historic structures, everyday culture and waterside places appeal to different interests. Shali focuses on mud-brick architecture and history; museums and mosques broaden the cultural perspective, while bazaars and restaurants add crafts and cuisine. Water-related sites include a sulfur spring in Siwa and destinations in the surrounding area. When planning your stay, you can use these distinctions to choose whether to focus your trip on culture, local life or water sites.

Shali: Kershef, Wall and Mosque

Shali was built from kershef, a salty mud that reaches a cement-like hardness as it dries. The village’s founding is dated to the 6th century AH, or the 12th century AD. A sturdy wall surrounds Shali. The original and only entrance is called Bab Anshal; the name means “city gate.”

The Old Mosque stands on the north side of Shali’s wall and is considered the oldest mosque built from mud in Africa. Its material, wall and entrance offer different clues for understanding the historic site. Shali’s restoration is complete, and its ruins are suitable for sightseeing. Check current access before visiting.

Mosques, Crafts and Cuisine

The Great Mosque, also called the King’s Mosque, is a landmark of Siwa and was built during the ancient kingdom period. Together with the Old Mosque, it offers another point of reference for travelers interested in religious architecture: the Old Mosque is connected to Shali’s wall, while the Great Mosque is identified as a landmark of Siwa.

Around Shali and at its entrance, tourist bazaars sell locally made Siwan clothing, silver jewelry, decorative items made from rock salt, and handmade shoes made from leather and fabric. The selection combines wearable craft products with decorative work in various materials.

Restaurants in the area around Shali and the Great Mosque serve Siwan dishes such as Abumardam and Siwan molokhia. Local food thus complements the view of Siwa offered by the bazaars through clothing, jewelry and crafts.

Museum and Places in Siwa

The Siwa Cultural Museum offers insights into the lives of Siwa’s residents. It displays models of household and farming tools formerly used by residents; the specific exhibits may change. These two types of tools relate to different aspects of daily life in the past, from the household to farming, and thus complement the view of Shali’s architectural history with objects from everyday life.

The Mountain of the Dead lies on the northern edge of Siwa city. Its location provides another geographical point of reference when exploring places within the city.

Water Sites in the Surrounding Area

Ain Birizi is a sulfur spring in the city of Siwa. Its water is said to be associated with the treatment of skin diseases. Fattnas, also called Fantasy Island, lies about six kilometers west of Siwa and is considered a popular swimming spot among locals and tourists. Cleopatra’s Bath is also located in the area around Siwa: visitors come there to enjoy the sulfur-rich water.

The water sites differ in location and character: Ain Birizi is a spring in the city, Fattnas is a swimming spot west of Siwa, and Cleopatra’s Bath is a destination for visitors who want to enjoy sulfur-rich water. This comparison can help you choose between the sites according to your own interests, rather than treating them as the same kind of water experience.

Discover more destinations: Zawyet Eilet Nuh, Al Qasabah ash Sharqiyah, El-Alamein, Zawyet Sidi Musa, Zawyet El-Auwwama, Sidi Abd El-Rahman, Fuka, Marsa Matrouh

Go to the overview of the wider travel area: Matruh.