Siwa  is one of the most fascinating oases on the edge of Great Sand Sea . Its rich history includes that visit of Alexander the Great to Amun Prophecy Temple in order to predict the prophecy of Amun in 331 BC. Siowans have their own culture and customs, and they speak a Barber language , Siwi ,rather than Arabic .Many women still wearing traditional costumes  and silver jewelry like those displayed in the Traditional Siwan House Museum at the town center  .Siwa remains one of the best places to buy jewellery , rugs, baskets , traditional robes and  head dresses , decorated with antique coins .

The Original settlement , Aghurmi , was superseded Shali , founded in 1203 . Set among  thick palm groves , walled gardens and olive orchards , with numerous freshwater springs and salt lakes , modern Siwa was established over ruins of ancient Shali . Climb through the ruins of the old city for magnificent views of the whole oasis. Walk , rent a bicycle or ride in a caretta          (donkey cart) to outlying sights and places where you can relax .

These include 26th Dynasty tombs with murals and inscriptions at Jebel Al – Mawta ( The Hill of The Dead ) and the temple of Amun , an acropolis temple dating from around  550 BC . Near the Oracle is the ruined temple of Amun and the famous Cleopatra Bath , a deep pool of bubbling water where you can bathe . Another favorite bathing  spot is Fatnis Island  , on the salt lake of Birket Siwa, surrounded by palm trees and beautiful scenery.

• SHALI

The fortification of Shali is located in the center of modern Siwa in the Siwa Oasis, and is basically the old town. Some of the buildings of the old town are even still in use, but due to their construction of salt, mud, rock and plaster they fall more into ruin each year. In fact, up until some extreme rain in 1926, much of the town was still in use . The area dates from the 13th century.

• Cleopatra’s Bath ( Spring of Juba) Also, Ain el-Hammam

The spring is one of many in the area is located on the path that leads to the Temple of Amun . It is a stone pool fed by natural spring water, and probably the best known pool in the area. Apparently, the pool had was not vary inviting from reports in recent years , but there have been efforts made to improve it .However, as with all springs in the area , it is wise to consider local customs . People do not bath in these pools in skimpy swimsuits, and in fact, most often remain clithed. Therefore, a good idea if one intents to bath here is to bring a covering garment suitable to the occasion.

- Amon temple

The Egyptians, oppressed under the Persian rule, then welcome Alexander the Great with open arms when he entered the country in 332 B.C . While there he visited the Oracle of Amon at Siwa, where he was declared ‘ the son of Amon “ Exactly how this happened is unclear. One story is that either upon entering or exiting the temple he was greeted by the priests as “ my son “ Alexander army and followers were not in a strategic position to see the priest and thought the words came from the god himself. However it happened , from that point on Alexander was instated as a son of god , like the Pharoas of old . Alexander was initiated the building of Alexandria .

- Aghurmi  

Located 4 km. From Siwa is the temple Aghurmi . This temple probably housed the famous Greek oracle of Jupiter Amon              (Darius) and dates to the 26th Dynasty , though there was possibly an earlier temple located on this spot .

- Gebel al – Mawta  (Mountain of the Dead)

The mountain of the dead is a hill side full of tombs which were unknown to 19th century explorers . The huge limestone structure was developed during the 26th dynasty and during the Ptolemaic period the apparently was well known to locals . During WWII when the battles around Siwa were raging , they often to hide the tombs .

There remains a number of interesting tombs these include :

·       The tomb of Si – Amon .

·       The tomb of Miso – Isis .

·       The tomb of Niperpathehot .

·       The tomb of Crocodile .