Weird & Unusual Attractions in Sinnūris, Al Fayyūm, Egypt
1. The Pyramid of the Crocodile God Sobek
Ancient Egyptian pyramid dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek, featuring a large stone crocodile at its base.
- Unique Architecture: One of the few pyramids in Egypt with a crocodile theme.
- Crocodile Statue: Giant stone crocodile at its base, unlike any other Egyptian site.
- Sobek Worship Site: A rare example of a temple dedicated to Sobek in such good condition.
2. The Alabaster Mummies of Deir el-Bahri
A collection of mummies and sarcophagi made from alabaster at the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut.
- Material Rarity: One of few alabaster mummies in Egypt, showcasing rare craftsmanship.
- Queen Hatshepsut Connection: Directly related to the powerful female Pharaoh, Queen Hatshepsut.
- Beautiful Design: Exquisite alabaster sculptures and carvings adorning each mummy.
3. The Temple of Hathor in Denderah
Ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Hathor, boasting the best-preserved zodiac ceiling in Egypt.
- Zodiac Ceiling: Unique astronomical illustrations depicting the star signs.
- Hathor Worship Site: A key site for the worship of Hathor, goddess of love and music.
- Superior Preservation: One of the best-preserved temples in Egypt due to its unique design.
4. The Serapeum of Saqqara
Subterranean temple for the worship of the god Apis, containing a series of massive stone sarcophagi.
- Underground Temple: A rare example of an underground Egyptian temple.
- Apis Worship Site: An important site for the worship of Apis, the sacred bull of Memphis.
- Massive Sarcophagi: Giant limestone sarcophagi, the largest weighing over 70 tons.
5. The Temple of Kukulkan at Abydos
Known as the 'Temple in the Forest,' this unique temple is dedicated to the feathered serpent deity Kukulkan.
- Feathered Serpent Deity: One of few temples in Egypt dedicated to the Mesoamerican deity, Kukulkan.
- Forest Setting: Surrounded by lush vegetation, unlike any other Egyptian temple.
- Intricate Carvings: Detailed carvings depicting the mythology and symbolism of Kukulkan.
6. The Temple of Haremakhet at Nekhen
Ancient temple dedicated to the god Horus, featuring a unique circular design with six towers.
- Circular Design: A rare circular temple design in Egypt.
- Horus Worship Site: An important site for the worship of Horus, god of the sky and protector of Pharaohs.
- Six Towers: The temple's unique design with six towers, each symbolizing the six regions of Upper Egypt.
7. The Temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu
Massive fortress temple with intricate relief carvings depicting the battles of Ramesses III.
- Battle Scenes: Extensive battle scenes detailing the victories of Ramesses III.
- Fortress Design: A unique fortress-like temple design, providing additional defense.
- Ramesses III Connection: Directly related to the powerful Pharaoh, Ramesses III.
8. The Temple of Amun-Ra at Karnak
The largest temple complex in Egypt, featuring colossal statues and the famous Hypostyle Hall.
- Size: The largest temple complex in Egypt.
- Colossal Statues: Giant statues of Pharaohs and gods, some standing over 30 feet tall.
- Hypostyle Hall: A unique architectural wonder with 134 massive columns.
9. The Temple of Hathor at Dendera
Ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Hathor, featuring a unique astronomical zodiac relief.
- Astronomical Relief: Unique astronomical illustrations depicting the star signs.
- Hathor Worship Site: A key site for the worship of Hathor, goddess of love and music.
- Superior Preservation: One of the best-preserved temples in Egypt due to its unique design.
10. The Valley of the Kings Pet Cemetery
A royal pet cemetery at the Valley of the Kings, featuring mummies and tombs of animals sacred to the pharaohs.
- Royal Pets: Mummies and tombs of pets sacred to the pharaohs.
- Valley of the Kings Connection: Located near the famous Valley of the Kings tombs.
- Variety of Species: A variety of animal species, including cats, dogs, and baboons.
11. The Temple of Khonsu at Karnak
Ancient temple dedicated to the moon god Khonsu, featuring a unique sphinx-like statue.
- Sphinx Statue: A unique sphinx-like statue combining human and animal features.
- Khonsu Worship Site: An important site for the worship of Khonsu, god of the moon.
- Size and Intricacy: A significant temple in size and intricate carvings at Karnak.
12. The Temple of Isis at Philae
Ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, featuring a beautiful island setting.
- Island Setting: A beautiful island setting on the shores of Lake Nasser.
- Isis Worship Site: An important site for the worship of Isis, goddess of motherhood and magic.
- Relocation Effort: One of the temples that was moved to save it from the flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
13. The Temple of Amun at Siwa Oasis
Ancient temple dedicated to the god Amun, featuring the Oracle of Amun.
- Oracle of Amun: The famous oracle where Alexander the Great sought confirmation of his divine birth.
- Amun Worship Site: An important site for the worship of Amun, king of the gods.
- Siwa Oasis Connection: Located in the unique and enchanting Siwa Oasis.
14. The Temple of Hathor at Dendera (Nighttime View)
Ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Hathor, offering a unique nighttime view with illuminated carvings.
- Nighttime Illumination: A rare opportunity to see the temple's intricate carvings under a night sky.
- Hathor Worship Site: A key site for the worship of Hathor, goddess of love and music.
- Superior Preservation: One of the best-preserved temples in Egypt due to its unique design.
15. The Temple of Amun at Karnak (Nighttime View)
Ancient temple complex dedicated to the god Amun, offering a unique nighttime view with illuminated columns.
- Nighttime Illumination: A rare opportunity to see the temple's massive columns under a night sky.
- Amun Worship Site: An important site for the worship of Amun, king of the gods.
- Size and Intricacy: A significant temple in size and intricate carvings at Karnak.