Siwa: Attractions and more...
The Oracle of Amon surrounded by palm trees does not have any relics of etchings on walls but is an impressive structure; its importance lies in the fact that Alexander the Great visited here. Gebel El Mowta or Mountain of the Dead was the burial site for ancient Egyptians; some of the graves built into the mountain are accessible.
Birket Siwa and Birket Zeitun are two salt water lakes in the oasis; Fatnis Island on the Birket Siwa is like an oasis in itself with a circular pool surrounded by palms.
The ruins of Shali are quite an impressive sight even though they are almost entirely ruined; a climb to the top gives a bird’s eye view of the region. The minarets and passageways give a good idea of what the structure must have looked like.
The annual Tourist Festival is held in October–November at the foot of the mountain of Gebel Dakrur. The area comes alive with local performances and dances.
