Medinat Al-Fayoum

Introducing Medinat Al-Fayoum

The largest town on the Al-Fayoum oasis was a favourite holiday spot for 13th-dynasty pharaohs, who built a series of pleasure palaces in the area. Centuries later, the Greeks, who believed the crocodiles in Lake Qarun were sacred, called the area Crocodilopolis, and built a temple in honour of Sobek, the crocodile-headed god. During Ptolemaic and Roman times, pilgrims came from across the ancient world to feed the sacred beasts.

These days, however, Medinat al-Fayoum (Town of the Fayoum) is a less than appealing mix of crumbling concrete, horn-happy drivers, choking fumes, swirling dust and crowded streets. Needless to say, there is little reason to spend any more time here than is absolutely necessary, though it’s a convenient enough base for visiting the major sights in the region.

Last updated: Oct 6, 2008