Deir Al Haggar

Western Desert

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This restored sandstone temple is one of the most complete Roman monuments in Dakhla. Dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut and Khons, as well as Horus (who can be seen with a falcon’s head), it was built between the reigns of Nero (AD 54–68) and Domitian (AD 81–96). Some relief panels are quite well preserved, though most are covered in bird poop.

If you look carefully in the adjacent Porch of Titus you can see the names of the entire team of Gerhard Rohlfs, the 19th-century desert explorer, carved into the wall. Also visible are the names of famous desert travellers Edmonstone, Drovetti and Houghton.

The temple is signposted 7km west of Al Qasr; from the turn-off it's a further 5km.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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Nearby Western Desert attractions

1. Qarat Al Muzawwaqa

0.39 MILES

These tombs were rediscovered by the Egyptian archaeologist Ahmed Fakri in 1971 and some have since been restored, including the tomb of Oziri (Petosiris)…

2. Ethnographic Museum

2.61 MILES

Occupying Sherif Ahmed’s house, which itself dates back to 1785, the museum’s everyday objects try to give life to the empty buildings around them.

3. Bir Al Gabal

5.6 MILES

Set among breathtaking desert scenery, Bir Al Gabal is a gorgeous place for a soak. During the day in winter and spring any ambience here is overwhelmed…

4. Ethnographic Museum

13.37 MILES

These days Dakhla’s wonderful museum is only opened on request: ask at the tourist office (or call) and Omar Ahmad will arrange a time for your visit with…

5. Old Town of Mut

13.59 MILES

Old Mut's visitors lived in fear of raiding Bedouin, so very few houses have outside windows, to protect against intruders and heat and dust. The…

6. Qila Al Dabba

28.83 MILES

Qila Al Dabba is Balat’s ancient necropolis. The five mastabas (mud-brick structures above tombs that were the basis for later pyramids), the largest of…

7. Tomb of Kitines

29.55 MILES

This sandstone tomb was occupied by Senussi soldiers during WWI and by a village family after that. Nevertheless, some funerary reliefs have survived and…

8. Carpet-Making Cooperative

29.58 MILES

In Bashendi's carpet-making cooperative you can see rugs being woven and browse through the showroom.