The Qasr Qarun Temple, dating back to the Greco-Roman period, is situated on the southwestern edge of Lake Qarun, approximately 65 kilometers from El Fayoum and 120 kilometers from Cairo. A remarkable feature of this temple is the unique astronomical event that occurs each year on December 21st, coinciding with the winter solstice. On this day, sunlight illuminates the temple, specifically the Holy of Holies, where statues of the god Sobek were once placed and worshipped. This phenomenon is particularly striking as the temple remains in darkness throughout the year, receiving sunlight only on this special occasion
The History of Qasr Qarun

The Qasr Qarun Temple, often mistakenly referred to as the “Palace of Qarun,” is a Ptolemaic temple dating from 323 to 30 BC. Its exact date remains uncertain due to the absence of inscriptions. Constructed from yellow limestone blocks, the temple is largely intact, although the Antiquities Department has undertaken partial repairs to the façade and reinforced sections of the internal structure.
While the exterior may appear modest, the interior reveals a fascinating maze of chambers, hallways, cellars, tunnels, stairways, and upper rooms of varying sizes across multiple levels, making it an intriguing site to explore. Although there are no inscriptions, a prominent winged sun motif adorns the entrance. Inside, accessible via two square spiral staircases, the ceiling features a relief depicting two figures: the crocodile deity Sobek on the left and a monarch on the right.
The roof provides a good view of the desert to the south and west, the cultivated area to the north and east, and the desert escarpment and (depending on the light) the Birka to the north.
The ruins of Dionysias, a Greco-Roman town and garrison, are situated around the temple, although the largely mud-brick remnants are not as well preserved as those of other ancient settlements in the Fayoum. This settlement is estimated to have been founded in the 3rd century BCE and was likely abandoned by the 4th century CE.
Most of the structures, including the Roman baths, are merely outlines on the ground, though a few remain partially intact. Some of these buildings even feature frescoes on their interior walls. The most notable remains are located approximately east of the Roman Fortress. In 1948, baths adorned with frescoes were discovered here, but unfortunately, they have since been destroyed by weathering.
The temple is observed on December 21st, the occasion of the Winter Solstice. On this day, beams of sunshine enter the Qasr Qaroun temple and illuminate the holiest of holies, where sculptures of the deity Sobek were erected and worshipped. The unusual phenomenon is a spectacle that you just cannot afford to miss because the temple remains completely black throughout the year and only receives sunshine on this unique day.
Explore Qasr Qaroun Temple!
So that Fayoum guests can have the best Fayoum experience possible. Egypt Fun Tours’ creator, Mohamed a.k.a. Hamada, a local guide and researcher located in Cairo who studied in Fayoum for four years, will take you on tailored tours to explore magnificent Fayoum in several thematic itineraries to provide the ultimate Fayoum experience. He will share his expertise in the area as well as his fascinating Fayoum anecdotes with you.