February 14, 2025 9:28 am

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 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.

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Amazing tour to the pyramids of Sakkara and Dahshur

January 1, 2025

This week we had a great tour with Mohamed to the pyramids of Sakkara and Dahshur as well as Memphis. He tailored the tour to our preferences, took a lot of time with us and gave us detailed background information on everything. It was also great that he never tired of taking the time to answer our many questions.

You can definitely tell that he has studied Egyptology as he has a very deep understanding of the subject and can explain everything well. He also speaks perfect English and is really good driver.

We would definitely book a tour with him again in a heartbeat and would recommend him to anyone. 🙂

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Christina Gaedcke

Amazing Egypt Fun Tours

December 22, 2024

Highly Recommend Egypt Fun Tours!

Several weeks ago, I reached out to Egypt Fun Tours regarding a 9-hour layover in Cairo. From the very beginning, Hani Ahmed was responsive and professional, quickly providing a well-organized itinerary tailored to our limited time. The itinerary included a visit to the pyramids, other historical sites, a delicious dinner, and even a quick stop for souvenir shopping.

Upon arrival, Gilman efficiently assisted us in obtaining our day tourist visas (note: $25 per person in cash). She then introduced us to our guide, Mydo, who was absolutely phenomenal! Mydo’s knowledge, friendly demeanor, and ability to adjust the tour to our pace made the experience unforgettable.

We returned to the airport with plenty of time to relax before our flight. The entire experience was smooth, stress-free, and incredibly memorable. Egypt Fun Tours offers reasonable prices for a private, customized experience that truly exceeds expectations. Thank you, Egypt Fun Tours! We will definitely use your services again in the future.

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Miguel R

Alexandria! Wow!

November 7, 2024

Muhammad is the best! He showed me a world I never thought possible! The tombs in Alexandria by far was my favorite! I never knew there was a place on earth that contained both Greek and Egyptian carvings in the same tombs! The history and culture of Egypt is so fascinating! I highly recommend booking with Muhammad!

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James Risenhoover

Tour of Cairo

November 4, 2024

Despite a late start due to car trouble, Mohamed more than made up for it with his incredible knowledge and dedication. His explanations were detailed and thoughtful, and he went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. A memorable and informative tour, thanks to Mohamed’s hard work!

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Sebastian

AMAZING TOUR, SOLO TRAVELER.

October 12, 2024

I am a California woman who traveled to Egypt alone and thanks to Egypt Fun Tours I had a great time. Hani, Mohammed, Kamal and David (my driver) were very professional and very knowledgeable, I appreciate how respectful they were and how protective they were with me.

They show me everything I wanted to see in Cairo and nearby places like Saqqara, Memphis, etc. Thanks to them I had a great time in Egypt, they were so so helpful than on my second day they helped me to move from my hotel in Giza to the Steigenberger hotel in downtown Cairo.

The tour price is super good includes a guide (expert in the field) a driver, lunch and drinks, they took me to amazing places for lunch, the food was super super delicious, for a foodie like me that was a highlight. We went out fo the tourist traps and I got to see the Cairo that if you are in a bus tour you will never get to see.

This tour is personalized for each person depending of what you want to see and do, I absolutely love it.

I used WhatsApp to communicate with Hani and arranged all my tours, Hani was super super nice since the moment I contacted him and explained him what I wanted to do and see.

Hani and his group mesmerized me with the tours they put together, this is a memory I will keep for lifetime.

I had only good things to say about them and I highly recommend them.

I did visit the pyramids in Giza, downtown Cairo, new Cairo, several museums, Coptic Cairo and Muslim Cairo with them and I learned a lot from them, I felt like they were family to me and it was EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT.

If I go back to Egypt I will hire them again without hesitation.

David I take my hat off for you because I have NO IDEA how you can drive in crazy Cairo, thanks to all of you for making this lady’s dream a reality.

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Ladylalique - California
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