Rich history and magnificent monuments
Kharga Oasis is a geographical location located about 550 kilometers south of Cairo, Egypt. It was formerly known as the “Southern Oasis” by the ancient Egyptians and the “Magna Oasis” by the Romans. The oasis is located on the west bank of the Nile Valley, about 232 kilometers south of Assiut Governorate. Kharga Oasis is one of the largest oases of the Western Desert in Egypt and is also considered the capital of the New Valley Governorate and is characterized by its modernity.
The Kharga Oasis contains many important monuments, including:
- Palaces of Nadura: It was used as an observation post during the reign of the Turks and Mamluks and contains remains of hieroglyphic writings and inscriptions depicting the goddess Aphrodite. The temple was built in the Roman era on a very high hill to serve as a fulcrum and observation point, built of sandstone and surrounded by an adobe wall. The temple was dedicated to the god Thuras the Falcon, and the old name is unknown, and the temple still has remnants of hieroglyphic writings and reliefs, and it is visible from anywhere within the city of Kharga due to its great height.
- Temple of Hibis: This temple is located one kilometer north of the city of Kharga and dates back to the Pharaonic and Roman eras. This temple represents the evolution of civilization through different eras.
- Al-Bajawat Cemetery: Located three kilometers from the city of Kharga, it includes tombs built in the form of small churches in the form of domes, and is considered among the oldest Coptic churches in Egypt.
- Mustafa Al-Kashef Palace: It is considered the remains of a huge Roman fortress and was used as a residence for passing merchants and a place for religious rituals.
- Gwaita Temple: This temple dates back to the 27th Dynasty (522 BC) and was dedicated to the worship of the Holy Trinity (Amun - Mut - Khonsu).
- The Temple of Dosch in Paris: It represents the Roman god “Apis” and the goddess “Isis” and dates back to the era of the Roman emperors (Trajan and Hadrian).
- Temple of Xian: It was built in the Ptolemaic era and was dedicated to the worship of Amun Hept.
- Ficus: Contains the remains of a mud-brick temple and tombs and also includes an ancient system of aqueducts.
Kharga Oasis is famous for its rich history and magnificent monuments that attract visitors from around the world.