Faiyum- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Faiyum, situated about 100 kilometers southwest of Cairo in the expansive Faiyum Oasis, is an ancient city whose history dates back to its original name, Shedet, reflecting its deep-rooted connection with the region's water-rich environment. The city has witnessed the rise and fall of multiple civilizations—from the era of ancient Egyptian reverence for Sobek, the crocodile deity, to periods of Greek influence when it was known as Philadelphia, and later Roman occupation—all of which have left a tangible mark on its archaeological and cultural landscape. Today, as the administrative center of the Faiyum Governorate, the city offers travelers a unique blend of historical sites, traditional marketplaces, and landmarks such as the waterwheels along the Bahr Yussef canal that illustrate the enduring legacy of its multifaceted past.