Authentic desert adventure at the Western end of Lake Qarun and just East of the village of Qasr Qarun are the ruins of ancient Dionysias. This was the starting point for caravans to the Western Desert oasis of Bahariya. All that remains of the ancient settlement is a Ptolemaic temple known as Qasr Qarun. It was built in 4 BC and dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile-headed god of Al Fayoum. There are excellent views from the rooftop.
The temple is constructed of limestone and there are few inscriptions. Inside are chambers, tunnels and stairs.
The main temple is dark inside, but on December 21st of each year an astronomical phenomenon known as “Wonder of the Sun” occurs – when the sun lights illuminate the sanctuary of the temple.
