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Shali Fortress, Siwa

4.5
#2 of 7 in Historic Sites in Matrouh Governorate
Historic Site · Tourist Spot
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See the enigmatic ruins of Shali Fortress, which once towered above the oasis. Dating back to the 13th century, the fortress was built from "kershef"--a mixture of salt, mud, and rocks. It wasn't meant to last more than a few decades, but it was destroyed by a heavy rainfall in 1926. Today, it is largely abandoned apart from some buildings near the edges, which are mostly used for storage. Walk through the labyrinth of impressive organic shapes, which once used to rise up to 60 m (197 ft) in height. Follow the path that spans the remnants of this ghost town, past the ancient mosque to the top, which offers scenic views. Make Shali Fortress a centerpiece of your Siwa vacation itinerary, and find what else is worth visiting using our Siwa online trip planner.
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Shali Fortress reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
115 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • The city was abandoned in the 1930s due to rains. The city is mud brick and was disintegrating. Very interesting though with great views of the Oasis. 
    The city was abandoned in the 1930s due to rains. The city is mud brick and was disintegrating. Very interesting though with great views of the Oasis.  more »
  • Siwa oasis does have few sites worth the visit among which is the Fortress so a person would understand how Siwa all started. 
    Siwa oasis does have few sites worth the visit among which is the Fortress so a person would understand how Siwa all started.  more »
  • We loved Shali Fortress. I felt like I was in a movie or a video game exploring the rooms and passages. It also offers a nice view of Siwa, and there are various shopping stalls around the base of... 
    We loved Shali Fortress. I felt like I was in a movie or a video game exploring the rooms and passages. It also offers a nice view of Siwa, and there are various shopping stalls around the base of...  more »

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