Trip Planner: Africa / Egypt / Matrouh Governorate / Siwa / Shali Fortress

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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Tours to Shali Fortress

FROM $349 BOOK WITH VIATOR Siwa Oasis Tour from Cairo Siwa Oasis Tour from Cairo

Duration: 3 days

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FROM $280 BOOK WITH VIATOR 3-Days budget Tour in Siwa Oasis from Cairo 3-Days budget Tour in Siwa Oasis from Cairo

Duration: 3 days

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FROM $973 BOOK WITH VIATOR 4 days tour package to Siwa oasis from Cairo 4 days tour package to Siwa oasis from Cairo

Duration: 4 days

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FROM $55 BOOK WITH VIATOR From Siwa: Full day to Salt Lake, Cleopatra Spring & Siwa City tour with Sunset From Siwa: Full day to Salt Lake, Cleopatra Spring & Siwa City tour with Sunset

Duration: 10 hours

Tours from $55 ›

FROM $1,831 BOOK WITH VIATOR 7 Days Tour to Siwa Oais and Alexandria from Cairo 7 Days Tour to Siwa Oais and Alexandria from Cairo

Duration: 7 days

Tours from $1,831 ›

FROM $190 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private Siwa Oasis Day tour from Marsa Matruh (North Coast) Private Siwa Oasis Day tour from Marsa Matruh (North Coast)

Duration: 12 hours

Tours from $190 ›

FROM $360 BOOK WITH VIATOR 3 Days 2 Nights Tour To Alamein , Siwa Oasis & Masra Matrouh From Cairo 3 Days 2 Nights Tour To Alamein , Siwa Oasis & Masra Matrouh From Cairo

Duration: 3 days

Tours from $360 ›

FROM $5,290 BOOK WITH VIATOR Package 15 Days 14 Nights Egyptian Adventure Tour Package 15 Days 14 Nights Egyptian Adventure Tour

Duration: 15 days

Tours from $5,290 ›

FROM $450 BOOK WITH VIATOR 3 Days 2 Nights Tour Package To Siwa Oasis From Cairo 3 Days 2 Nights Tour Package To Siwa Oasis From Cairo

Duration: 3 days

Tours from $450 ›

FROM $1,250 BOOK WITH VIATOR Package 7 Days 6 Nights to Siwa, Bahariya & White Desert Package 7 Days 6 Nights to Siwa, Bahariya & White Desert

Duration: 7 days

Tours from $1,250 ›

FROM $491 BOOK WITH VIATOR 3 Days Trip To Siwa Oasis and Western Desert From Cairo 3 Days Trip To Siwa Oasis and Western Desert From Cairo

Duration: 3 days

Tours from $491 ›

FROM $360 BOOK WITH VIATOR 3 Days 2 Nights Tour Package to Siwa Oasis From Cairo 3 Days 2 Nights Tour Package to Siwa Oasis From Cairo

Duration: 3 days

Tours from $360 ›

Shali Fortress reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

By Craig H

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 »
By Ayman A

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 »
By Windy_Keala

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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