Qasr Qarun Temple

Qasr Qarun is a remarkably well-preserved Greco-Roman temple standing at the western tip of the Fayoum, at the edge of the ancient town of Dionysias where caravan routes once met the desert. Built to the crocodile god Sobek, it rewards those who venture out this far.

Unlike many roofless ruins, this compact sandstone temple survives largely intact, letting you wander shadowy chambers, narrow stairways and crypts, and climb to the roof for views across Lake Qarun and the encroaching sands. Nearby lie the scattered remains of the Roman town and a fort, hints of a busy frontier settlement.

It's atmospheric precisely because it's so quiet, you may have the place almost to yourself. Bring it into a Fayoum loop for a dose of ancient history amid the lakes and dunes.