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The City of Medinet El-Fayoum, Egypt
Notation: Many of the monuments, sightseeing, accommodations and amenities listed may be some distance from Medinet El-Fayoum itself. Due to the canals, in the area, Medinet El-Fayoum has been called the Venice of Egypt. The city of close to half a million people was first known as Crocodilopolis, and later Arsinoe, and has a substantial Coptic presence. It is the capital of the province and lies at the center of the depression, and also the transportation network of the area. All of the canals, roads, and train rails in the Fayoum converge at Medinet El-Fayoum, including the famous Joseph's Canal, though to have been built by the biblical Joseph.
The canal is the main avenue for most commerce in the city. The covered market place and the adjacent street of gold smiths found across the 4th bridge to the west of the central tourist office, are worth a visit .
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| Design, Layout and Graphic Art by Jimmy
Dunn, an InterCity
Oz, Inc. Employee All content, Graphic Art, Design, Layout, and Scripting Code Copyright 1999-2003 by InterCity Oz, Inc. |
The city's
dominate attractions are the water wheels built by the Greek settlers, the
canals, and the Obelisk which stands at the city's northern entrance and was
erected in honor of Senwosret I (12th Dynasty). This monument was
originally found in two pieces during the 18th century and was recently
reconstructed and erected in the City. It is thought to be the only
Obelisk in Egypt with a rounded top, and has a cleft where a golden statue
of Ra was originally placed.
