4 Best Sights in Western Desert Oases, Egypt

While the two vividly painted Roman-era tombs that made this windswept necropolis famous have been closed for many years, it is still an interesting place to explore. For a little baksheesh, the caretaker will direct you to a collection of mummies recovered from the tomb-riddled knoll.

Shifting sands played no small role in preserving this small sandstone temple, which was commissioned by the Roman emperor Nero and continued under Vespasian, Domitian, and Titus. A sand dune consumed the temple in antiquity, collapsing its roof but preserving its hypostyle hall and sanctuary for posterity. The temple is dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Its interior shows images of Roman rulers in pharaonic guise making offerings to the gods. The inscriptions are in good condition, and some still retain their color. The mud-brick ruins of an early Christian monastery surrounding the temple have remains of frescoes.

Old Al-Qasr is a protected historical site and conservation work is currently underway. The small, privately run museum near the tour center displays cultural artifacts from all of the oases in the Western Desert. It also sells local crafts.

While there is no admission fee, staff at the village's spartan tour center will record your nationality and offer you a free tour. Should you accept, a village custodian will lead you through the labyrinth of alleys, unlock doors, and point out sites of interest—though he may not speak much English. Tip him as you see fit.