Faiyum

Faiyum is a city in Middle Egypt. Located 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Cairo, in the Faiyum Oasis, it is the capital of the modern Faiyum Governorate. Originally called Shedet in Egyptian, the Greeks called it in Koinē Greek.

Main sights

• Wadi Elrayan or Wadi Rayan, the largest waterfalls in Egypt, around 50 km (31 mi) from the city
• Wadi Al-Hitan or Valley of whales, a paleontological site in the Al Fayyum Governorate, some 150 km (93 mi) southwest of Cairo. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Hanging Mosque, built when the Ottomans ruled Egypt by prince Marawan bin Hatem
• Hawara, archeological site 27 km (17 mi) from the city
• Lahun Pyramids, 4 km (2 mi) outside the city
• Qaitbay Mosque, in the city, and was built by the wife of the Mamluk Sultan Qaitbay
• Qasr Qarun, 44 km (27 mi) from the city