It is home to the Temple of Kom Ombo, a fascinating 2nd Century temple that is unique in its double style β this means that the temple is duplicated for two sets of gods. Perhaps in the future this city will unveil its hidden secrets, but for now, it is a fairly sleepy city whose main focus is farming sugar cane and corn.
The city has a distinctly European style; many of its buildings were influenced by the French and British during the construction of the canal and have shaped the style of the city today. With a good climate and a couple of interesting cultural sights, Ismailia is a pleasant place to spend a few days. The Dakhla Oasis springs from the surrounding barren desert β green and teeming with life.
Hamlets sprinkle this area, with buildings made of mud bricks and narrow lanes that reveal hidden treasures. Only a handful of tourists make it this far into the desert, but their efforts are rewarded with medieval structures, tombs, monasteries and unbelievably friendly, welcoming locals.
Tucked away in upper Egypt, on the fertile banks of the river Nile, Edfu is a farming town that does not see a huge amount of tourists. The city itself is modest, but can offer an insight into everyday Egyptian life. Most people are drawn to the town to visit the incredibly well preserved Temple of Edfu.
Dedicated to Horus, the temple has survived thousands of years β thanks to the surrounding desert sands. As such, it is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Egypt.
