Fayyum Sights
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Saint Anthony (251-356 AD) acted as an inspiration for hermits and there were soon numerous monasteries throughout the country, including those in the Fayyum depression. A number of them are still standing today.
Deir Al-Adhra
The 12th Century Deir Al-Adhra (Monastery of the Virgin) just off the road to Beni Swef, about 6 km outside Fayyum City, is the most accessible of the Fayyum sights.
Deir Malak Ghobrial
Further south is the beautiful 7th Century Deir Malak Ghobrial (Monastery of the Angel Gabrial), which is located on the desert escapement above the cultivated lowlands.
Deir Hammam
Deir Hammam, which was originally built in the 6th or 8th Century, is 6 km north of Lahun and Deir Mari Girigis (Monastery of St. George) can be reached by boat from Sidmant Al-Gabal, which is 15 km south of Luhun.
Deir Anba Samwail
Even more isolated is Deir Anba Samwail (Monastery of St Samuel), which is about 30 km south of the Fayyum depression and can only be reached by four-wheel drive vehicle.
Mosques
A little further west along the southern side of Bahr Youssef is the attractive Mosque of Khawen Asal Bay, believed to have been built in 1499 or earlier, making it the oldest in Fayyum. It was built by the Mamluk Sultan Qaitbai (1468-1498) for Asal-Bay, who was not only his favourite concubine but also the mother of his assassinated successor Mohamed IV (1496-1498), sister of Qansuh I (1498-1500) and wife of Janbalat (1500-1501), who were both deposed and murdered.
Other mosques worth visiting in the town, particularly during the prophet's anniversary, are the Mosque & Mausoleum of Alier-Rubi and the so-called Hanging Mosque built above 5 arches next to Bahr Youssef on the way back to the tourist office.
Water-wheels
The locals are particularly proud of their water wheels, first introduced by the Ptolemies and used now as the official symbol of Fayyum province. There are over 200 to see in the region. Besides the 4 large ones behind the tourist office on the main Gomhouria St., the most famous are the series of seven water wheels, about 3 km along Bahr Sinnuris.
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