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Necropolis · Siwa, Matrouh
Gebel al-Mawta
Hill north of Siwa with dozens of rock-cut tombs, some with Greco-Roman period paintings such as the tomb of Si-Amun. From the top you can see the town and the palm groves.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Gebel al-Mawta
Gebel al-Mawta, "the mountain of the dead," is a hill about 1 km north of Siwa center, pierced by dozens of rock-cut tombs used from the 7th century BCE until Roman times.
Some tombs have well-preserved paintings. The tomb of Si-Amun, of a wealthy man of Greek origin, mixes Egyptian gods and Greek-style portraits, with the ceiling painted with stars. Others, like the Crocodile and Mesu-Isis tombs, also have painted sections.
The painted tombs open at scheduled times with a guard; the others are viewed from outside. From the top of the hill you can see Shali, the palm groves and the oasis lakes.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour.
Best time
In the morning, when the painted tombs usually open; late afternoon is good for the view from the top.
How to get there
On foot or by bicycle, about 1 km north of Siwa center.
Tip
Ask the guard to open the painted tombs and do not use flash on the paintings.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Gebel al-Mawta
What is Gebel al-Mawta?
It is a hill north of Siwa with dozens of rock-cut tombs, some with Greco-Roman–era paintings.
Which is the best-known tomb at Gebel al-Mawta?
The tomb of Si-Amun, with paintings that mix Egyptian gods and Greek-style portraits and a ceiling painted with stars.
Where is Gebel al-Mawta?
About 1 km north of Siwa center, reachable on foot or by bicycle.