Historic · Siwa Oasis، Matrouh
Shali Ancient Fortress Siwa
A 13th-century organic citadel town constructed from "kershef" (local salt-rock, clay, and palm trunks), standing like a melted fairy-tale fortress.
The story
Built in 1203 AD on a defensive hill to shelter the Siwan community against desert raids. The entire fortress was hand-sculpted from kershef, a traditional mix of mineral salt rock, clay, and palm beams offering natural thermal insulation. Recently restored to preserve its historic mosque, ancient labyrinthine pathways, and multi-story dwellings.
Visiting tips
Climbing to the citadel’s summit before sunset yields a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of date palm groves and salt lakes. Local artisan bazaars surround the base.