Cleopatra's Bath (Spring of the Sun)
A stone-lined spring in Siwa's palm groves, the ancient Fountain of the Sun — now a popular swimming pool.
An ancient spring
Cleopatra's Bath, also known as Ain al-Juba or the Spring of the Sun, is a natural spring in the palm groves south of the temple of Aghurmi in Siwa Oasis. Its clear water wells up into a deep circular pool lined with stone, from which channels carry it to irrigate the surrounding gardens. Siwa has hundreds of springs, but this is the most famous. Its name links it with the queen Cleopatra, though there is no evidence that she ever came here.
The Fountain of the Sun
The spring is often identified with the "Fountain of the Sun" described by the Greek historian Herodotus in the fifth century BC, near the temple of Amun in the oasis, whose water he said was warm in the morning and evening and cold at midday. The pool may have been used in antiquity for ritual purification by pilgrims visiting the oracle.
A place to swim
Today the spring is a popular bathing place for visitors and locals alike. The water is pleasantly cool in summer and mild in winter, and small cafés around the pool serve tea and juice under the palms. Women swimming are advised to wear modest swimwear or clothes, out of respect for local customs.
Exhibo editorial
After a hot day of temples and tombs, there is nothing better than this: a round stone pool of clear spring water under the palms, bubbles rising from the depths, a café with cushions and fresh dates on the side. Whether or not Cleopatra ever bathed here, you will want to.
Come in the late afternoon, swim, dry off with a glass of mint tea and watch the light fade through the palm groves. Dress modestly in the water; locals use the spring too.
How to find it
Cleopatra's Bath lies about 1 km south of Aghurmi, in the palm groves east of Siwa town; take a tuk-tuk or cycle along the track past Umm Ubayda. The pool is at the centre of a small clearing surrounded by cafés.
