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Tanis: The Lost City of the Pharaohs

Unearth the mysteries of Tanis, an ancient Egyptian capital in the Nile Delta, with royal tombs, temples, and a rich history waiting to be explored.

Explore the ancient ruins of Tanis, once a thriving capital of Egypt during the 21st and 22nd Dynasties. Discover remnants of temples, royal tombs, and obelisks in this historically rich archaeological site in the Nile Delta, offering a glimpse into a lesser-known period of Egyptian history.

A brief summary to Tanis

  • Tanis, San Al Hagar Al Qebleyah, Al-Sharqia Governorate, EG
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tanis.

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a cooler climate.
  • Bring water and snacks, as facilities may be limited on-site.
  • Hire a local guide for a better understanding of the site's history and hieroglyphs.

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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Cairo, take a train from Ramses Station to Zagazig (approx. 2 hours). Then, connect with a local bus to San el-Hagar (Tanis) (approx. 30 minutes). Alternatively, take a microbus or East Delta bus from Ulali or Abboud in Cairo to Faqus (approx. 2 hours). From Faqus, take a local taxi or bus to San Al Hagar. Bus fare from Cairo to Faqus is around LE 15. Taxi or bus from Faqus to San Al Hagar is around LE 5-7. From Damietta, head to the main bus station at Al Maktab Square and take a bus towards Al-Sharqia Governorate, specifically to San Al Hagar (approx. 1.5-2 hours). From the bus stop in San Al Hagar, the Tanis Archaeological Area is about 5 kilometers away; take a local taxi.

  • Taxi/Private Car

    Hire a taxi or private car from Cairo for a direct journey to Tanis (approx. 2-3 hours). The cost can vary significantly, so negotiate the fare beforehand. A guided tour from Cairo can cost around $350 for one person. Alternatively, hire a taxi from Damietta to the Tanis Archaeological Area in San Al Hagar (approx. 1 hour). Ensure you agree on the fare before starting the journey.

Discover more about Tanis

Tanis, also known as San al-Hagar, was a significant city in the northeastern Nile Delta of Egypt. Known as Djanet to the ancient Egyptians and Zoan in the Hebrew Bible, it served as the capital during the 21st and 22nd Dynasties. The city's strategic location made it a bustling hub for trade and commerce.Tanis is known for its temples, royal tombs, and numerous fragments of megalithic structures. The most significant find was the intact royal tomb complex of Psusennes I, which revolutionized the understanding of the 21st Dynasty. The city features a blend of architectural styles, with intricate carvings and vibrant colors. Many monuments at Tanis were relocated from the nearby city of Pi-Ramesses.Despite its historical importance, Tanis is less visited than other Egyptian sites, offering a unique and adventurous experience. Visitors can explore the ruins of the Temple of Amun, a royal necropolis, and a sacred lake. The treasures found at Tanis, including golden masks and jewelry, are now displayed in the Egyptian Museum.

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