Beni Suef Governorate

Beni Suef governorate is located right in the center of Egypt. This busy region has a population of more than 2,000 per square kilometer. Beni Suef is the capital and the main city of this governorate. Beni Suef is located on the west bank of the Nile the cement industry forms its economic heart, but there is much more for tourists to see! The Meidum Pyramid, built for Pharaoh Huni, the last ruler of the Third dynasty, is one of the most famous places to see in Beni Suef.

Tourist Attractions In the Capital City Of Beni Suef Governorate

Beni Suef was initially a small village that gradually expanded and eventually turned into a prosperous city. It's located only 115km south of Cairo. Due to Beni Suef's rural origin, it is still known as an important agricultural center. The manufacture of linen, cotton-spinning and carpet-weaving have also been major industries of this city for centuries. However, with the rise of its population, many new industries are also thriving in Beni Suef. There are quarries in the nearby hills and the manufacture of alabaster has become an increasingly large industry of the Beni Suef area. In spite of the hot desert climate of this city, tourists throng there throughout the year to see the various interesting sights and attractions.

Meidum Pyramid

This ancient pyramid complex has been excavated at different times by various diffferent Egyptologists (archaeologists specializing in ancient Egypt). It is believed that the Meidum Pyramid was constructed for Pharaoh Huni, the last ruler of the Third dynasty. This pyramid has an unusual shape, which is believed to be the result of two unplanned expansions. The unique shape is also the reason that this pyramid is also known as ‘el-haram el-kaddaab’, which means ‘Pseudo Pyramid.’ After the collapse of the most of this pyramid complex, there is now only a large pyramid and a few mud-built Mastabas left for tourists to check out.

A mastaba is a flat-roofed, rectangular building, made of mud-bricks and its outward walls were built in a sloping style. Mastabas were burial structures for prominent ancient Egyptians who were not royalty. Interestingly, in the Meidum Pyramid complex some mastabas appear to be left unused and burial sites could not be found in these structres. In fact, this total Meidum Pyramid is incomplete, with partly polished walls in the burial chamber, an unfinished mortuary temple and a missing valley temple. This has intrigued historians, Egyptologists and tourists for many years.

Faiyum Oasis

This town is located one of the desert depressions of the Nile valley, which is fed by a channel from the Nile river. It is situated very near to Beni Suef city and is noteworthy for the rich cultivation of figs, grapes, olives, and exquisite roses of very high quality. The cultivation of cotton and several kinds of cereal are also made easier now, due to the presence of the Aswan Low Dam. Lake Moeris or Birket Qarun (as known in the local dialect) is a large provider of huge quantities of saltwater fishes, including bulti or tilapia.

Large Mansions in the City

Tourists like to visit several huge mansions in Beni Suef, which are fun to explore and are examples of classical Egyptian architecture. The most famous villa is Ismail Mansion, which is owned by General Ahmed Mamdouh Ismail.

Universities in Beni Suef City

Beni Suef University, run by the local government and the privately-run Al Nahda University are the two major educational institutions of this city. In addition to Egyptians, many foreign students study at Beni Suef University and Al Nahda University.