BAGAWAT NECROPOLIS

Cutting through the oasis, you can reach the necropolis of Bagawat, located on the edge of a small palm grove which contributes greatly to its development. The walk is superb and takes at most 20 to 30 minutes on foot.

Clinging to the hillside, stretches a vast Christian necropolis with 263 tombs as many mausoleums in miniature. Made of mud brick (^5th century), they are covered with Coptic and Arab graffiti, some of which have preserved their original paintings on the interior walls depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The diversity of the representations is such that the necropolis could be described as a Coptic, Roman, Byzantine or even Greco-Coptic or Roman-Byzantine site .

One can admire in particular the Chapel of Peace which dates back to the ^5th century; the name was given because of a fresco representing Saint Irenaeus. In ochre, purple and red tones, its decoration is unique in early Christian art. The Chapel of the Exodus is also surprising with its dome decorated with vine branches, birds and naive trees.

The site is remarkable, especially at the end of the day, when the fading sunlight gives the rocks and clays their most shimmering ochres. Returning on your steps, on the other side of the road, you will see, perched on a mound, the ruins of the Roman temple of Nadoura, possible purpose of a visit, motivated by the desire to stretch your legs. About 5 km round trip.