Akhmim a town of Upper Egypt is located on the east bank of Nile River just across
the river Sohag. Akhmim is an ancient town known by the name of Ipu or Khent-Menu
to the Egyptians and by Panopolis to the Greeks.
Akhmim has numbers of mosques and Coptic churches as its ancient treasure but
other than of its historical heritage Akhmim also has number of cotton mills
and a lively fascinating bazaar. This largest city of the east bank of Nile
River of Upper Egypt is also one of the great centers of Coptic religion.
However only few remains of this flourishing ancient city has left now. Among
them sandstone blocks of a temple located in the northeast of the town and some
columns still stand erect. A tallest statue of an ancient Egyptian queen had
been discovered recently. This statue belonged to Meryetamun (Beloved of the
God Amun) and now stands in the middle of the town.
The main attraction of Akhmim is the Necropolis of El- Hawawish. It was the
burial ground of the governors of the area belonging to 4th to the 11 dynasties.
The other sightseeing attraction of Akhmim is at El-Salamuni Promontory where
rock cut tombs of Greco-Roman period was found. Located close to it is the gate
to the Grotto of Pan. Grotto of Pan was a temple dedicated to Min and Amun-Re.
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