Bubastis Archaeological Site

Bubastis is the modern name for the ancient Egyptian city located at Tell Basta in the Nile Delta; it was historically a major cult centre for the cat goddess Bastet. The archaeological site lies in Sharqia Governorate and preserves remains of temple complexes and tombs.

Visible remains include temple foundations, stonework and burial areas associated with the city’s religious and funerary functions. The site is referenced in classical sources and has been subject to archaeological investigation that has revealed elements of its cult and civic architecture.

Bubastis sat in the Nile Delta and functioned as an important regional centre in Pharaonic Egypt, particularly known in antiquity for the worship of Bastet. Its ruins are located near the modern town of Zagazig in Sharqia Governorate.

• Cult centre of Bastet (Tell Basta): The site is identified with the ancient Egyptian cult center of Bastet and is often referred to by its ancient name Tell Basta in archaeological literature.

What to See#

• Temple complex: Ruins of the main temple complex where worship of the cat goddess Bastet was centered, including foundations and fragmentary stonework exposed by archaeology.
• Necropolis and tombs: Adjacent burial grounds and necropolis areas containing tomb remains and associated funerary material uncovered in excavations.

The archaeological site of Bubastis (Tell Basta) lies on the outskirts of Zagazig in Sharqia Governorate. The usual route is to travel to Zagazig by intercity bus or train from Cairo and other Egyptian cities, then take a local taxi or microbus to the Tell Basta site (a short drive from Zagazig city centre).

There are no regular direct tourist shuttles from Cairo; visitors commonly use Zagazig as the gateway and arrange onward transport from that city.

• Plan your visit to Tell Basta (Bubastis) from Zagazig and aim for early morning to avoid the midday heat and limited local transport options; confirm opening hours with Zagazig authorities ahead of time because facilities and schedules can be irregular.
• Hire a local archaeological guide or arrange a visit through Zagazig - independent access is possible but a knowledgeable guide will point out fragmentary temple remains and inscriptions that most casual visitors miss.
• Combine the site visit with time in Zagazig (or local museums) where artifacts and context are kept; many travellers overlook the town museums that hold finds from Bubastis.