Helwan Attractions

Helwan owes its reputation as a spa both to its sulfur and saline springs (91 °F/ 33°C), probably already known in ancient times and brought into use again in 1871-72, and to its warm, dry desert climate. The springs, which are similar in chemical composition to those of Aix-les-Bains in France, are used in the treatment of rheumatic conditions, skin diseases and catarrhs. The climate, with little variation over the day, is beneficial to sufferers from lung and kidney complaints and in all cases where cold and damp must be avoided. In consequence of the stony soil and the strong sunshine the air is unusually pure and dust free.

The rapid industrial development of the town and surrounding area in recent years has largely destroyed the image of the fashionable international spa of the turn of the century. The pattern of the area is now set by its large metalworking plants (aircraft and automobile assembly), factories producing cement, lime and fertilizers, a large power station and a steelworks using iron from the open cast mines in the Bahriya Oasis.