The City of Cats: Why Bubastis is a Must-Visit for Feline Fanatics
If you think modern society is obsessed with cats, wait until you hear about Bubastis. Located in the eastern Nile Delta of Egypt, this ancient city (known as Tell Basta) was once the roaring heartbeat of the cult of Bastet—the goddess of protection, joy, and, of course, domestic cats.
In its prime, Bubastis was a sprawling metropolis where cats weren’t just pets; they were sacred representatives of the divine. The city’s centerpiece was a magnificent red granite temple dedicated to Bastet, which the Greek historian Herodotus described as one of the most beautiful in all of Egypt.
The most “purr-fect” part? Archaeologists discovered a massive cat cemetery nearby, containing thousands of mummified felines that were honored by ancient pilgrims. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people would travel to Bubastis for a massive festival filled with music, dancing, and tributes to their favorite feline-headed goddess.
While time and the elements have left the site in ruins, a walk through the sun-drenched blocks of Tell Basta still feels like a pilgrimage for any cat enthusiast. It’s a powerful reminder that our bond with our feline friends spans thousands of years.
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To learn more about Bubastis—and its biblical mentions, click on the panel below: “Bubastis, Egypt: For Cat Lovers.”