Visit Luxor, the cradle of ancient Egyptian civilisation

Luxor is a unique and incredible travel destination worth exploring. This Nile-battered city in southern Egypt is a testament to thousands of years of history and architecture. Find out in this article how to plan your visit to Luxor, what you should see and how you can enjoy your stay.

Luxor! A History

Luxor is a city located in Egypt on the banks of the Nile River and is one of the most interesting and visited ancient sites in Egypt. It is home to the Karnak Temple, one of the largest and oldest temples still in use today.

The city is also known for its many monuments and tombs that tell their story and the history of ancient Egypt. Luxor was founded by the New Kingdom Pharaohs in the Bronze Age around 1550 BC.

The first temples in the area date from this period and are still in use today. The city was the seat of royal government for several centuries and was considered the religious and political capital of ancient Egypt.

The most famous archaeological site in Luxor is the Temple of Karnak, which is known for its many statues, obelisks and other monuments built by the pharaohs over the centuries. The temple is divided into three main parts: the main temple, the funeral temple and the processional temple. Each of these parts has carved pillars representing Egyptian gods such as Amun, Ra and Hathor.

The main temple is surrounded by an inner courtyard containing monumental carvings of a grand staircase, a colonnade, a chapel, and a large pillar dedicated to Amen-Ra. The colonnade has hieroglyphic inscriptions that tell the story of the Egyptian kingdom over the centuries.

The chapel is decorated with reliefs depicting mythological scenes such as the battle between Horus and Set and the creation of Isis by Osiris. Other important buildings in Luxor include the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, built by Pharaoh Hatshepsut to honor her late husband Thutmose II, the Mortuary Temple of Merenptah, and the Great Sphinx in front of the Temple of Karnak.

These buildings offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore ancient Egyptian architecture and learn more about the rich cultural history of the region. The archaeological site of Luxor is also home to a variety of other historical monuments such as the royal tombs located on the west bank of the Nile, royal mausoleums; funerary temples, cobbled alleys, and the remains of ancient temples that were built by various pharaohs over the past millennia. These monuments offer travellers a fascinating insight into the ancient history of ancient Egypt.

The full guided tour of the archaeological site can be purchased at the main entrance of the museum or directly from the individual local guides who walk around the site. Many hotels also offer organised tours around the archaeological site so that visitors can fully enjoy the unique history and culture of Luxor.

Why visit Luxor?

Luxor is home to a number of important archaeological sites that offer visitors a fascinating insight into the rich history of ancient Egypt. Attractions include the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Queens.

Historic landscapes and buildings

The site is also rich in ancient religious monuments such as the Temple of Karnak and the Temple of Horus at Edfu. The city is filled with historic buildings and beautiful landscapes, making it an ideal place to experience history, culture and natural beauty.

Valley of the Kings

The tombs are distinguished by their hieroglyphically decorated walls and narrowly carved passages that plunge deep into the hills. The tombs contain precious treasures such as gold objects, sculptures and jewellery that tell the story of the pharaohs buried here when Egypt was a great empire.

Luxor is famous for its ancient archaeological sites. The first thing visitors notice when visiting Luxor is the magnificent Valley of the Kings, which houses over 63 royal tombs dating back to the New Kingdom (1550-1070 BC).

Hatshepsut’s Funerary Temple

Another popular site to visit in Luxor is the Hatshepsut Temple, built by Queen Hatshepsut to celebrate her reign. This unique temple is built against a rocky cliff and features a striking pyramidal structure and walls decorated with intricate hieroglyphics.

There is also a courtyard surrounded by massive columns dating back to the Middle Kingdom (2050-1650 BC), as well as a large underground labyrinth of corridors, rooms and tunnels carved into the rock, which connects the temple to the Valley of the Kings.

The Valley of the Queens

The Valley of the Queens is another popular site for visitors, as it houses more than 60 royal tombs dating from the New Kingdom (1550-1070 BC). The tombs are distinguished by their intricate hieroglyphic walls that tell the story of the queens buried here and are filled with interesting artifacts such as ancient pottery, stone carvings and even well-preserved mummies.

Majestic ancient monuments

Luxor is also home to several majestic ancient religious monuments such as the Karnak Temple Complex and the Temple of Horus at Edfu. The Karnak temple complex includes several temples and shrines built between 1555 BC and 395 AD, including the one dedicated to the god Amun-Ra, considered one of the largest temples ever built in history. The Temple of Horus at Edfu is also an important site of ancient religious heritage as it dates from the 2nd century BC and is dedicated to the god Horus, associated with divine protection, the sun and divine justice.

How to visit Luxor?

It is important to find suitable accommodation for your stay before exploring Luxor and its regions. The city offers a variety of hotels, ranging from cheap options to high-end hotels. You can also rent a villa or flat if you prefer more private accommodation.
Many agencies also offer guided tours to explore the city.

Once you’ve found a place to stay, it’s time to start exploring Luxor and its surroundings. You can start your exploration at Karnak Temple, which is the largest temple complex in the ancient world. The temple consists of three courtyards surrounded by massive columns and obelisks that stand proudly up to the sky.

You can’t miss Luxor Temple in the city centre or the royal tombs on the west bank of the Nile. These tombs contain magnificent frescoes that tell the story of the pharaohs buried there. You should spend at least a full day exploring the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens which house these ancient tombs.

To complete your visit to Luxor, be sure to visit the Nile Museum which houses several intact ancient artifacts, some of which date back to the time of the pharaohs. The museum also has a comprehensive collection of ancient mummies that have been discovered in the area and you can see some New Kingdom relics on site.

If you prefer to enjoy the natural surroundings rather than explore the history, then head to Lake Nasser which offers a variety of water activities such as sailing, swimming or even snorkelling if you are brave enough to try it!

Practical advice for visiting Luxor

Weather

First of all, don’t forget to find out about the weather in Luxor before you go. In summer, temperatures can be high and the air dry. The best time to go is in the spring or autumn, when the weather is much nicer.

Lightweight clothing

Once you are there, make sure you dress appropriately. Make sure you wear loose-fitting, light clothing to protect you from the sun and wind. And don’t forget comfortable shoes so that you can visit all the monuments and archaeological sites without getting tired too quickly.

Itinerary

Another important tip is to prepare your itinerary well so that you don’t miss anything. Luxor is a very rich city in terms of cultural and historical heritage, so make sure you take the time to explore all the interesting places the city has to offer.

Avoid being alone

It’s also important to be cautious when visiting Luxor – it’s best to go with a local guide who knows the area well and can advise you on where to go and where to avoid. Always be aware of your surroundings and follow the guide’s instructions for your safety and well-being.

Cash and copies of documents

Finally, make sure you have enough cash with you as some attractions may not accept credit cards or cheques. It is also useful to have a digital copy of your passport with you to facilitate access to tourist sites that require one.

By following these practical tips before and during your stay in Luxor, your trip will be more rewarding and enjoyable!

Luxor is the perfect place to spend a few days and discover the fascinating history of the country. Whether it’s to see the ancient temples or simply spend time with your family enjoying the beautiful natural scenery, Luxor offers travellers everything they need to have a great time in Egypt!