With
its numerous ancient temples, monuments and tombs, Luxor has a reputation
for being the world's most spectacular, sprawling outdoor museum.
Even
in the Ptolomeic era, tourists were flocking to Luxor to marvel its
architectural wonders.
Luxor
sits on the ruins of Ancient Thebes. At its northern tip sits the labyrinthian
Karnak Temple with its iconic Hypostyle Hall and at the heart of the
city sits the Temple of Luxor with its magnificent colonnaded courts.
Across the waters of the Nile you can find the great monuments of Thebes,
from Hatshepsut's terraced temple to the mighty Ramesseum and the Valley
of the Kings.
The
number and preservation of the monuments in the Luxor area are unparalleled
anywhere else in the world.
What
to see:
The
remains of a 10th century Islamic saint who it is believed was a
monk who converted to Islam. The mosque is a popular pilgrimage
destination.
The
Franciscan Church and its schools.
Beyond
this lies a great Coptic basilica.
Mummification
Museum, which has everything you would ever want to know about mummifications.
Luxor
Museum. This is a small museum, most of the relics are from the
surrounding area and provide considerable insight to the monuments
you will visit.
The
ruins of the Temple of Mut.
The
domed tombs of two saints, Sidi Ahmed and Sidi Ali.
Temple
of Karnak.
Chapel
of Achoris, which in ancient times, received the sacred boat of
Amun when it was used in ceremonies.
The
Valley of the Kings, with tombs from the 18th and 19th Dynasties.
The
Valley of Asasif.
Deir
el-Bahri is a spectacular complex of temples.
Temples
of Ramesses IV and Thutmose III.
Necropolis
of Sheikh Abd el-Qurna an18th Dynasty necropolis situated in the
midst of residential area.
The
famous Ramesseum, built by Ramesses II, a huge complex that took
twenty years to complete.
The
remains of Thutmose IV, Merneptah, Ay and Horemheb's Temples.
The
huge complex known as Medinet Habu, which is another of Thebe's
major attractions.
