Nestled on the east bank of the Nile River, Luxor stands as one of the world’s most extraordinary open-air museums. Once the ancient city of Thebes, this magnificent destination is a treasure trove of history, mythology, and architectural marvels. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a curious traveler, Luxor offers a journey through time unlike any other.
As you explore Luxor’s iconic landmarks, you’ll witness the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilization firsthand. From the colossal Karnak Temple complex to the breathtaking Temple of Luxor, the city is filled with monuments that narrate stories of powerful pharaohs and sacred rituals. Just across the Nile lies the Valley of the Kings—home to the tomb of Tutankhamun and many other royal figures.
But sightseeing in Luxor is more than visiting historic sites—it’s about feeling the spirit of Egypt’s golden past come alive. As the sun sets over the Nile and the temples glow in its warm light, you’ll understand why Luxor continues to enchant travelers from around the world.
Ready to uncover the secrets of ancient Egypt? Luxor awaits.
KARNAK TEMPLE
This temple is situated on the East bank to the Northern end of Luxor, about 2 Miles from Luxor train station. Karnak temple was constructed from the beginning of the Middle Kingdom around 2040 BC to the Greek-Roman Kingdom. Every king during these periods contributed to the construction of this temple.
Karnak Temple has three main sacred areas covering more than 100 acres, which honor three gods: Amun-Ra, the goddess Mut, and Khonsu, who were members of the sacred family known as the Theban Triad. In Karnak Temple is the Impressive Hypostyle Hall, which has 134 Soaring Columns carved with Scenes of Gods and Pharaohs. The Inscriptions on the Walls Tell Their Stories of War and Peace.
The magnificent Temple of Luxor is located downtown on the East bank of the Nile in Luxor. It was built by Amenhotep III in the 18th dynasty in the New Kingdom around 1400 BC and completed by Ramses II during the 19th Dynasty around 1250 BC. It was dedicated to the great god Amun-Ra, his wife Mut, and their son Khonsu, who together represented the Theban Triad.
It was the center of the most important festival, which was celebrated in ancient times. The festival name was the Opet festival held from Karnak temple to Luxor temple that was linked together by Sphinx avenue, the entire avenue was more than 1,7 Miles long, and must have had more than 2000 sphinxes altogether.
It is situated in Luxor, parallel to the Corniche Street, between the Luxor and Karnak temples. It was built because of the storage problems in the Cairo Museum, so the government decided to build new museums in various places in Egypt.
Luxor city gained this museum to be the first one, and today it has a very wonderful collection of finds in the Luxor area.
It was built during President Abd Al Nasser’s presidency and finished in 1975.
This Museum is divided into two floors. Although this building is small, it contains masterpieces from the Middle Kingdom and New kingdoms, such as pottery, jewelry, furniture, statues, and stelae selected from the Theban temples and necropolis.
There are many statues of King Thutmosis III, Amenhotep IV (Akhenaton), and Tut Ankh Amun. The most important thing is the Mummy of Ahmos together with Ramses I, which has been exhibited since September 2004.
The Valley of the Kings is located on the West bank of the River Nile at Luxor. It is situated 16 Miles from Luxor train station. It was used for burial; there are many kings between 1504 -1000 BC, buried in this valley.
Moreover, the shapes of the tombs have been changed from pyramid style to the cut rock tombs in the mountain. The Valley of the Kings actually has two sections, the East Valley and the West Valley. The East Valley, in which most of the tombs of the New Kingdom Pharaohs can be found, is one of the most visited places by tourists. It consists of 62 tombs, which were arranged at first according to their dates of discovery, but after that, they were geographically arranged.
The most known tombs are King Thutmosis I, Thutmosis III, Tut-Ankh-Amon, King Ramses VI, King Mrenptah, and Amenhotep II. The tomb of Tut-Ankh-Amun is famous as it was the only tomb found intact as it evidently had remained hidden until its discovery in 1922.
It is located in Luxor, west bank of the river Nile, one and a half kilometers southwest of the Valley of the Kings It was built to house the tombs of the queens, princes, and princesses of the XVIII, XVIV, and XX dynasties.
Valley of the Queens is also known as Biban al Harim and Ta Set Neferu, which means “seat of beauty”.
From 1903 to 1906, an Italian expedition discovered about eighty tombs, some of which belonged to children of royalty. The plan of these tombs usually consists of a small antechamber, a long, narrow corridor with several side chambers, and at the end the burial chamber. The most famous of all the tombs is for Queen Titi, the most probable queen from the 20th dynasty.
They are situated at the entrance of the West Bank in Luxor, about 14 Miles from Luxor train station.
They were built by Amenhotep III was known as Memnon during the Greek Period.
This Funerary temple was built for the funerary ceremonies during the king’s coronation. These two quartz statues represent the king seated upon his throne, which bears the symbols of the Upper and Lower God, Nile Hapi. They have not always stood where they are today. They once stood before the mud brick pylon of a mortuary temple. Few of its remains can be seen, but its layout has been established from soundings of the area, after the destruction of the Temple, its blocks reused in the construction of the Karnak temple.
It is situated 15 Miles from Luxor train station. This monumental complex lies at Al Dier Al Bahari, on the Western bank of the River Nile.
It was built by Queen Hatshepsut, daughter of Thutmosis I, who ruled Egypt for about 21 years during the 18th dynasty (1490—1469 B.C).
She was considered the first and only woman who held the Pharaoh title, as it was represented as a man all the time. Concerning her death, there isn’t anything proof whether she was murdered or died.
It was built as a dedication to God Amon-Re, who was Hatchepsut’s father in her legend. Hieroglyphic Name is Maat-ka-Ra, which translates to (justify is the Ka of Ra).
The Temple of Hatshepsut was built from the rock itself. It consists of three terraces. There is a leading ramp to ascend from one terrace to another. There are many scenes depicted of her with God Amon-Re, who was the chief god in the 18th dynasty.
The Valley of the Nobles is located on the west bank of Luxor, in an area called Sheik Abd El-Korna. The site has rock-cut tombs of Nobles and high officials of ancient Egypt, who once served the Pharaohs during the time of the New Kingdom. (1500 – 500 BC).
Among the most important tombs in this cemetery is the tomb numbered 55, which belonged to Ra-Mose. He was the mayor of Thebes and during the end of the reign of Amenhotep III (Amenophis III) and his son Akhenaton, the vizier.
This article was updated and re-written in part by Hesham El Gammal; on January 5th, 2025 + fact-checked.
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