If you are into ancient civilization, history, and archaeology marvels, then Luxor will be your dream destination. This southern Egyptian city is packed with multiple monumental templates, kingdom treasures, and royal tombs that you would like to explore. This city is located on the ruins of the ancient capital of Thebes, so discovery here will be super exciting for every history buff. Whether it’s your first visit to Luxor or your sixth, here are the top attractions in Luxor suggested by Egypt Packages that a proud history lover should always explore at least once in a lifetime.
1. Valley of the Kings – Walk Through the Tombs of Pharaohs
Located on the West Bank of Luxor,a valley of the Kings is hidden among desert cliffs. This valley is the royal burial group for new kingdom rulers and comprises Seti I, Ramses, and Tutankhamun. In this valley, you will come across more than 60 tombs. Every tomb here is carved deep into rock, and you can see decorative elements in the tomb and vivid scenes from the Book of the Dead. You feel like walking into the afterlife story of ancient Egypt. Since there are so many tombs, don’t forget to explore the most famous tomb, KV62, the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Visitors often overlook it due to its compact size. Still, it has a historical significance and a mystery story, so you need to explore it after purchasing a separate ticket.
2. Luxor Temple – A Nighttime Wonder on the East Bank
Located on the East bank of Luxor, this temple was built around 1400 BCE. It was a sacred place for the ancient Egyptians, who used to celebrate their rituals and ceremonies of honoring their pharaohs and gods here. At first, it was connected to the Karnak temple through a grand avenue of sphinxes, but now this connection is lost. The best time to visit temples is at night when they glow with their mysterious charm. Its massive columns, inscriptions, and statues are well-lit. It’s a must-visit place for someone interested in history because this temple perfectly combines the modern world with the ancient one. The Temple is surrounded by a living city yet preserves its quiet magic.
3. Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut – Egypt’s Female Pharaoh Shines Bright
Located on the West bank of Deir el-Bahari, this stunning temple of Egypt is carved into the cliffs of the Theban mountains. This temple of Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh. Its uniqueness lies in the demonstration of innovation, architectural brilliance, and innovation that was rare in those eras. This temple has a different feel from other Luxor temples due to its symmetrical look, limestone facade, and fascinating terraced design. Although later rulers tried to erase the legacy of Hatshepsut by defacing the reliefs of the temple, the beauty and appeal of the temple remain intact. A history buff must visit a Mortuary temple to pay a powerful tribute to an extraordinary leader of Egypt.
4. Colossi of Memnon – Guardians of the West Bank
Located on the West bank close to the Valley of the Kings, the Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues making a grand entrance of a grand mortuary temple, but now this temple is lost in time. Each statue is 60 feet high and showcases a powerful pharaoh of the 18th dynasty named Amenhotep III, a powerful pharaoh of the 18th dynasty. Statues have been worn by centuries of disasters and earthquakes, but still, today, they are awe-inspiring. If you want to take a perfect picture of your trip to Luxor, you should visit them while digging around the Valley of the Kings. These relics are potent reminders of grand ancient rulers and their glory.
5.Deir el-Medina – The Village of the Pharaohs’ Craftsmen
Located on the West Bank of Luxor, this village is tucked away in the Theban Hills. These villagers were artisans and workers who built and decorated the Valley of the Kings. In this valley, you will get to see beautifully decorated tombs of villagers. Every tomb has detailed artwork that reflects workers’ daily activities and sheds light on their lifestyle. The best part to explore in this village is graffiti that tells you that Egyptians had a sense of humor. You must visit this village as it helps you peep into the life of the always-overlooked builders of ancient Egypt. You can look closely at the lives of the people behind the most iconic monuments of Egypt.
6.Valley of the Queens – Final Resting Place of Egypt’s Royal Women
Located at the West Bank of Luxor, you can’t afford to miss a discovery of the Valley of Queens once you are done exploring the Valley of the King. This valley is the burial site of the royal wives, princesses, and children. The tomb of Queen Nefetari, who was the wife of Ramses II, is indeed incredible in all of Egypt. The detailed scenery with vibrant colors and string artwork is something you get lost in. You must visit this valley to see the resting site of the royal woman buried here with grace and beauty. You need to pay for a separate ticket to access Nefertari’s tomb. But this ticket price is worth it.
7.Ramesseum – The Mortuary Temple of Ramses II
This temple was built by Ramses the Great. Located at the West Bank of Luxor, most visitors often forget to explore, but it’s a real treasure site for history buffs. This mortuary temple had a gigantic statue, but now you can only see its fragments remain. The walls of this area have vibrant imagery, while inscriptions glorify the military victory of Ramses. You must visit this site because this peaceful site lets you dig deep into the legacy of the most celebrated ruler of Egypt. This site inspired an English Poet, Percy, to write the most popular poem, “Ozymandias.”
