Luxor

Overview

This venerated city is built on the site of the capital of ancient Egypt, Thebes, and is home to the ruins of two renowned Egyptian temple complexes: Karnak, which contains the Temple of Amun-Ra and is the world’s second-largest temple complex; and Luxor, once the most significant religious center in Thebes and believed to be where many kings of ancient Egypt were crowned. Other must-see sights include the Luxor Museum, which showcases two royal mummies, items found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb and many other important artifacts; and the Temple of Hatshepsut, an awe-inspiring mortuary temple and masterpiece of ancient architecture.

What to See

Karnak – Development of this astounding temple complex took place for more than 2,000 years. It consists of a plethora of pylons, temples, obelisks, chapels and other structures and is dominated by the Temple of Amun-Ra, considered to be where the Egyptian god Amun lived on earth.

Luxor Temple – Construction of Luxor, which began around 1390 B.C., took hundreds of years during the reigns of Amenhotep III, Ramses II, and Tutankhamun. Here you will find the Court of Amenhotep III, the Court of Ramses II, the Chapel of Amun and much more.

Luxor Museum – Considered one of the best museums in Egypt, Luxor Museum contains exhibits and artifacts of the highest quality. Highlights include a reconstructed wall from Akhenaten's temple at Karnak, a double statue of the pharaoh Amenhotep III and the crocodile god Sobek, and a relief of Unas Ankh.

Temple of Hatshepsut – Built during the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut, the second female pharaoh, this mortuary temple consists of three immense terraces built beneath the cliffs of Deir El-Bahari. The Temple of Hatshepsut is regarded as one of the most beautiful temples of ancient Egypt and an architectural marvel.