Self-created, Amun-Ra was the father of all pharaohs and king of all gods. Luxor was his city, a cosmopolitan marvel and center for art, philosophy, politics, religion, and social life. One of the very first "tourist" destinations, Luxor continues to intrigue visitors and will enchant you with its ancient ruins and beauty. Luxor is a city fit for a king. Or even a king of gods.
Luxor, built on and around the ancient city of Thebes, has been called the world's largest open-air museum. Home to the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens and the spectacular Karnack and Luxor Temples, this city is often used as a base for further travel to Upper Egypt and excursions on the Nile. It is a remarkable site in its own right, however, as its centuries-old tourism industry can attest.
Luxor generally has two seasons: hot and hotter. In the winter, the temperatures often reach into the 80s (F), and in the summer - well, beware; sneaker soles have been known to melt right on the feet of visitors. October to March is more hospitable, and the weather, if not cool, is cooler.
While there is a host of fabulous sites to see, you may want to limit your temple-hopping to two or three a day to avoid heat exhaustion.
In the small city of Luxor, you will find the Mummification and the Luxor Museums. See mummified remains, including those of birds and reptiles. A trip to the Luxor Museum will help prepare you for an excursion to the West Bank; many relics from that area and from Egypt's ancient past are preserved here.
Traveling north will bring you to Karnak, or as it was known, Ipet-isut. This "most select of all places" yields an incredible complex of ancient temples, which were of central importance to religious worship in Ancient Egypt. Of particular interest is the Hypostile Hall in the Great Temple of Amum.
Finally, the West Bank. Sprawling, fascinating, and very much worth the trip, the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens are part of an immense ancient necropolis. Find the tombs of pharaohs, including the well-known King Tut.
In the Valley of the Queens, four tombs are accessible to the public; however, visitors are limited to 150 per day for only 10 minutes to aid in preservation. However, those 10 minutes are worth it - if you can, visit Queen Nefertari's Tomb.
It is not uncommon for tombs to be closed for preservation, so inquire about this before your journey.
Luxor touches a chord inside each of us; how can you fail to be moved by standing in the tomb of King Tut or seeing the Valley of the Queens, where women and children were entombed? Haunting, incredible, and unforgettable, it's Luxor.
By : Enid_Glasgow
Luxor, built on and around the ancient city of Thebes, has been called the world's largest open-air museum. Home to the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens and the spectacular Karnack and Luxor Temples, this city is often used as a base for further travel to Upper Egypt and excursions on the Nile. It is a remarkable site in its own right, however, as its centuries-old tourism industry can attest.
Luxor generally has two seasons: hot and hotter. In the winter, the temperatures often reach into the 80s (F), and in the summer - well, beware; sneaker soles have been known to melt right on the feet of visitors. October to March is more hospitable, and the weather, if not cool, is cooler.
While there is a host of fabulous sites to see, you may want to limit your temple-hopping to two or three a day to avoid heat exhaustion.
In the small city of Luxor, you will find the Mummification and the Luxor Museums. See mummified remains, including those of birds and reptiles. A trip to the Luxor Museum will help prepare you for an excursion to the West Bank; many relics from that area and from Egypt's ancient past are preserved here.
Traveling north will bring you to Karnak, or as it was known, Ipet-isut. This "most select of all places" yields an incredible complex of ancient temples, which were of central importance to religious worship in Ancient Egypt. Of particular interest is the Hypostile Hall in the Great Temple of Amum.
Finally, the West Bank. Sprawling, fascinating, and very much worth the trip, the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens are part of an immense ancient necropolis. Find the tombs of pharaohs, including the well-known King Tut.
In the Valley of the Queens, four tombs are accessible to the public; however, visitors are limited to 150 per day for only 10 minutes to aid in preservation. However, those 10 minutes are worth it - if you can, visit Queen Nefertari's Tomb.
It is not uncommon for tombs to be closed for preservation, so inquire about this before your journey.
Luxor touches a chord inside each of us; how can you fail to be moved by standing in the tomb of King Tut or seeing the Valley of the Queens, where women and children were entombed? Haunting, incredible, and unforgettable, it's Luxor.
By : Enid_Glasgow
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