Luxor was built on the site of the ancient city of Thebes, and the magnificent monumental architecture and its excellent condition make Luxor one of Egypt's greatest tourist destinations. For many hundreds of years people have been visiting the temples of Luxor, Karnak, Hetsgepsut and Ramses II. The Nile has feluccas and old barges that shuffle between the luxury hotel ships of the Hilton and Sheraton that cruise between Cairo and Aswan.

ATTRACTIONS

Temple of Luxor

Built by the two pharaohs: Amenhotep III and Ramses II. The temple was dedicated to Amun-Ra, whose marriage to Mut was celebrated annually, when the sacred procession moved by boat from Karnak to Luxor Temple.

Karnak Temple

This is the greatest place of worship in history. It includes many singular temples, dedicated to Amun, his wife (Mut), and their son (khonsu), the moon deity. Since the Arab conquest, it became known as "al-Karnak" (The fort). The temple starts with the avenue of the Rams, representing Amun: symbol of fertility and growth. Beneath the rams' heads , small statues of Ramses II were carved.

The Sound and Light Spectacle

This spellbinding show, through the exquisite use of words, light and music, tells the story of this magnificent temple. The program is presented twice daily in Arabic, English, French and German.

The Colossi of Memnon

The only remnants of a temple commemorating Amenhotep III, these statues are 19.2 m high.

The Tombs of the valleys of the Kings and Queens

These are the two tombs, ordered by the kings and queens of the New Kingdom to be carved in the rock-faces of the valley so as to safeguard them against grave-robbers. The tomb is composed of several rooms and corridors leading to the Burial Chamber. The most important of these tombs are those of Tut-Ankh-Amun, Ramses III, Seti I, Ramses VI, Amenhotep II, Hur-Moheb and Tuthmosis III. The chief tombs of the Valley of the Queens are those of Queen Nefertiti (Wife of Ramses II).

Commemorative Temples

Deir el-Bahari Temple

This temple was built by Queen Hatshepsut to perform the rites of the nether world. Deir el-Bahari is a fairly recent nomenclature from the 7th century B.C. when the Copts used it as a monastery. The temple is composed of three impressive rising terraces, split by a road.

The Ramesseum

This was built in commemoration of Ramses II, its murals record the battle of Kadesh.

Deir el-Bahari Temple

This was built in commemoration of Ramses III, characterized by its well-preserved religious and military scenes. These paintings still retain their vivid colors.