Egypt is full of tourist attractions. From the awe-inspiring landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza and the vibrant Khan el-Khalili bazaar to the mighty Nile River and gorgeous beaches. Are you looking for the best historical destination in Egypt to put on your must-visit list? We can help with that.
Below, we listed the top 5 historical destinations in Egypt you want to visit. The destinations we listed are definitely not-to-miss, especially if you’re interested in the history of the ancient land of the Pharaohs. Ready your pen and paper, and let’s start.
5 Best Historical Destination in Egypt to Visit
1. Pyramids of Giza
This one is obvious, but still worth mentioning. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza is the best historical destination in Egypt. How could it not? The pyramids are arguably among the most recognizable landmarks in the world.
There are mysteries behind them. How were the pyramids built? Also, why were the pyramids built in their geometric arrangement? While we don’t know the answers to these, one thing is certain: the pyramids are awe-inspiring. They have been, and still are, inspiring travelers throughout the ages.
The three great pyramids are the tombs of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, respectively. The largest and the oldest one belongs to Khufu, the second largest Khafre, and the smallest Menkaure.
The tombs are guarded by the enigmatic Sphinx, which is located not far from the pyramids. When you visit the pyramids, you’ll get to see the Sphinx, too. It’s a kind of “two-for-one” deal for tourists.
If you’re planning to visit Egypt soon, you want to put the Pyramids of Giza on your must-visit list.
2. Luxor Temple
The Luxor Temple is a temple situated in the city center of Luxor, on the east bank of the Nile River. The temple was built in the 14th century BC by Amenhotep III.
Here’s a brief history of the temple and how modern Luxor got its name. The temple complex was founded in the 14th century BC and was then expanded by Amenhotep III, Tutankhamun, and Ramesses the Great.
When Roman took control of Egypt, the temple complex was used as a government building and fortress. The Romans build a military fort around the Luxor Temple. Later on, the Arabs called the military fort Al Uqsur, which means the fortifications. This is where the name Luxor was derived.
Today, the Luxor Temple, along with the Valley of the Kings and the Karnak Temple, forms what is known as the Ancient Thebes and its Necropolis.
If you’re visiting the city of Luxor, don’t forget to visit the temple. It is the best historical destination in Egypt you want to put on your list.
3. Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings, also known as the Valley of the Gates of the Kings, is a valley in Egypt where many pharaohs and powerful nobles from the 18th to the 20th dynasties were buried. The Valley of the Kings is situated in the hills behind Deir el-Bahri. There are 63 known tombs so far.
Some of the most famous figures buried at the Valley of the Kings include Amenhotep III, Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, Thutmose IV, Tutankhamun, and Ramses the Great.
Throughout history, the tombs at the Valley of the Kings have been pillaged. The only tomb that doesn’t get pillaged is the tomb of Tutankhamun. There is even a papyrus (Papyrus Mayer B.) that tells the story of the robbery of the tomb of Ramesses VI during the reign of Ramesses X.
While most of the tombs have been robbed and pillaged, the Valley of the Kings still gives us an idea of how powerful the ancient pharaohs were. You’d be amazed if you visit the site in person.
4. Abu Simbel
There is also Abu Simbel, a historic site that comprises two massive rock-cut temples. The temple complex is located in the village of Abu Simbel on the West Bank of the Nile River, southwest of Aswan. The twin temples of Abu Simbel serve as a lasting monument to the Ramesses II.
What’s amazing about the temples is that they were carved directly out of the mountainside. The larger temple is known as the Great Temple of Ramesses II, while the smaller one is known as the Small Temple of Hathor and Nefertari.
Both temples were dedicated to the gods, Ramesses II and his wife, Nefertari. To be specific, the Great Temple was dedicated to the gods Ra-Horakhty, Amun, Ptah, and the deified king Ramesses II himself. The Small Temple was dedicated to the goddess Hathor and the king’s chief consort, Nefertari.
Here’s a fun fact about the twin temples: they were once located elsewhere. Indeed. The place they stand now was not their original location. The temples were relocated to protect them from flooding. Their original location is submerged today.
5. Saqqara
Last but certainly not least, Saqqara. Serving as the necropolis for Memphis, the ancient Egyptian Capital, the site contains numerous pyramids, including the Step Pyramid of Pharaoh Djoser I, as well as a number of mastaba tombs.
Saqqara is located approx. 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of Cairo. The site covers an area of about 7 by 1.5 kilometers (4.3 by 0.9 miles).
At the site, you will be able to see many pyramids that were built across three millennia of Ancient Egyptian civilization. From the pyramids of the Fifth Dynasty kings Userkaf to the Pyramids of Teti I, which was built during the reign of the first ruler of the Sixth Dynasty.
Saqqara is home to the Pyramid of Djoser, which is the oldest complete stone building complex in history. The pyramid was built during the Third Dynasty, over 4,500 years ago. There is also the Serapeum, a massive subterranean complex that was home to the Apis Bull cult.
These are some of the best historical destination in Egypt to put on your must-visit list. Looking for a private tour or want to tailor-made your own? EXODUS will gladly help you. Check out our tour packages at exodustravel.net or contact our representative at +20 120 250 0027. Tell us your bucket list and we will make it happen.