Day Tour to Luxor from Cairo by Air

The Islamic Cairo Day Tour will create for you indelible memories with an excursion through the city rich in Islamic heritage. This journey starts at the Citadel of Salah El-Din, now architecturally impressive with great views over Cairo, while the second city stop is the Mohammed Ali Mosque, well-known for its Ottoman design. The tour will take in the Sultan Hassan Mosque, a good example of Islamic architecture, and the Rifai Mosque, with the tombs of notable personalities. Visit the old Ibn Tulun Mosque, wander through colors at Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, and follow El Moez Street, which is accredited as the largest open-air museum of Islamic art worldwide.This Egypt Tour will leave you with unforgettable memories of Cairo's historic treasures.

The Valley of the Kings

New Kingdom pharaohs wanted their tombs to be hidden, so they built their tombs in the hills like the necropolis in the west of Luxor, which is now called the Valley of the Kings. It is one of the first examples of the necropolis, which was contradicted with the Pharaohs of Egypt's Old Kingdom, who built pyramids and some massive public monuments to be their tombs.

Why the Valley became famous?

In modern times the valley has become famous for the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun and is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. In 1979, it became a World Heritage Site, along with the rest of the Theban Necropolis.

How was the Valley built?

Builders benefited from available geological features when constructing the tombs. Some tombs were quarried out of existing limestone clefts, others behind slopes of scree, or were at the edge of rock spurs created by ancient flood channels. The majority of the royal tombs were decorated with religious texts and images. The ordinary tomb consisted of a long inclined rock-cut corridor, descending through one or more halls to the burial chamber.

Description of the Valley

In 1979 UNESCO announced the valley is a part of the World Heritage site of ancient Thebes, which also includes the Valley of the Queens and Karnak Temples. Located in the hills behind El Deir el-Bahari, most of the tombs were cut into the limestone following a similar pattern: three corridors, an antechamber, and a sunken sarcophagus chamber. These catacombs were harder to rob and were more easily concealed. Construction usually lasted six years, beginning with the new reign.

The contents of the tombs

The tombs contained preparations for the next world, where the pharaohs were expected to become one with the gods. Therefore, Mummification was used to preserve the body so that the deceased's eternal soul could reanimate it in the afterlife. The underground tombs were also well stocked with all the materials, which might help the king in the next world, like furniture, clothes, and jewelry. Treasures are also found in the tombs, like the golden masks found with King Tut. However, most of the tombs were robbed.

The Valley Tombs and the Period of Building

During Egypt's New Kingdom (1539-1075 B.C.), the valley became a royal burial ground for pharaohs such as Tutankhamun, Seti I, and Ramses II, as well as queens, high priests, and other nobles of the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties. There are 64 tombs contained bodies and belongings of pharaohs Thutmose I until Ramesses X or XI.

If you are a fan of ancient Egyptian architecture and history, then you must visit Hatshepsut Temple. This temple is one of the most well-preserved temples in Egypt, and it is located on the west bank of the Nile River across from the city of Luxor. In this article, we will take you on a journey through Hatshepsut Temple, unveiling its secrets and exploring its main features. We will also provide you with tips for visiting this hidden gem and share some interesting facts about it.

Introduction to Hatshepsut Temple

Hatshepsut Temple is a mortuary temple dedicated to the queen-pharaoh Hatshepsut, who ruled Egypt during the 18th dynasty. The temple was built in the 15th century BC and it was designed by the architect Senenmut. The temple is also known as Djeser-Djeseru, which means "the most sacred of sacred places."

The temple is located in a valley surrounded by towering cliffs, which adds to its beauty and uniqueness. It consists of three terraces that rise up to a height of 97 feet. The terraces are connected by ramps and courtyards, and they are decorated with reliefs depicting the queen's achievements and the gods who protected her.

History of Hatshepsut Temple

Hatshepsut Temple was built during the New Kingdom period of ancient Egypt, which lasted from 1550 BC to 1070 BC. Hatshepsut ruled Egypt from 1478 BC to 1458 BC, and she was one of the most successful pharaohs of her time. She was known for her military campaigns, her building projects, and her trade expeditions to the Land of Punt.

Hatshepsut's temple was built to commemorate her reign and her achievements. It was also built to serve as her final resting place, as she was buried in a tomb located beneath the temple.

Architecture and Design of Hatshepsut Temple

Hatshepsut Temple is a marvel of ancient Egyptian architecture and design. It is built in a symmetrical style, with each terrace having a central axis that leads to the next terrace. The temple is also built in a way that takes advantage of the natural landscape, as it is nestled between cliffs and it blends in with the surroundings.

The temple is made of limestone, which was quarried from the nearby hills. The limestone was then transported to the temple site and carved into the shapes needed for the temple's columns, walls, and statues. The temple is decorated with reliefs depicting the queen's achievements, the gods who protected her, and scenes from her trade expeditions to the Land of Punt.

The Mysteries of Hatshepsut Temple

Hatshepsut Temple is full of mysteries and secrets that have fascinated archaeologists and historians for centuries. One of the biggest mysteries of the temple is the identity of Hatshepsut's architect, Senenmut. Some scholars believe that he was Hatshepsut's lover, while others believe that he was her chief advisor.

Another mystery of the temple is the purpose of the three terraces. Some scholars believe that they represent the three levels of the afterlife, while others believe that they represent the three stages of Hatshepsut's life.

Exploring the Main Features of Hatshepsut Temple

The temple has several main features that are worth exploring. The first feature is the colonnaded courtyard, which is located at the entrance of the temple. The courtyard is lined with 16 columns that are decorated with reliefs of the queen and the gods. The courtyard also has a statue of Hatshepsut, which was destroyed by her successor, Thutmose III.

The second feature of the temple is the hypostyle hall, which is located on the second terrace. The hall has 32 columns that support the roof, and it is decorated with reliefs depicting the queen's achievements and the gods who protected her.

The third feature of the temple is the sanctuary, which is located on the third terrace. The sanctuary is the most sacred part of the temple, and it is where the statue of the queen would have been kept. The sanctuary is also decorated with reliefs depicting the queen's achievements and the gods who protected her.

Tips for Visiting Hatshepsut Temple

If you are planning to visit Hatshepsut Temple, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved. Second, bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the temple can get hot and sunny. Third, consider hiring a guide, as they can provide you with more information about the temple and its history.

Interesting Facts About Hatshepsut Temple

Here are some interesting facts about Hatshepsut Temple:

• The temple was rediscovered in the 19th century by the French archaeologist Jean-Francois Champollion.
• The temple was damaged by an earthquake in 27 BC and it was later restored by the Romans.
• The temple was used as a Coptic Christian monastery in the 7th century AD.
• The temple was used as a backdrop for several Hollywood movies, including "The Mummy Returns" and "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen."

Hatshepsut Queen

Hatshepsut, also called Maatkare, was one of the three female pharaohs that ruled in ancient Egypt. Her name means "foremost of noblewomen." She began her reign as a regent to his stepson Thutmose III then took the full power of the Pharaoh as she claimed to be divine birth, the result of a union between her mother and the god Amun. She also claimed that ThutmoseI had named her as his successor before his death. Being the second historically-confirmed female Pharaoh, Hatshepsut was the fifth Pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt. Hatshepsut came to the throne of Egypt in 1478 BC. She was the daughter of King Thutmose I and became the queen of Egypt when she married half-brother, Thutmose II, around the age of 12. After his death, she became regent for her stepson, the infant Thutmose III, but then she had the full powers of a pharaoh, becoming co-ruler of Egypt.

Her Major accomplishments

Hatshepsut undertook hundreds of ambitious construction projects throughout both Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt. She built her mortuary temple in a complex at Deir el-Bahri, which considered one of the architectural wonders of ancient Egypt, on the West Bank of the Nile River in the ancient Thebes near the entrance of the Valley of the Kings. It was designed and implemented by Senenmut, her chief minister. Another one of her magnificent building is the Hatshepsut needle. Another great achievement of her reign was re-establishing the trade networks that had been disrupted during the Hyksos, and the trading expedition she sent, and that brought back vast riches, including ivory, ebony, gold, and leopard skins, to Egypt from a distant land known as Punt.

Why queen Hatshepsut was being unknown at first?

Queen Hatshepsut ordered to be depicted as a male in many contemporary images and sculptures. Thus, she remained unknown to scholars until the 19th century. Another reason is that Thutmose III had eradicated almost all of the evidence of Hatshepsut's rule–including the images of her as king on the temples and monuments she had built. Consequently, she remained unknown to scholars until they decoded and read the hieroglyphics on the walls of Deir el-Bahri in 1822.

The discovery of Her Mummy

In 1903, the British archeologist Howard Carter discovered Hatshepsut's sarcophagus, but it was empty, like most of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. In June 2007, there was a discovery of a mummy in the tomb of Hatshepsut's royal nurse, Setre-In. A tooth fragment founded in a jar of organs led to identifying the body to be Hatshepsut's.

When and how did Hatshepsut die?

Hatshepsut died, in the twenty-second year of her reign, on January 16, 1458 BC, as recorded on a single stela erected at Armant. The cause of her death was a matter of speculation; some think that her stepson Thutmose III might have killed her because he erased all signs of her rule. Assuming the identification of her mummy is correct, another cause could be shown; those who examined the mummy concluded that it is most likely that the metastasized cancer killed her. The mummy shows signs of arthritis, many dental cavities and root inflammation and pockets, diabetes, and bone cancer.
Another theory derives from the dental root inflammation and pockets assumed an abscess, which in her weakened condition from cancer, was what killed her. In 2011, researchers in Germany identified a carcinogenic substance in a vial founded with Hatshepsut, which led to the notion that she may have used a lotion or cream for cosmetic reasons or to treat a skin condition that led to cancer.

Conclusion: Why Hatshepsut Temple is a Must-Visit Destination in Luxor!

Hatshepsut Temple is a must-visit destination in Luxor for anyone who is interested in ancient Egyptian history and architecture. The temple is a marvel of design and engineering, and it is full of mysteries and secrets that have fascinated scholars for centuries. If you are planning a trip to Egypt, make sure to include Hatshepsut Temple in your itinerary. You won't be disappointed!

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Introduction to Luxor Temple

Located on the east bank of the Nile River in the city of Luxor, Luxor Temple is one of the most ancient and impressive structures in the world. It is a magnificent temple complex that was built during the New Kingdom period of Ancient Egypt, around 1400 BCE. The temple is dedicated to the god Amun, his wife Mut, and their son Khonsu. Luxor Temple is considered one of the most important religious sites in Egypt and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis.

History of Luxor Temple - who built it

The construction of Luxor Temple began during the reign of Amenhotep III, the ninth pharaoh of the 18th dynasty of Ancient Egypt. It was built on the site of an earlier temple that was constructed by Amenhotep's grandfather, Amenhotep II. The temple was then expanded and modified by later pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Horemheb, and Ramesses II.

The temple was built to celebrate the annual Opet Festival, a major religious festival in Ancient Egypt that celebrated the union of the god Amun with the goddess Mut. During the festival, the statues of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu were taken from Karnak Temple, a larger temple complex located two miles north of Luxor Temple, and brought to Luxor Temple. The festival lasted for 27 days and was a time of great celebration and ritual.

Significance of Luxor Temple in Ancient Egyptian religion

Luxor Temple was considered one of the most important religious sites in Ancient Egypt. It was believed to be the place where the god Amun would manifest himself in his physical form, and where he would receive offerings and prayers from his followers. The temple was also considered a place of great power, and was believed to have the ability to bestow blessings and protection on those who visited it.

The temple was also home to a number of important religious ceremonies and rituals. One of the most important of these was the Opet Festival, which celebrated the union of Amun with Mut. The temple was also the site of the Sed Festival, a ceremony that was held to celebrate the pharaoh's jubilee and to reaffirm his power and authority.

Architecture of Luxor Temple

The architecture of Luxor Temple is a testament to the skill and artistry of the Ancient Egyptians. The temple is laid out in a traditional Egyptian temple style, with a series of courtyards, halls, and chambers. The temple's main entrance is through a massive pylon, or gateway, that is flanked by two massive statues of Ramesses II. Beyond the pylon is a large courtyard, surrounded by a series of smaller chambers and halls.

The most impressive part of the temple is the hypostyle hall, a massive hall with 134 columns arranged in 16 rows. The columns are each over 10 meters tall and are intricately carved with hieroglyphs and scenes from Egyptian mythology. The hall was used for a variety of religious ceremonies and rituals, and was considered one of the most sacred parts of the temple.

Exploration of the temple - main sections and features

The temple is divided into several main sections and features. The main entrance is through the pylon, which leads into the first courtyard. Beyond the courtyard is the hypostyle hall, which is considered the most impressive part of the temple. Beyond the hypostyle hall is the sanctuary, which was the most sacred part of the temple.

The sanctuary is a small chamber that contains a shrine to Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. The shrine is made of gold and is surrounded by a series of smaller chambers and rooms. The sanctuary was the site of a number of important religious ceremonies and rituals, and was considered the most powerful part of the temple.

When Was Luxor Temple Built?

The Luxor Temple was built during the New Kingdom period in ancient Egypt, around 1400 BCE. It was built to honor the god Amun, who was considered the king of all gods. The temple was constructed on the site of an older temple that was built by Amenhotep III, which was dedicated to the Theban Triad of gods – Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. However, the Luxor Temple was expanded and renovated over the centuries by many pharaohs including Tutankhamun, Ramses II, and Alexander the Great.

Where Is the Luxor Temple Located?

The Luxor Temple is located in the city of Luxor, which was the ancient capital of Egypt during the New Kingdom period. The temple is situated on the east bank of the Nile River, opposite the city of Karnak, which was also an important religious center in ancient Egypt. The Luxor Temple is easily accessible by car, taxi or public transport, and visitors can also take a boat ride across the Nile River to get to the temple.

How Big Is the Luxor Temple?

The Luxor Temple covers an area of about 25 hectares and is one of the largest and most impressive temples in Egypt. The temple is designed in the classic Egyptian architectural style, with a large courtyard, hypostyle hall, and several smaller chambers and sanctuaries. The hypostyle hall is particularly impressive, with 32 massive columns that are over 20 meters tall, and are adorned with intricate carvings and hieroglyphics.

How Old Is Luxor Temple?

The Luxor Temple is over 3,400 years old, and has been a significant religious and cultural site in Egypt for centuries. It was built during the New Kingdom period, which was a time of great prosperity and cultural achievement in ancient Egypt. The temple has survived numerous wars, invasions, and natural disasters over the centuries, and remains one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temples in the world.

Why Is the Luxor Temple Important?

The Luxor Temple is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it was one of the most important religious centers in ancient Egypt, and was dedicated to the god Amun, who was considered the king of all gods. The temple was also used for various ceremonies and festivals, and was an important political and economic center as well. Secondly, the Luxor Temple is a remarkable example of ancient Egyptian architecture and art, and is adorned with beautiful carvings, hieroglyphics, and statues that depict various gods, pharaohs, and other important figures. Finally, the Luxor Temple is also an important archaeological site, and has yielded many important discoveries over the years, including the remains of ancient buildings, artifacts, and inscriptions.

Luxor Temple Opening Hours

The Luxor Temple is open to visitors daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. However, it is recommended to visit the temple in the early morning or late afternoon when it is less crowded and the light is more favorable for photography. Visitors are also advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and to bring plenty of water and sunscreen as the temple can get very hot and dry during the day.

Unique facts and secrets about Luxor Temple

Despite being one of the most well-known and well-studied temples in Egypt, Luxor Temple still holds many secrets and mysteries. One of the most interesting of these is the fact that the temple was built on top of an even older temple, which was dedicated to the god Amun. The remains of this older temple can still be seen in the foundations of the current temple.

Another interesting fact about Luxor Temple is that it was used as a Christian church during the Roman period. Many of the temple's original features and decorations were destroyed or covered up during this time, but some traces of the original temple can still be seen.

Restoration and preservation of Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple has undergone a number of restoration and preservation projects over the years. In the 19th century, the temple was cleaned and restored by French archaeologist Gaston Maspero. More recently, the temple has undergone a major restoration project funded by the Egyptian government and UNESCO. The project involved cleaning and repairing the temple's walls and columns, as well as restoring some of the original decorations and features.

Visiting Luxor Temple - tips and recommendations

If you are planning a visit to Luxor Temple, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the temple complex is quite large and involves a lot of walking. You should also bring plenty of water, as it can get quite hot in Luxor. It's also a good idea to bring a guidebook or hire a guide, as the temple is quite complex and can be difficult to navigate without some background knowledge.

Luxor Temple Entrance Fee

The entrance fee for the Luxor Temple varies depending on your nationality and age. For foreign tourists, the entrance fee is 200 Egyptian pounds (EGP), which is roughly equivalent to $12 USD. For students and children, the entrance fee is 100 EGP. However, if you are an Egyptian citizen or resident, the entrance fee is only 20 EGP.

Other temples in Luxor - a brief overview

Luxor is home to a number of other important temples, including Hatshepsut Temple, Valley of the kings,  Karnak Temple, Medinet Habu, and the Ramesseum. Karnak Temple is the largest temple complex in Egypt and is located just two miles north of Luxor Temple. Medinet Habu is a temple complex that was built by Ramesses III and is located on the west bank of the Nile. The Ramesseum is a temple that was built by Ramesses II and is located on the west bank of the Nile.

Conclusion - the enduring legacy of Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple is a testament to the skill and artistry of the Ancient Egyptians. It is a magnificent temple complex that has been the site of religious ceremonies and rituals for thousands of years. Despite being thousands of years old, the temple still holds many secrets and mysteries, and continues to be a source of fascination and wonder for visitors from around the world. If you are planning a trip to Egypt, be sure to include a visit to Luxor Temple on your itinerary.

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What was the aim of the Karnak temples?

When you plan for a vacation to Egypt and decide to visit Karnak, you're paying a visit to the center of Egypt during the New Kingdom. This huge temple complex was in the middle of the traditional faith, while power was concentrated at Thebes (modern-day Luxor), and its significance is reflected in its enormous size. Additionally to its religious significance, it served as a treasury, place of work, and palace for the New Kingdom pharaohs. It's considered because the largest temple complex ever constructed anywhere in the world.

It developed over a period of 1500 years, added to by generation after generation of pharaohs and leading to a group of temples, sanctuaries, pylons, and other decorations that are unparalleled throughout Egypt.

While the peak of its importance was during the New Kingdom and famous pharaohs like Hatshepsut, Tuthmose III, Seti I, and Ramses the Great all contributed significant additions to the complex, and construction continued into the Greco-Roman Period with the Ptolemies, Romans, and early Christians all leaving their mark here

How are the structures of the Karnak temples Complex:

Karnak is divided into three compounds: the precinct of Amun, the precinct of Mut, and the precinct of Montu; however, for many visitors, the biggest of those, the precinct of Amun, is enough. Its complicated layout alone dwarfs every other site that you will visit in Egypt. The precinct of Amun contains all of the first famous sections of the Karnak complex, including the dizzying Great Hypostyle Hall. This hall of 134 massive columns. Going into the detailed description of the various elements that form up the complex could be a nearly endless task that we'll leave to a guide.

 Instead, we'll suggest that you allow lots of time to explore this vast complex and admire the various impressive sights. Imagine how awe-inspiring it must be over 2000 thousand years ago when these immense structures were newly constructed.

Like all of the essential sights in Egypt, Karnak includes a sound and light-weight show that's offered in several different languages. The show takes place three times an evening, but you ought to consult your guide about the available languages of the various showings.

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