Dominated by beautiful buildings, attractive pyramids, rich and dynamic culture; Egypt remains a country of choice for tourists and visitors.
Luxor is a remarkable city in Egypt and many agree that it is indeed the world’s most dominating open air museum. But it is the well maintained monuments and artifacts that form the important group of features responsible for the awesome nature of this Luxor city. The small town of Karnak (north of Luxor), Thebes-called Waset by locals and Luxor city itself are the three different areas that define Luxor as a city. They are widely talked about when referring to Luxor.
Luxor area started to blossom when the famous archeologist Howard Carter discovered Tutankhamen tomb. The city is the only one in Egypt which enjoys semi-autonomous status with many of its buildings constructed by following the ancient style and designs. The National bank of Egypt, railway station and spa are some of the examples of buildings that display this mode f designs.
A feeling of uniqueness, adventure and peace of mind can be easily derived from these beautiful. Amenities and facilities that can be identified with modern day city are equally at large with fast nights, clubs, restaurants and hotels available in abundance. Tourists that love to shop will not be disappointed either as there are enough open air markets with a variety of alternatives to choose from.
In terms of economy, Luxor does contribute its fair share to Egypt’s economy even though it is not the country’s economic powerhouse as it used to be sometime back. The city draws most of its income from tourism, a sector that can be traced down to the Greek and Roman dynasties when the city attracted large numbers of tourists just as it continues to do today. The city’s hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops keep the tourism industry going.
Luxor is a relatively small city with three major streets that include Sharia al-Mahatta, Sharia al-Karnak and the Corniched, next to the Nile. It can be noted therefore that the city is relatively small-and this perhaps adds to its unique attributes as tourists can have the chance of traveling across the whole city within a short period of time. Sharia al- Mahatta Street is located in front of the train station along the Nile and stretches to connect with garden of Luxor temple. Sharia al Karnak Street is also known as Sharia al Markaz and it meets the Sharia al- Lokanda. A range of Egyptian souvenirs, colorful restaurants, cafs and bazaars line up this stretch while the alabaster and pottery works also form a great attraction.
The Luxor Museum of Mummification-opened in’97 and the first of its kind to be entirely dedicated to mummification is one of the most beautiful and attractive places to visit. The museum is not very ostentatious, comprises of a big room with guides to take tourists round while explaining the significance of each piece on display and has over 56 archaeological objects. Each of these objects is complete with story boards that explain the process of mummification. The story board as well narrates the particular beliefs held by the community during the time of mummification. In the course of the tour one can learn about the steps made by ancient society in the area of medicine and chemistry.
New kingdom Pharaohs Amenhotep and Ramesses the second are known to have built the Luxor temple which is located in the heart of the city with specific dedication to the worship of the god Opet. The inside of this temple gives one a feeling of being in time machine.
Luxor museum is another site worth visiting, which is more of a store house of arts and antiquities rather than a museum. It was established in the early’75 with most of the relics and artifacts found here dating as far back as the pre-dynastic period through to the Islamic dynasty. The museum building is modern, two storied with floors connected by a ramp. Iamu Negh, one of the historic figures of Egypt is right in this museum. It is small in size but the vast experience and first-hand view that you will gain will truly remain as outstanding and will make you want to come back again.
The temple of Karnak are believed to be the largest remaining religious complexes in the world and interestingly they are also found in Luxor city. They span over an area of about 1500 square meters by 800 square meters and believed to be over 1500 years old. During ancient times it was called Ipet-isut which meant the most select of places and for a long time remained Egypt’s sacred place of worship. The temple comprises of pylons, kiosks, sanctuaries and obelisks which are all dedicated to the native’s Theban gods.
Egyptian kings had a reserved and respected burial ground given the firm that their status was not lost in death and therefore were expected to rule even after death. The Valley of the Kings the final point of rest in preparation to meet the gods in the journey into the afterlife. Tutankhamen and Ramesses the second are tombs that were discovered in the’20′s and are outstanding attractive discoveries of the recent past.
The valley of the Queens was another special burial ground that was reserved for queens and their children for them to rest as well before they reunited with gods. Presently, there are only four tombs that can be viewed by the public. One of them is Nefertari which is a must visit for tourists.
Could you be thinking of travelling to Egypt? Visit the author’s Travel to Africa website where you will find useful information on Egypt Tours , flights and hotels including Luxor Vacations. Africapoint.com is an Africa travel website that has helped thousands of travelers discover Africa.
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