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Luxor and the Valley of the Kings


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The Rough Guide to Egypt


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National Geographic Traveler Egypt

Luxor

Luxor (Arabic: الأقصر ) is a city in Upper (Southern) Egypt. It has been called the "world's greatest open-air museum" and for good reason. Luxor is home to the ruins of Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, as well as the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens and other monuments on the West Bank of the Nile.

Modern Luxor stands on the site of the ancient city of Thebes, which drew visitors from all over the world even in ancient times. Today, Luxor has a population of about 150,000 and is a popular holiday destination.

In addition to its own spectacular sights, Luxor makes an excellent base for touring Upper Egypt and as a starting or finishing point for Nile cruises.

Luxor Map A detailed, interactive city map of Luxor. History of Thebes and Luxor A brief history of the ancient city. Luxor Tours & Excursions Book a sightseeing tour in Luxor or a day trip to nearby sights. Luxor Hotels Find a Luxor hotel with the help of Expedia. Luxor Hotel Reviews Read unbiased reviews from travelers and compare prices on hotels in Luxor. Luxor Travel Forum Get travel advice and insider tips on Luxor from fellow travelers.

Colossi of Memnon The first main sight across the Nile from Luxor are these two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. For 3,400 years, they have guarded his mortuary temple. Karnak Temple This vast temple complex in Luxor is dedicated primarily to Amun and dates from as early as 2000 BC. It is an impressive sight, and second only to the Great Pyramids in popularity. Luxor Temple Near Karnak and also dedicated to Amun is the huge Luxor Temple, dating from the 1300s BC. It is full of monumental statues, tall walls and ancient carvings, and is beautifully lit at night. Medinet Habu Erected around 1180 BC, this is the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III, a huge complex second only to Karnak in size and better preserved. It has a huge pylon and many reliefs, plus an older temple by Hatshepsut. Ramesseum This is the mortuary temple of Pharaoh Ramses II, who ruled for 67 years during the 13th century BC, the apogee of Ancient Egypt's power and glory. Temple of Hatshepsut This three-tiered mortuary temple is dedicated to Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh who reigned 1503-1482 BC. Built against a cliff face, the great complex has ancient statues and carvings. Valley of the Kings This famed valley on the West Bank of the Nile was the burial place for pharaohs and nobles from 1539 BC to 1075 BC. It contains some 60 tombs, including the famous King Tut's Tomb.

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