Thinking of a Holiday in Egypt? Luxor is one city you must visit
Written by Andrew Muigai   
Wednesday, 04 November 2009 15:23
Dominated by beautiful buildings, attractive pyramids, rich and dynamic culture; Egypt remains a country of choice for tourists and visitors.
by AndrewMuigai


Dominated by beautiful buildings, attractive pyramids, rich and dynamic culture; Egypt remains a country of choice for tourists and visitors.

Luxor in particular is remarkably great as a city in Egypt and many people consider it to have the world's largest open air museum. Its eye-catching features include the well maintained monuments and artifacts which contribute its lovely nature. Luxor as a city is defined by three different areas which include the small town of Karnak (north of Luxor), Thebes-called Waset by locals and Luxor city itself. All these areas are widely talked about when describing 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 wonderful feeling adventure and tranquility is so easily derived from this immensely beautiful city. In addition, facilities and amenities identifiable with modern day city are equally at large with restaurants, clubs, and hotels readily available in abundance. For those tourists who love to shop, they will not be disappointed as there are quite a number of open air markets that offer a variety of alternatives for one 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 dominated by three major streets which namely Sharia al-Mahatta, Sharia al-Karnak and the Corniched, next to the Nile. It can be noted therefore that the city is relatively small-which gives it a unique attribute as tourists can have the privilege and advantage of traveling across the whole city within a short time. Sharia al- Mahatta is located right in front of the train station along the Nile and connects with the garden of Luxor temple. The Sharia al Karnak Street, also known as Sharia al Markaz connects with the Sharia al- Lokanda. Lining up this stretch are colorful restaurants, cafs and bazaars with a range of Egyptian souvenir. A great attraction is also formed by the alabaster and pottery works.

The Luxor Museum of Mummification-opened in 1997 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.

Luxor temple was built by New kingdom Pharaohs Amenhotep and Ramesses the second and is located in the heart of the city. It was specifically dedicated to the worship of the god Opet and is well maintained despite being old. One experiences a feeling of being in time machine while inside this temple.

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 1975 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 1920's and are outstanding attractive discoveries of the recent past.

The Queens and their children n also had a special burial ground-The Valley of Queens and served as their final place of rest as well before they reunited with gods. Currently the public is only allowed to view only four tombs which remain open to it. Nefertari tomb is quite fascinating and is one of thee four.

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