The history of Egypt extends far beyond the iconic Pyramids of Giza, revealing a rich tapestry of ancient civilisation that continues to captivate travellers and historians alike. Beyond these world famous structures, Egypt is home to magnificent temples carved into mountains, ornately decorated royal mausoleums that tell stories of pharaohs and their legacies, as well as imposing forts that offer breathtaking panoramic views of Cairo city.
Given below are five legendary monuments in Egypt that goes beyond the Pyramids and you can’t miss:
5 Top Monuments in Egypt
1. Karnak Temple Complex
Commonly referred to as Ipet-Sut or The Most Select of Places, this gigantic temple complex acted as the cult center of the god Amun. Its giant columns and stratified pieces are centuries of extensions by the pharaohs. An actual display of kingship, virtue, and strength of ancient Egypt, the complex has been recognized by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
2. Abu Simbel Temples - Aswan
These two temples are hewn into a solid rock and contain giant statues, reliefs, and fantastic decoration. The larger temple of the two is dedicated to Ramses II, while the other one honours his wife, Queen Nefertari. To save them in the 1960s, UNESCO organised a tremendous rescue operation to move them and get them out of the flooding that was coming along with the Aswan Dam. An international team was also involved in this operation.
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3. Luxor, Valley of the Kings
In the New Kingdom period, including Rameses II, the Valley of the Kings in Luxor was the royal burial ground for pharaohs (Tutankhamun's grave is there as well). A UNESCO World Heritage site, located on the Nile's west bank just opposite Thebes (modern-day Luxor), the valley has more than 60 tombs and chambers. These highly decorated, limestone-carved tombs provide the reader with a glimpse of the funerary trends of ancient Egypt and the ways of understanding the afterlife. It has been featured by both Britannica and the official site of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
4. Citadel of Saladin, Cairo
Located on the Muqattam Hills, it is a 12th-century fort that Saladin constructed, and was the seat of power in Egypt for centuries. It is nowadays a home to magnificent mosques (such as the Mosque of Muhammad Ali) and offers a breathtaking panorama of the historic skyline of Cairo, as per the records of the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities.
5. Temple of Philae- Aswan
This sanctuary of the goddess Isis is one of the most aesthetically preserved shrines that we find on Agilkia Island. Rescued in the campaign of UNESCO, which prevented its flooding, the temple is, due to its Ptolemaic architecture fused with the Greco-Roman influence, one of the most charming buildings in Nubia. It's also listed by the National Geographic and the UNESCO heritage directory.
All the way back to royal visions and solar events, sorrow, authority, and creative energy, the monuments are capable of representing a fuller, layered story on Egyptian society that is no less amazing than the pyramids themselves. So, pack your bags immediately and head straight to Egypt and get soaked in these historical monuments.
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Picture Credit: Freepik.
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