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Explore Egypt’s 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Egypt is home to seven spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites,

where visitors can immerse themselves in ancient cultural legacy protected throughout the ages. Each location has several important structures and features to discover, guaranteeing a breathtaking experience and memories to cherish for a lifetime.

 

Historic Cairo
Founded in the 10th century and flanked by the modern architecture of contemporary Cairo, this ancient city is brimming with stunning mosques, madrasas (Islam-centered schools), hammams (baths), and fountains. It also includes an array of houses and wekalas.

 

The beating heart of the city is nestled and centered around the banks of Egypt’s majestic River Nile and its glistening waters that have served as a lifeline for Egyptians since the dawn of human civilization. Present-day visitors will still find a flurry of activity on the banks of the river, from lively cafes and strolling couples to gently bobbing feluccas (traditional sailboats) gliding their way across the water.

 

Of course, no visit to Egypt is complete without a trip to the famous Giza Pyramids. Venture west across the Nile and head to where the lush green countryside meets the desert in Giza, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Memphis and its Necropolis. Here at night, the Sound and Light Show, narrated by The Sphinx himself, retells the secrets and mysterious histories of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.

 

Ancient Thebes and Its Necropolis
Once the capital of Egypt during the Middle and New Kingdoms, the ancient city of Thebes—now called Luxor—includes the temples of Karnak and Luxor and the royal temples on the west bank, along with the different necropolises, the most famous of which is the Valley of the Kings with the Tomb of Tutankhamun. Don’t miss the Valley of the Queens, especially the stunning Tomb of Nefertari, as well as the Tombs of the Nobles, and the ancient Egyptian workmen’s village, Deir al-Medina.

 

Memphis and Its Necropolis
Located south of the modern heart of Cairo, the ancient capital of Memphis was the longest active capital in ancient Egypt. Its strategic location enabled it to keep its role throughout history. The most visible remains of the town are its necropolises, which encompass the Giza Pyramids, Saqqara Pyramids, and Dahshur Pyramids, as well as many private tombs in rectangular superstructures called mastaba. Let’s not forget the Sphinx that overlooks and guards the area.

 

Nubian Monuments from Philae to Abu Simbel
Nubia, located in the south of Egypt, contains ancient archeological sites with magnificent monuments, such as the Temple of Isis at Philae and the colossal rock-cut Temple of Rameses II at Abu Simbel.
Move farther south down the Nile from Luxor and embrace the tranquility of Aswan, a city nestled in lush greenery with friendly and welcoming Aswani locals. The beauty of this city is tied up in exquisite landscapes, with deep blue Nile waters contrasting against vibrant green riverbanks and warm deserts beyond.

 

This timeless city has fascinated travelers for centuries, and there is much to experience. Here, you’ll find quiet islands housing historic temples, a rich Nubian culture to explore with all its warm hospitality, and many more hidden treasures. Take a break from sightseeing and walk through a heavenly botanical garden to enjoy the birdsong and the scents wafting through the air.

 

Take a day trip even farther south to discover the romantic beauty of Philae Island, the serenity of Lake Nasser, and the fascinating history of the monuments along its banks and on its islands, culminating in the magnificence of the temples of Abu Simbel. The Temple is easily accessible as a day trip from Aswan by car, bus, or airplane. Nile cruises are also available from Aswan to Abu Simbel, stopping at several lesser-known sites along the way. If you prefer to explore at leisure, small hotels and eco-lodges are available near the site.

 

Abu Mina
Built over the tomb of the martyr Menas of Alexandria, this archeological site is home to a church, a baptistry, basilicas, public buildings, streets, monasteries, houses, and workshops that have remained visible since their foundation in the 4th century.

 

Saint Catherine
This area has been a natural protectorate since 1996, and it is considered a holy site to the three Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Its famous monastery, the Orthodox Monastery of St. Catherine, is situated midway to the summit of Mount Sinai. It is considered the oldest active Christian monastery in the world.

 

Wadi al-Hitan (Whale Valley)
Located in the Western Desert of Egypt, Wadi al-Hitan is a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the well-preserved fossils of an extinct suborder of whales, the archaeoceti. These fossils corroborate the theory that whales evolved from land mammals to sea mammals.
Visit: www.experienceegypt.eg

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