Luxor & Karnak Temple Tours Some of the most important archaeological finds from over three millennia ago are gathered in "The City of Palaces." Due to its plenty of temples and tombs, the ancient Egyptian capital stands out above the other Egyptian cities. The Luxor area of Upper Egypt is the former Thebes of the ancient Greeks. Was the capital of Egypt during the Middle and New Kingdoms. Thebe had a significant upsurge between 2230 and 2035 BC in the 9th and 10th dynasties. For this reason, it became the capital of Egypt. Many temples, palaces, and other structures are said to have appeared during this time as well. The city is called the world's largest open-air museum. Why? Because it contains a magnificent temple complex. The temples of Karnak and Luxor, as well as many ancient statues, temples, and crypts, are in the Valley of the Kings. At the northern end of the city is the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex, with the famous Hypostyle Hall with 134 columns. This place was ruled by the god Amun Ra. Amon, also known as Amon-Ra, being identified with the sun god, became the most powerful Egyptian god. The cult of the local god Amon began to gain momentum. His temple was the biggest in the country and the largest religious building ever built. The temple played an important role in the social, economic, and administrative life of the country. The Temple of Karnak It was intended to glorify Amon, "the king of the gods." It was supposed to make mortals feel insignificant in his presence. Amun Ra's image may still be seen in many of the structures that have withstood the test of time and the elements. Starting with the New Kingdom period, the temple suffered some changes. Each pharaoh built, demolished, modified, and added something to the original structure of the temple. Today, there is an amazing agglomeration of entrances, pillars, courtyards, halls, columns, obelisks, and statues. Passing beneath the doors and through the inner courtyards towards the sanctuary transports you to several eras of Egyptian history. The first pillar is reached in an alley guarded by sphinxes, creatures with the body of a lion and the head of a ram. The sand-colored pillar with two austere towers rises forward. As if it were the entryway to a feudal fortress. This is what the modern Egyptians thought of when they called the ruins of Karnak "the fortress". The first pillar, one of the six leading to the sanctuary, casts a shadow when sunlight floods the inner courtyard. From here, the second pillar is preceded by huge statues representing Ramses II. The statue announces the entrance to the great hall of columns. The Hall of Columns is called the Hypostyle Hall and was built by Pharaoh Seti I and Ramses II, his successor. It covers an area of 20 square meters. Once had a roof supported by 124 columns arranged in 16 rows. The columns that make up the two central rows are higher than those on the sides. This allowed the construction of a row of windows at the top of the walls that rise above the side aisles. This way, the sun's rays enter the interior like spears. They filter the light that penetrates to the farthest parts of the hall. It is illuminating the columns, carved and painted in vivid colors, with scenes of prayer or the heroic deeds of the pharaoh. The idea was to create a mystical penumbra effect. Beyond the Hypostyle hall rises the third pillar. An inscription says it once had a golden door. The golden door was inlaid with lapis lazuli and other precious stones. The threshold was dressed in silver and supported by polished flags. All these make it "shine brighter than the heavens". The main alley continues between the fourth and fifth pillars, towards the place where the sanctuary, built by Tutmes I, was located. The one seen today was built by Philip Arrhidaeus. He was the half-brother of Alexander the Great, who conquered Egypt in 332 BC. The sanctuary was the most revered place and was the central point of the daily divine service. It consisted of a rectangular room in which there was a reliquary. The reliquary was encrusted with gold and precious stones and contained the statue of the god. The pharaoh, usually represented by the high priests, had to bring offerings to the god three times a day. The priests followed a certain ritual. They shaved their heads and bodies. Dressed in white linen garments and washed three times a day to purify themselves. The priest arrived at the temple carrying a lighted censer. From the lighted censer, an incense smoke rose and headed towards the sanctuary. He was passing between the pillars, through the inner courtyards, and through the Hypostyle Hall. Reaching the reliquary inside the sanctuary, he broke the clay seal. Then he pulled the bolts and opened the two doors. Reciting the ritual prayers, he saluted the god Amon. The god Amon Ra was believed to live in the statue and prostrate himself. Then he recited incantations. Then he offered an offering of honey and circled the relic four times. Next, the priest was taking the statue out of the reliquary. He undresses it and purifies it using incense, water, and natro (crystallized soda). Dressing it again, he painted the god's eyebrows with green and black eyeshadow. Then he placed the royal insignia on the statue. Offering food and drink to the god before putting it back in the reliquary. The reliquary was sealed with clay. In the end, the priest left the room facing God. And ensure that he has erased his footprints so as not to leave any sign of the presence of a mortal in the sanctuary. At Karnak, the Egyptians created, first of all, a construction on the scale of the "king of the gods." The Temple of Luxor The Temple of Luxor, a stunning testament to ancient Egyptian civilization, stands majestically on the east bank of the Nile in the modern city of the same name. This iconic monument, a symbol of both ancient and modern Luxor, has witnessed centuries of modifications and remains a significant religious center. Originally constructed of sandstone blocks from Nubia and surrounded by mud-brick walls, the Luxor Temple represents the boundary between the earthly world and the sacred realm of the gods. Its architectural features reflect the typical style of the New Kingdom era, showcasing the grandeur and sophistication of ancient Egyptian temple design. Unlike many other temples, the Luxor Temple was not dedicated to a specific deity or a king's figure. Instead, it was built to rejuvenate kingship itself. While Alexander the Great is often claimed to have been crowned here, historical evidence contradicts this assertion. The Luxor Temple played a crucial role in the Opet festivals, when the statues of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu were transported from Karnak to the Avenue of Sphinxes for a sacred reunion. Amenhotep III and Queen Tiy originally constructed the temple, dedicating it to the Theban triad. Despite damage inflicted during Akhenaten's reign, the temple was meticulously restored under Tutankhamon, Haremhab, and Ramses II. Ramses II, in particular, left his mark on the temple with statues and carvings depicting his reign. Over time, the temple's surroundings evolved. Once surrounded by mud-brick houses, it later became part of a thriving city. In the 14th century, a mosque was built for the local sheikh Abu Al Haggag. While excavations in 1885 uncovered the temple's remains, the mosque has been preserved and restored following a fire. The Luxor Temple's enduring presence and its rich historical significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the wonders of ancient Egypt. Advices & Hints to enjoy your vacation in Luxor Visit historical places at certain times. Historical places are usually crowded with people at peak times. So it is good to go there very early in the morning, late at night, or at lunchtime, as these places are filled with people. During busy times, it's advisable to visit the place to better inspect and appreciate its features. Tourist places, especially restaurants, are usually very expensive. The owners of these shops usually raise prices for tourists. As they do not know the country's prices, getting a meal from such places is not a good idea. One of the most important things a traveler should do is get travel insurance. This is to protect him from the debts that may result if he becomes ill or injured in a distant country and needs high costs for treatment. Yet, travel insurance prevents this from happening, especially for people who like to try risky activities. Travel insurance also provides other benefits, such as paying accommodation costs. Or return to the country when exposed to something bad and unable to bear these costs. Carry local currency and a credit card with you. Some places may not accept cards, allowing you to conduct your affairs with cash. Ensure you have enough funds to cover the trip's costs to avoid financial difficulties during your travels. It is preferable to inform the bank of the use of the credit card while traveling abroad. It is advised to avoid wearing inappropriate clothing. Respect culture while you are on the street, visiting archaeological and religious monuments.