Egypt offers many captivating sights. From the Pyramids to Tutankhamun’s tomb, Egypt remains one of the world’s most captivating places.
Egypt is home to numerous mysterious locations that remain lesser-known among its people. Here are a few:
The Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings, Egypt’s UNESCO World Heritage site and final resting place for many Egyptian pharaohs, is an expansive area filled with rock tombs, chambers and galleries.
Tombs of Egyptian kings were carefully decorated, often featuring scenes from Egyptian mythology or paintings depicting deities or goddesses who belonged to them, along with hieroglyphic texts written on their walls.
There are 63 tombs in the Valley of the Kings, each one varying in size depending on its status as a royal tomb. Some are small while others boast huge chambers and elaborate decorations.
Howard Carter first discovered KV 62-Tutankhamun tomb in 1922, housing all of his treasures – such as his mummy and golden headdress – that made him famous.
Siwa Oasis
Siwa is a serene haven of palm trees and natural springs in an undisturbed desert landscape, famous for its relaxed way of life and rich history.
Alexander the Great was drawn to this oasis as an important pilgrimage site; in 331 BC he went there in order to consult an oracle and confirm himself as both rightful ruler of Egypt and divine figure.
As well as exploring ancient sites, this oasis provides many other activities and places of interest. One such activity is visiting Cleopatra’s Pool where its crystal-clear waters gurgle up into a large stone pool – sure to please.
Mountain of the Dead is another highly visited tourist destination. Here, visitors will find 1500 tombs dating back to Egypt’s 26th dynasty and Ptolemaic and Roman periods – making for an impressive site visit experience!
Oasis of Peace is also well-known for its healing sand baths, believed to have therapeutic qualities. Locals visit there regularly to be half-buried in sand; many studies have demonstrated how this treatment method may be helpful against various ailments.
Dendera
King Ramses II built two temples here for himself and Nefertari: one large and the other smaller – both being testaments to how Egyptian religion had undergone significant change since Akhenaton had left power. They serve as proof that new paradigm shifts had taken place since Akhenaton had left power.
Hathor, the goddess of fertility and mother Earth herself, held great significance for this area’s local community. Her presence there made an impressionful statement to visitors from faraway lands who came seeking fertile ground.
Prior to recent times, this site was thought to be threatened by rising Nile water levels; however, in the 1960s a team of international engineers carefully disassembled and reassembled temples so they remain intact today.
The main axis of the complex is marked by four colossi, two dedicated to Ramses II and two to Nefertari; these appear to be aligned with the sun so that twice every year on October 22 and February 22, they illuminate their sanctuary – an event believed to be associated with his birthday or coronation of Ramses.
Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel, constructed during Pharaoh Ramses II’s rule, is an outstanding World Heritage site and features two magnificent temples; these include one dedicated to Amun, Ra-Horakhty and Ptah, known as The Great Temple.
Both temples serve as lasting monuments to King Ramses II and Queen Nefertari and are an impressive sight to behold.
Large statues of Ramses II that depict his entire life can also be found here; however, due to rising water levels on Lake Nasser flooding their original locations these statues were moved.
These temples are enclosed within a huge inner sanctuary and every year the sun rises twice to illuminate their inner chambers and illuminate three of their gods (Ramses, Ra-Horakhty, and Amun-Ra) while Ptah remains shrouded in darkness – an experience worth witnessing during your visit to Egypt! Don’t miss these spectacular events during your travels through Egypt.