The 6 Egypt Landmarks You Must Visit If You Are a History Buff

Egypt’s 7000-year-old culture and heritage is indeed a treasure one can’t help but feel curious about. For those of us who seek stories wherever we go, this Mediterranean country’s elaborate past has attracted the attention of numerous archaeologists, explorers, artists and scholars for years.

If you are a history buff, here are 6 Egypt landmarks you must visit on your Egypt holiday.

1. Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx 

 

Probably the first place that comes to mind as soon as we hear the name Egypt is the world-famous Pyramid complex of Giza. It is one of the most notable landmarks of Egypt and a must visit if you’re a history buff. Along with the legendary Sphinx, with its lion limbs and pharaoh-like face sculpture, the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure have been subject to endless speculation due to their unique construction, extraordinary geometry and mythological significance. Visiting these historically significant marvels is one of the most famous things to do in Egypt and will surely inspire the Indiana Jones inside you.

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2. Hatshepsut Temple 

Apart from being one of the most striking architectural masterpieces in the world, the Temple of Hatshepsut is the most humbling of the famous Egyptian landmarks. It honours Egypt’s longest-reigning female ruler, who declared herself the pharaoh and ruled as a man for over 20 years by portraying herself in statues and paintings with a male body and false beard. Known as Djeser Djeseru, or ‘Holy of Holies’, this mortuary temple, adorned with scenes from her reign and housing many sacred shrines, plays a keen role in reinforcing her achievements for the world to see today.

3. Luxor and Karnak Temple

 

The Karnak Temple Complex is one of the most famous sites in Luxor. Offering an epic and unforgettable dose of ancient architecture, it is one of the most important places to visit in Egypt. Often called the largest religious complex on Earth, this site contains a mix of chapels, pylons, decayed temples, and magnificent statues. With art, symbolism and hieroglyphs documenting the grandeur of the Egyptian empire in stone, one can’t help but be transported back in time while exploring this site’s large and impressive map. Some of the most noteworthy areas here are the Hypostyle Hall, the Sacred Lake, the Temple of Khonsu, and Rameses III Chapel.

4. Valley of Kings 

Lying on the Nile’s West bank, the Valley of Kings is a land of underground tombs where royalties like Tutankhamun, Seti I and other Egyptian queens and elites were buried along with jewellery, food, wine and any material goods a ruler might need in the next world. One of the most famous places to visit in Egypt, this site was built for the New Kingdom Pharaohs (1539-1075 BC) who wished to be closer to their dynastic roots, and came to be known as ‘Gateway to the Afterlife.

5. Aswan 

 

Situated along the banks of Nile River, Aswan was formerly the ancient city of Swenett and served as a military outpost for southern Egypt. Owing to its strategic location, it was a popular trade stop for gold, silver, animal skins and granite imports into Egypt. Here, you’ll find some of the most insightful places to visit in Egypt, like the landmark High Dam that offers limitless views of the Nile and the Unfinished Obelisk which is a glimpse into Egyptian craftsmanship. The Temple of Isis at Philae Island has scenic depictions of Egypt’s mythological stories and a must visit if you’re a history lover! 

6. Kom Ombo 

A pleasant farmland in the Nile Valley, Kom Ombo is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Egypt. Here, the riverside Temple of Kom Ombo and its attached Crocodile Museum attract the maximum attention of visitors. The temple dedicated to Horus the Elder (Haroeris) & the Crocodile God Sobek offers a double dose of antiquity with its twin altars, ritualistic entrances and elaborate sanctuaries. Another one of the most famous things to do in Egypt is seeing the beautiful collection of mummified crocodiles and ancient carvings at the Crocodile Museum here.

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Walk into Egypt’s rich landscape and let the history-junkie in you have the time of her life with MakeMyTrip’s Egypt holidays.

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