Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
Location: Luxor, Egypt
Year of Inscription: 1979
Criteria: (i) represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(vi) be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Luxor, Egypt. It was the capital of Egypt during the Middle and New Kingdoms, and was the center of Egyptian religion and culture for over 1500 years. The site is home to some of the most significant and impressive ancient monuments in the world, including the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Karnak, and the Temple of Hatshepsut.
Prominent Features: Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis is home to numerous impressive and significant ancient monuments. Some of the most prominent features include:
Valley of the Kings: This is a burial site for pharaohs and their consorts, located on the west bank of the Nile river. The valley contains 63 tombs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun.
Temple of Karnak: This is one of the largest and most impressive temple complexes in the world, covering an area of over 100 hectares. It was dedicated to the god Amun, and was built over a period of 2000 years by various pharaohs.
Temple of Hatshepsut: This temple was built in honor of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, and is considered to be one of the finest examples of ancient Egyptian architecture.
Colossi of Memnon: These two massive stone statues of the pharaoh Amenhotep III are located on the west bank of the Nile, and are some of the most impressive and recognizable ancient Egyptian sculptures.
History: Ancient Thebes was the capital of Egypt during the Middle and New Kingdoms, and was the center of Egyptian religion and culture for over 1500 years. The site was known to the ancient Egyptians as Waset, and was home to many of the most significant and impressive ancient monuments in the world. The city declined in importance after the New Kingdom, but remained an important religious and cultural center throughout the pharaonic period.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, take a hot air balloon ride over the site for a unique perspective, or take a cruise down the Nile river to see the various temples and monuments.
Fun Fact: The Colossi of Memnon are famous for producing a musical sound when struck by the rays of the rising sun. This phenomenon was first noted by the Greeks, who believed that the sound was the voice of the dead pharaoh Amenhotep III.
Entry Fees: Entry fees for the various monuments and sites within Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis vary depending on the location and the type of ticket. For example, a ticket to the Valley of the Kings costs 240 Egyptian pounds (about $15), while a ticket to the Temple of Karnak costs 200 Egyptian pounds (about $12).
How to Reach It: By air, with regular flights from Cairo and other major cities in Egypt.
By Train: The Egyptian National Railways operates several daily trains between Cairo and Luxor. The journey takes around 9-10 hours, depending on the type of train. The trains offer a range of classes, including first class, second class, and sleeper cars, with varying levels of comfort and amenities.
By Bus: Several bus companies offer daily services between Cairo and Luxor, with varying levels of comfort and amenities. The journey takes around 10-11 hours, depending on the traffic conditions. Some popular bus companies include Go Bus, Superjet, and Upper Egypt Bus Company.
Once in Luxor, taxis and public transportation are available for travel to the various sites within the complex.
Where to Stay: Most accommodation is located in Luxor on the Eastern Bank
Next Stop: Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae
Year of Inscription: 1979
Criteria: (i) represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(vi) be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Luxor, Egypt. It was the capital of Egypt during the Middle and New Kingdoms, and was the center of Egyptian religion and culture for over 1500 years. The site is home to some of the most significant and impressive ancient monuments in the world, including the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Karnak, and the Temple of Hatshepsut.
Prominent Features: Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis is home to numerous impressive and significant ancient monuments. Some of the most prominent features include:
Valley of the Kings: This is a burial site for pharaohs and their consorts, located on the west bank of the Nile river. The valley contains 63 tombs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun.
Temple of Karnak: This is one of the largest and most impressive temple complexes in the world, covering an area of over 100 hectares. It was dedicated to the god Amun, and was built over a period of 2000 years by various pharaohs.
Temple of Hatshepsut: This temple was built in honor of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, and is considered to be one of the finest examples of ancient Egyptian architecture.
Colossi of Memnon: These two massive stone statues of the pharaoh Amenhotep III are located on the west bank of the Nile, and are some of the most impressive and recognizable ancient Egyptian sculptures.
History: Ancient Thebes was the capital of Egypt during the Middle and New Kingdoms, and was the center of Egyptian religion and culture for over 1500 years. The site was known to the ancient Egyptians as Waset, and was home to many of the most significant and impressive ancient monuments in the world. The city declined in importance after the New Kingdom, but remained an important religious and cultural center throughout the pharaonic period.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, take a hot air balloon ride over the site for a unique perspective, or take a cruise down the Nile river to see the various temples and monuments.
Fun Fact: The Colossi of Memnon are famous for producing a musical sound when struck by the rays of the rising sun. This phenomenon was first noted by the Greeks, who believed that the sound was the voice of the dead pharaoh Amenhotep III.
Entry Fees: Entry fees for the various monuments and sites within Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis vary depending on the location and the type of ticket. For example, a ticket to the Valley of the Kings costs 240 Egyptian pounds (about $15), while a ticket to the Temple of Karnak costs 200 Egyptian pounds (about $12).
How to Reach It: By air, with regular flights from Cairo and other major cities in Egypt.
By Train: The Egyptian National Railways operates several daily trains between Cairo and Luxor. The journey takes around 9-10 hours, depending on the type of train. The trains offer a range of classes, including first class, second class, and sleeper cars, with varying levels of comfort and amenities.
By Bus: Several bus companies offer daily services between Cairo and Luxor, with varying levels of comfort and amenities. The journey takes around 10-11 hours, depending on the traffic conditions. Some popular bus companies include Go Bus, Superjet, and Upper Egypt Bus Company.
Once in Luxor, taxis and public transportation are available for travel to the various sites within the complex.
Where to Stay: Most accommodation is located in Luxor on the Eastern Bank
Next Stop: Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae