The Ancient Temples in Egypt
Egypt might be famous for its desert pyramids, but in cities along the Nile temples reign as architectural marvels. Aside from their religious history as places of worship and ritual, ancient temples also give modern travelers insight into the whole of Egyptian society. Statues of gods and pharaohs mingle amid looming columns, while hieroglyphics and storytelling artwork blanket the walls. Whether traveling alone or with a tour group, travelers are bound to find the temples educational and awe-inspiring.
Top Destinations
The Karnak complex of temples is one of the largest in the world, with walls covered in hieroglyphics, powerful columns and the 372-foot-wide First Pylon wall. Visitors can spot a 50-foot statue of Ramses II or slip into the humble Shrine of Seti I to escape the crowds. Karnak also is home to the Temple of Amun-Re, the god worshiped as the pharaoh's father and king of the gods, according to PBS NOVA. Meanwhile, Luxor Temple, though smaller than Karnak, is home to the Pylon of Ramses II, two statues of him and a pink granite obelisk that pierces the Egyptian sky.
Photogenic Temples
Travelers who marvel at Egyptian art will enjoy temples that feature ancient carvings and dramatic hieroglyphic displays. The Temple of Edfu, located between Luxor and Aswan, is known for its towering sunken relief carvings that depict Ptolemy XII destroying his enemies. It also is the second-largest temple in Egypt, according to Mary Ann Sullivan on the Bluffton College website. Meanwhile, travelers who enjoy scenic settings might appreciate Philae Temple, which sits on an island and complements the lush landscape. Because the Aswan Dam waters drowned it, workers took it apart and restored it in this new location in the 1970s. (See Ref. 4)
Off the Beaten Path
The Temple of Kom Ombo stands out from other Egyptian temples in its design: It is a double temple, with one side mirroring the other. In ancient times, it was a mecca for the suffering in need of healing. It also is home to mummified crocodiles, with some on display for visitors near the main entrance.
Travel Options
While adventurous travelers might enjoy mapping their own routes to Egypt's temples, booking with an organized tour offers convenience and safety for those who prefer taking it easy. With tour companies, visitors can skip right into the temples without waiting in lines. Experienced tour guides also educate visitors about the history of the temples. Tourists who want a leisurely vacation with some luxury treatment thrown in can join a Nile cruise; most have frequent stops that allow travelers to visit temples and other attractions along the way.
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