7 of the Most Popular Attractions in Egypt
Very few places in the world are as fascinating as Egypt. All thanks to a geographic location that has allowed the blossoming and development of one of the most interesting peoples of antiquity that has left much to the modern world.
Egypt is a vast country: its surface reaches one million square kilometers. However, 90% of the population is concentrated on the narrow strip of fertile land around the Nile. There are numerous tourist attractions in Egypt, which include:
Cairo
For thousands of years, Cairo has been the heart of the life of the Egyptians. Despite being a bustling metropolis, crowded and full of traffic, it remains one of the most unique cities in Egypt: the crossroads of several civilizations and a meeting place for numerous ancient monuments, imposing buildings and magnificent mosques. Do not miss the great bazaar of Khan El Khalili, where, even if you do not purchase anything, you can see the streets and alleys full of shops and stalls, with their smells, colors and voices, creating a unique atmosphere. Then there is the Egyptian Museum, the largest in the world for the quality and quantity of archaeological finds.
Giza
The Giza Plateau provides people with an insight into the glorious days of ancient Egypt. You cannot go to Egypt and not be amazed by the beauty and majesty of the three pyramids of Khefren, Kheope and Menkaure and the lion-shaped Sphinx overlooking the landscape below. The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the wonders of the ancient world and it still remains one of the most visited ancient structures in the world.
Luxor
Luxor contains two splendid monuments dedicated to the god Amun, the father of all the gods. Even more surprising are the tombs of the pharaohs of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Dynasty in the Valley of the Kings and Colossi of Memnon, giant stone guarding the valley. The Luxor Temple and the Karnak Temple on the East Bank of Luxor fascinate tourists with their grandeur and elegance. Apart from the above, there are many other ancient structures in Luxor which are worth visiting.
Aswan
Before Aswan was known for its abundance of red granite that was used in the construction of the obelisks. Today this city is famous for the Aswan High Dam, which helps to control flood in the country. Other attractions in Aswan include the Nubian Museum, Unfinished Obelisk, Fatimid Cemetery, and Elephantine Island etc.
Abu Simbel
The village of Abu Simbel, contains the great temple complex which is considered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. After the construction of the Aswan Dam, the temples were moved to this village to save them from flooding. The Great Temple of Ramses and the Temple of Hathor are ancient structures that should not be missed, when touring Egypt. On the front of the Temple of Ramses, there are four colossal statues that represent him. Tourists can easily hire a taxi for travelling to Abu Simbel from the city of Aswan.
Sharm el Sheikh
Sharm el Sheikh is the most famous seaside resort town on the Red Sea. It is ideal for those who want to spend some quiet time on the beach. Tourists can also enjoy various aquatic sport activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, diving, fishing, sailing and windsurfing in Sharm el Sheikh.
Monastery of St. Macarius
In the village of Wadi el-Natrun, lies the Monastery of St. Macarius. It is a very important religious center for Coptic Christians. The village of Wadi el-Natrunis situated almost halfway between Cairo and Alexandria. The monastery was established in the year 360 AD by St. Macarius the Great.
