Egypt is a mythical destination that fascinates travelers the world over. With its temples and museums rich in archaeological treasures, the land of the Pharaohs is a veritable invitation to a journey through time. Whether you explore the banks of the Nile on a cruise or the vibrant city of Cairo, you'll discover sites steeped in history that bear witness to the greatness of Egyptian civilization. Here's a selection of must-see museums and temples to visit during your stay in Egypt.
Located on the east bank of the Nile in Luxor, the Karnak and Luxor temples are among the most impressive in ancient Egypt.
This gigantic religious complex dedicated to the god Amon is the largest in Egypt. It covers more than 100 hectares and houses a succession of pylons, colonnades and monumental statues. The Avenue of the Sphinxes, which once linked Karnak to Luxor, has recently been restored and allows visitors to relive one of the most sacred ceremonial routes of antiquity.
Built by Amenhotep III and enlarged by Ramses II, Luxor Temple is an architectural masterpiece featuring an immense obelisk (the second largest is now on the Place de la Concorde in Paris). Illuminated at night, the site offers a magical, mysterious atmosphere that transports visitors to another time.
Situated between Luxor and Aswan, midway between Nile cruises, the Temple of Horus at Edfu is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, this Ptolemaic temple impresses with its colossal dimensions and exceptional state of preservation. Its walls recount mythical battles and religious rituals engraved in stone over 2,000 years ago.
Visitors can still admire the sanctuary where Horus' sacred bark once rested, as well as the gigantic entrance pylons adorned with reliefs detailing the god's victories over chaos. A must-see for all those wishing to immerse themselves in Egyptian mythology.
Located in Aswan, the Nubia Museum is a little-known gem well worth a visit. It traces the history and culture of Nubia, a region in southern Egypt and northern Sudan, whose identity was strongly shaped by the expansion of the Nile and the construction of the Aswan Dam.
The museum houses a fascinating collection of statues, funerary objects, frescoes and artifacts testifying to the cultural exchanges between Egyptians and Nubian peoples. It also highlights the rescue of the Nubian temples swallowed up by the waters after the construction of the dam, a major archaeological feat achieved thanks to UNESCO.
Planned to become the world's largest archaeological museum, the Great Egyptian Museum (GME) will soon open its doors near the Giza pyramids. This ambitious project will bring together over 100,000 artifacts, including the entire Tutankhamen treasure, exhibited for the first time in one place.
The museum will offer visitors an immersive experience thanks to ultra-modern spaces, interactive galleries and breathtaking views of the pyramids. It will become the new cultural heart of Egypt and a must-see for history buffs.
