Egypt is one of the world’s most fascinating countries. The traces of its civilization and its unforgettable legends can be found in a multitude of marvels. To help you discover them, here are the 11 most important archaeological sites in Egypt.
No matter how many millennia have passed… Ancient Egypt remains in everyone’s imagination. As you travel up the Nile, you go back in time as if in a daydream. From the depths of time, pharaohs emerge from their sarcophagi, temples rise with panache from the waters, and the legends inscribed on papyrus become crystal-clear.
The city nicknamed « the gift of the Nile » also inspires with the splendour of its desert and the richness of its green shores. Then comes the apotheosis of the trip, at the foot of the pyramids, whose grandeur will surpass all your expectations. There’s no doubt about it, Egypt will live long in your memory. Although it has more to offer than its bewitching ancient treasures, let’s start there! Here are Egypt’s 11 major archaeological sites.
Cities
1. The Alexandria lighthouse
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Freephotographer
- Conservation status: ★★★
- Audience knowledge : ★★★★
- Historical influence: ★★★★
We’re off to a great start with the Alexandria lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the World (yes, that’s right). This masterpiece, which served as a guide for sailors, had more than just a life-saving function. This monumental 135-metre tower was also used as a means of propaganda.
It was a formidable pretext for displaying the power and wealth of Ptolemy I (Alexander the Great’s general) to the world. It was named the « Alexandria Lighthouse » because of its location at the tip of the island of Pharos. That’s why lighthouses today are called lighthouses. Unfortunately, an earthquake destroyed the stone colossus.
Its sacred remains are still visible, at the citadel in the heart of the port, and are well worth a visit.
2. The largest ancient city near Luxor
Photo credit: Shutterstock – AlexAnton
- Conservation status: ★★★
- Audience knowledge: ★★★
- Historical influence: ★★★★
One of Egypt’s most important archaeological sites has just entered the ranking. The largest ancient Egyptian city has just been discovered (April 2021) near Luxor. These new, previously buried ruins are said to be three thousand years old, and are already the biggest archaeological find since Tutankhamen’s tomb!
In addition to its sheer size, the site stands out for its well-preserved state and its bevy of everyday treasures wisely awaiting their second life. We can’t wait to find out more about the « lost golden city of Luxor », with its three royal palaces, animal cemetery, administrative centers dedicated to the Empire and traditional craft workshops.
Temples and pyramids
3. Pyramids of Cairo
Photo credit: Shutterstock – AlexAnton
- Conservation status : ★★★★
- Audience knowledge : ★★★★
- Historical influence: ★★★★
This is without doubt Egypt’s most famous archaeological site. A visit to these legendary monuments alone justifies the trip! Cairo’s three pyramids are known in turn as Kheops, Khephren and Mykerinos. These exceptional edifices (including Kheops, considered the first of the Seven Wonders of the World) are as fascinating as they are intimidating.
It’s probably all the overwhelming secrets that surround them that make them so magnetic… The pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mykerinos have reigned over the Giza plateau for thousands of years. They boast the title of one of the greatest constructions in history. Despite the many unanswered questions surrounding the transport of the stones, some plausible hypotheses are emerging.
But after all, crazy ingenuity, support from the stars or help from aliens, it’s up to you!
4. Luxor Temple
Photo credit: Shutterstock – matias planas
- Conservation status : ★★★★
- Audience knowledge : ★★★★
- Historical influence: ★★★
The ancient religious capital of the Pharaohs is a memorable stopover. Luxor, nestled between golden dunes and chlorophyll-laden shores, is the finest illustration of the golden age of the Pharaohs and Egyptian civilization. And while there’s no shortage of stunning temples and tombs, we had to do our utmost to select just a few.
Luxor Temple has been a jaw-dropper for tourists and historians alike. Fiercely guarded by the enormous colossi of Ramses II and an obelisk that gives you stiff necks, it bears witness to the religious fervour of the Egyptians. The temple was built in honor of the god Amun. The bas-reliefs tell the story of the worship ceremonies. Enjoy Luxor Temple at dusk, when the calm and half-light lend the place a mystical atmosphere.
5. The temples of Karnak
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Nick Brundle Photography
- Conservation status : ★★★★
- Audience knowledge : ★★★★
- Historical influence: ★★★
When you arrive at the temples of Karnak, you immediately grasp the meaning of the words « excess » and « ingenuity ». Dedicated to the god Amun, this Egyptian archaeological site stands out as the largest religious complex erected in antiquity. For almost two thousand years, numerous Pharaohs, including those of the famous Ramses lineage, were involved in its expansion. The figures are staggering: one hundred and thirty-four columns, an obelisk almost thirty meters high, thousands of finely carved hieroglyphs.
6. The Temple of Horus
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Graficam Ahmed Saeed
- Conservation status : ★★★★
- Audience knowledge: ★★★
- Historical influence: ★★★
The Temple of Horus, in honor of the god of the same name, sits enthroned on the left bank of the Nile. This place of worship is not only the most imposing in Egypt after Karnak, but also one of the best preserved. Prepare yourself for a direct plunge into the Pharaonic splendor of yesteryear, this time with Greek architectural influences.
The colossal pylons and richly decorated walls seem to date from yesterday. Yet the exact date of its foundation is known: 237 BC!
7. Philae temple
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Alexandree
- Conservation status: ★★★
- Audience knowledge: ★★★
- Historical influence: ★★★
A visit to this archaeological site in Egypt combines the discovery of one of the country’s most picturesque religious complexes with a pleasant boat trip. The Temple of Philae is located on the island of Aguilka. This major sanctuary was dedicated to the cult of the goddess Isis and tells the story of her love affair with Osiris.
The temple’s interior is dazzling, richly splashed with period colors. One of the temple’s other assets is its Son et Lumière show, which takes place at nightfall, under the starry canopy and to the rhythm of soft illuminations. As this divine nocturnal visit is widely acclaimed, remember to book in advance.
Cemeteries
8. The Saqqara necropolis
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Saqqarah
- Conservation status: ★★★
- Audience knowledge: ★★★
- Historical influence: ★★★★
The Saqqarah necropolis is one of Egypt’s most talked-about archaeological sites. In 2020, archaeologists unearthed fifty-nine new sarcophagi. However, early explorations of this burial complex had already established it as the largest necropolis in ancient Egypt.
The opening of the new tombs revealed perfectly preserved mummies, adorned with colourful hieroglyphs and frozen in finely drawn faces. In addition to the pharaonic tombs, the Saqqara necropolis contains several mummified animals, temples and the Pyramid of Djoser.
9. Valley of the Kings and Queens
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Zbigniew Guzowski
- Conservation status: ★★★
- Audience knowledge : ★★★★
- Historical influence: ★★★★
Amid the orange dunes, the Nile has made its bed. The river licked its banks, dotted with temples and splendid pyramids. We were on the Luxor and Karnak side. Let’s go to the other side, to the west, where the sun sets. This is the land the kings of the new Empire chose for their burial. Far from being more humble than their ancestors resting in the pyramids, they thought that a more discreet burial would protect them from looting.
But this was without counting on the flair of the thieves, who knew full well that no king left for the afterlife without kilos of gold and jewels… Among the most beautiful tombs are those of Seti I, Ramses III, Ramses IV and Ramses VI. This bewitching complex is also known as the Thebes necropolis.
A little further into the mountains, you can also find the necropolis of the Queens, Princes and Princesses of the new dynasties. This sacred site is home to some one hundred tombs, all sleeping in peace and quiet. The most impressive is undoubtedly that of the famous Nefertari, set in a pristine setting that is among the most beautiful in Egypt.
Nearby, don’t miss the tombs of the artists and sculptors in the Valley of the Kings.
Statues
10. The Colossi of Memnon
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Mountains Hunter
- Conservation status: ★★★
- Audience knowledge: ★★★
- Historical influence: ★★
On your way back from the Valley of the Kings and Queens, stop off at the foot of the Colossi of Memnon. These two sculptures of cyclopean proportions, the last survivors of the temple of Amenhotep III, are the last survivors of the archaeological site. These two stone giants, emerging from the sandy earth as if in the middle of nowhere, embody the pharaoh.
The latter is depicted with a peaceful face, quiet hands resting on knees, gazing into the rising sun. 18 metres high, 1,300 tonnes: once again, the builders of ancient Egypt were not lacking in daring.
11. The Sphinx
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Abdoabdalla
- Conservation status : ★★★★
- Audience knowledge : ★★★★
- Historical influence: ★★★★
We conclude with one of the most striking archaeological sites not only in Egypt, but in the whole world. We’re talking, of course, about the Sunset Sphinx, erected to face the rising sun during the two equinoxes. A veritable icon, this guardian of the City of the Dead and the pyramids of Cairo has been towering over the desert and time for five thousand years. Although the Sphinx is the star of numerous films, books and photographic portfolios, it is far from having revealed all its mysteries.
The half-man, half-animal statue stands over twenty metres high and seventy-three metres long. According to Egyptologists, nothing was left to chance, not even its position. Some suggest that there is a strong astronomical symbolism in its position. In any case, the sight of the sun setting over the Sphinx’s shoulder will be one of the most beautiful of your life.