Karnak is that largest of all temples locations in Egypt. It is a 247 acre compound of temples. There are 3 main temples and a few other temples both within the compound and around the edges. Historically, Karnak was built over a period of 1300 years, spanning generations of ancient Egyptian civilizations. More than 30 Pharaohs were involved at one time or another in the construction of this compound.
Today, only the Temple of Amun, which is one of the main temples, is open to the public. This is probably because Karnak has not weathered the years very well, and much of it is in ruins.
If you have the chance to visit Karnak, try to schedule your visit during the Sound and Light Show. This spectacular show highlights the history of Egypt during the rules of Ramesses II, King Tutankhamen, and Queen Hatshepsut, and then continues on to how Egypt grew during the ancient times.
Another famous place in Egypt is the Valley of the Kings which is the final resting place of many of Egyptian Pharaohs who ruled Egypt during the period of the New Kingdom. There are two parts to the Valley of the Kings which are the East and West Valleys. There are several popular tomb sites here, although not all tombs are open to the public. Most cases, tourists visit this site more than once because it is very hard to see everything in one day without rushing through the tombs.
Some of the more sought out tombs are the tomb of Tutankhamen, the tomb of Horemheb, the tomb of Ramesses VI, and the tomb of Tuthmose III.
The tomb of Tutankhamen was discovered by and Englishman named Howard Carter. This tomb is the most intact tomb ever found in the Valley of the Kings. Finding this tomb started the legendary “mummy’s curse” which spoke of death to whoever disturbs the tomb of this 19 year old Pharaoh.
Of all the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, only Tutankhamen’s tomb is most sought after by tourists. The power of media, which has told and retold stories about the curse, has created a mystique and aura of danger around this tomb, and so the tourists come – to see for themselves what the mystery is all about.
The tomb of Horemheb draws attention mainly from those tourists interested in seeing the highly acclaimed paintings with two blind men playing the harp. Walking further down, you will come to the tomb of Ramesses VI which has the image of Nut, the goddess of the sky.
Even if you add just these two tourist sites to your agenda while in Egypt, you would have seen much of the rich culture and heritage Egypt enjoys now.
