gst932840-classical_1_Q7:gst932840-classical 01/06/2011 13:17 Page 1

Cairo Mosque of Al-Azhar The first Fatimid mosque in Cairo was built The Cathedral of St Mark This is the largest church in Africa - THE excavations unearthed three empty ditches on the east side of the the 5th dynasty is situated to the south of the stepped-Pyramid of The origins of the between 970 – 973 AD. It is considered to be the oldest Islamic built in a modern style in the district of Abbasia – where the remains PYRAMIDS Great Pyramid, once dug out to contain solar barques. Two other King Zoser. It is famous for its burial chamber, where its walls are Egyptian capital with university comprising more than 80,000 manuscripts in its libraries. of St Mark rest. OF GIZA sites were discovered to the south of King Cheop´s Pyramid, from covered with what is known as the “Pyramid Text.” the first In its present form, the mosque is a collection of buildings and which a large wooden boat in a very good condition has been collection of religious texts drawn up during the Old Kingdom and its 15 million Giza is the name of inhabitants can be several extensions added during various periods. Today, it is one of revealed and is now to be seen in a museum south of the pyramid. destined to protect and guide the dead pharaoh during his journey MUSEUMS a district near Cairo, in the “after world.” The tomb chamber still contains the granite found near the the leading centres of Islamic teachings. where the famous The Sphinx On the way down to the Valley Temple of King sarcophagus of the king. South of the pyramid are the so-called present day Coptic IN CAIRO necropolis of the 4th Chefren, the famous Sphinx is to be found. This colossal statue Persian Tombs of the 26th dynasty, where a 25-metre deep shaft district. In 641 AD, Mosque of Sultan Hassan Founded between 1356-1362AD to The Egyptian dynasty can be visited. represents a body of a lion with a human head and measures 70 leads to three beautifully decorated burial chambers. Amr Ibn Al-As, be a mosque and madrasah for the four schools of Islam, the Museum The Points of interest are, metres in length and 20 metres in height. Many scholars and general of the Caliph mosque is composed of an open court surrounded by four iwans for Egyptian Museum is of course, the famous scientists share the opinion that the face of the Sphinx closely The Serapeum The Apis Bull lived in a stable in front of the Omar, built a new the four schools. the richest store of Sphinx and the pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinos. resembles that of King Chefren. Temple of Ptah, the creator of the world. There, the animal received capital for near his tent (Arabic: Fustat). That is why the first remains of ancient offerings from its worshippers and pronounced its oracles. After its The Pyramid of King Cheops One of the most famous Memphis Memphis is capital of Egypt was called Fustat. But when the Abbassids Mosque of Egyptian art and death, it was mummified and buried in a tomb in the desert. Up Mohammed Ali treasures from the structures in the world, this pyramid was built by King Cheops (4th the oldest capital of until the 19th dynasty each bull had its own separate burial place. overthrew the Omaiads in 750 AD, the city was burnt down except dynasty) about 2650 BC. Almost 2.5 million blocks of limestone Egypt, situated 24 km the mosque of Amr Ibn Al-As, so that a new capital was built (Alabaster Pharaonic to the Later on, Ramses II created a common burial place for them, which Mosque) Built inside Graeco-Roman period were used in its construction. It measures 230 x 230 metres at the south-west of Cairo near was enlarged during the Ptolemaic period. This was known as the somewhat to the north and was called Al-Askar. During the reign of base and was originally 146 metres high but, today, stands at only the Citadel of Saladin with more than 120,000 exhibits. Its most famous collection is of the present day village Serapeum, a name that arose because the Apis Bull, once dead and Ahmed Ibn Tulun (868-883), his residence was transferred to the 137 metres. Its sidelines are exactly oriented to the north, south, of Mit Rahena. It is on the site of an old artifacts found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun. deified, was named Osir-Apis, which the Greeks converted into Jashkur Hills, where he built his famous mosque and a new capital east and west. presumed that the city palace, construction Serapis, from which the name Serapeum derived. The structure in named "Al Katai". The origin of today´s name (Cairo) can be traced was built around 3100 The Coptic Museum The museum has a rare collection of which the sacred bulls were buried is a subterranean gallery with back to the Fatimid general Gohar invading Egypt in 969 AD. He began in 1824 and The Pyramid of Chephren This pyramid was built by Chephren BC, most probably by ancient Christian relics and antiquities, including remains of corridors that total several hundred metres. Twenty-four sarcophagi named the city after the constellation of Mars (Al-Kahir, the was completed 33 (son of Cheops), south-west of his father’s pyramid and is very King Menes, when Upper and Lower Egypt were first united. One of architectural works, textiles, icons and old manuscripts reflecting similar to it. Although lower in height, 136 metres, it looks taller as it of up to 70 tons of black granite can be seen at the Serapeum. victorious). Under the reign of many sultans, and especially in the years later. The the interesting objects is the prone statue of Ramses II, exhibited in the history of Coptic civilisation. was built on a higher plateau. At the base it measures 210 x 210 Mameluke period, Cairo (Arabic: Al-Kahira) prospered and became a building is also known as the Alabaster Mosque because alabaster a small museum. It is made of fine-grained limestone and is The Mastabas Saqqara is well known for the mastaba-type of metres. On the north side it possesses two entrances leading down centre of Islamic art and architecture. This dynasty ended when the was used to cover both its interior and exterior walls. It was considered to be one of the most beautiful statues of this great king. tombs containing Egypt’s ancient nobles. The tomb walls bear The Museum of Islamic Art Founded in 1880, the museum into a passage and then across a corridor to the burial chamber, Ottomans under Sultan Selim I conquered Cairo in 1517 AD, and modelled on the classical mosques in Istanbul. Also remarkable are the Temple of Embalming of the sacred Apis inscriptions showing scenes of daily life in ancient Egypt, such as: houses a magnificent and unique collection of 80,000 rare relics which still contains the large granite sarcophagus of Chephren. subjugated it under Turkish rule. In 1805, after Napoleon’s "Egyptian Bulls and the Alabaster Sphinx of Amenophis II at the same site. farming, animal breeding, hunting, as well as religious rites. from the dawn of Islam until the end of the Ottoman period. It is Among its most interesting features are the remains of the Valley Campaign", the citadel (built by Saladin 1176 AD) was occupied by COPTIC also home to the National Library with valuable books on Islamic Temple – where Chephren’s body was embalmed - with its granite Saqqara Saqqara is one of the oldest ancient Egyptian cemeteries The Mastaba of Ptah Hotep The walls of the chambers are Mohammed Ali and the city underwent a fresh revival. He CAIRO civilisation, and a collection of rare manuscripts of the Koran. casing and a rising causeway leading to the pyramid. and it was the necropolis of Memphis. Today it is one of the most covered with coloured reliefs, depicting everyday life scenes. The modernised a number of city districts and founded new ones. The Hanging important archaeological sites in Egypt because monuments of most important shows Ptah Hotep being entertained by a band of Today’s Cairo is the foremost capital on the African continent and The Pyramid of Mycerinos Finally, the smallest of the three Church (Al-Mu most of the principal dynasties are represented there. Many musicians. the political, cultural and economic centre of Egypt with many BAZAARS pyramids, barely 66 metres high, was originally covered with red pharaohs with their court dignitaries were buried in Saqqara. ‘allaqa) granite stones from Aswan. The burial chamber once contained a The Mastaba of Mereruka Close to King Teti´s pyramid is the monuments and relics of the Pharaonic, Graeco-Roman, Christian Khan El Khalili The church received splendid sarcophagus of basalt but is now empty. The three The Stepped- most complex mastaba of the 6th dynasty. It contains 33 chambers and Islamic periods, attracting visitors from all over the world. Comprising an array this name because it principal pyramids of Giza are surrounded by several smaller Pyramid Originally, a with many magnificent wall inscriptions. Particularly original in its was built on top of of shops dating from pyramids and hundreds of mastaba tombs belonging to members of mastaba tomb was conception is a scene showing hunting and fishing, in which plants the south gate of the the 14th century AD, the royal family, nobles and high-ranking employees. planned for King Zoser and animals are depicted all over the available space in a most ISLAMIC CAIRO Fortress of Babylon. this bazaar developed (3rd dynasty) in 2816 inspired manner. The Solar Barques Mosque of Amr Ibn Al As Founded by Amr Ibn-Al As in 642 Founded in the 5th century AD, it is famous for its unique collection into one of the most BC by his physician and The Ancient Egyptians The Mastaba of Ti AD, north of the site of the Fortress of Babylon, the mosque is of icons. magnificent Oriental architect, Imhotep. considered to be the first in Egypt. Simple in design, it represents markets. carved spacious Finally, after several The reliefs in this schools of architecture from several different periods. ditches in the rock, extensions, it became a mastaba are considered The Church of St. Sergius The church is the oldest in Cairo. Kerdasah Famous where they placed 60-metre high stepped-pyramid composed of six steps in the to be among the most Consisting of a nave and two aisles, it is an example of an for its embroidered Mosque of Ahmed Ibn Tulun The oldest entirely preserved wooden boats to be at middle of the necropolis of Saqqara. At the base, the Step Pyramid beautiful examples from architectural style of the early Christian basilica. The Holy Family is cotton and silk dresses (galabeyas) as well as other handmade the disposal of the the period of the Old Islamic monument. It is the largest mosque in the country. is rectangular and measures 123.5 x 107 metres, and is surrounded believed to have stayed in a crypt under the church. products. king when he went on Kingdom, with scenes It was built between 876 – 879 AD, and has a unique by a mortuary representation of Zoser, which is the oldest stone his journey to the structure of this dimension in the world. showing men and feature - an external spiral staircase winding up as a The Virgin’s Tree This is the spot where the Virgin Mary rested Harrania An important centre for the production of handmade “after world” with the women at various jobs minaret. with the Child Jesus, when they went to Egypt. carpets. sun god Ra. Early The Pyramid of Unas The pyramid of Unas, the last pharaoh of such as ship-building, ploughing and reaping grain.

Currency The unit of currency is the Egyptian pound Health Regulations A vaccination document is not Practical Hints (LE) divided into 100 piasters (PT). required unless someone is arriving from infected areas in which case they will require a certificate proving that they Foreign Exchange Regulations You are allowed to have been vaccinated against yellow fever or cholera. enter Egypt with a maximum of 5,000 LE. There are no There is no special insurance agreement with Egypt. restrictions or limitations for foreign currencies. However, Physicians’ bills must be paid immediately. from US$10,000 onwards, the amount should be declared. Photography Ideal exposure conditions. In some cases, it is prohibited to take photographs of places such as Travellers’ cheques, Visacards Euro cheques and bridges, military installations and ports. travellers’ cheques can be cashed in banks and hotels. Antiques Both the trade and export of antiques are Visa, American Express and Eurocard can be used for prohibited. Copies and replicas can be bought at in the purchases in a wide range of stores or for cash advances Egyptian Museum. at many banks. Voltage 220 Volt A/C. An adapter for European-plugs Car Rentals Cars can be rented through international is needed. car hire agencies or some hotels, but only by those who are at least 21-years-old and have an international driving Some Important Contacts: licence. Tourist Friends Ass. Regulations for Private Vehicles For the entry of Entry Travellers from the UK and Republic of Ireland 33. Kasr El Nil Street, Cairo private vehicles, the following documents are required: entering Egypt need a passport valid for at least six Tel: 00202 2417 3036 months after departure from Egypt and must obtain visas Carnet de Passage from Egyptian consulates overseas or at the airport upon International driving licence Tourist Offices in Egypt: arrival. International registration document Cairo Airport 02- 2269 5475 Cairo Pyramids 02-2383 8823 A third party insurance must be concluded directly upon Some nationalities must obtain a visa from the Egyptian Consulate Alex. Raml Station 03- 484 3380 entering the country. prior to travel. It is necessary to fill in an application form and attach Luxor Nile St. 095- 237 3274 one passport-size photo. Automobile et Touring Club Aswan 097- 230 3297 d´Egypte, 10, Kasr el Nil St., Cairo New Valley 092-7821686 Egyptian Embassies & Consulates Tel: 00202 2574 3355 069- 366 4721 065- 3463221 Egyptian Consulate Youth Hostels There are 15 youth hostels in Egypt. Tourist Police 02- 2531 9088 2 Lowndes Street, London SW1X 9ET Minimum age: six years. Hostels are generally open from Tel: 020 7235 9777 or 020 7235 9719 8.00 – 10.00am and from 17.00 – 21.00pm Fax: 020 7235 5684 With the compliments of: E-mail: [email protected] Business Hours Weekly day of rest is Friday Egyptian State Tourist Office Website: www.egyptianconsulate.co.uk Bank open from 9.30 am – 12.30 pm Egyptian House, Third Floor Most shops are open from 9.00 am – 18.00 pm 170 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EJ Republic of Ireland – Egyptian Embassy Museums: in winter, 9.00 am – 15.00 pm Tel: 020 7493 5283 Fax: 020 7408 0295 12 Clyde Road, Dublin 4, Ireland Email: [email protected] Egyptian Museum: 9.00 am – 17.00 pm Tel: 003531 660 6566 Fax: 003531 668 3745 Website: www.egypt.travel Email: [email protected] (Special opening hours in the month of Ramadan Website: www.embegyptireland.ie and on Fridays).

CYPRUS EUROPE

ASIA M e d e a i t e r r a n e a n S EGYPT

AFRICA

Beaches Sidi Barani Sallum Diving Sites Marsa Rosetta Damietta Golf Courses Matruh Alexandria El Arish Rafah El Mansura Port Said Bardawil Main Airports S Lake Porto U Sidi Abd E Zaranik Marina Z Damanhur TANIS Main Roads el Rahman Borg C

A El Arab Tanta Ismailia N A Marina Wadi el- L El Alamein Natroun Zagazig Timsah Lake Monasteries

Cairo Monuments PYRAMIDS Suez Museums a n OF GIZA Giza Oyoun Musa r io ta s PYRAMIDS Ain Qara Oasis t s OF SAQQARA Memphis Ras Sidr Taba National Parks a e Sukhna Taba r Heights Siwa Oasis Q p Qaroun Qaroun PORTO Sinai Lake Pharaoh’s Island AMON TEMPLE e Lake EL SUKHNA Oases D SERABIT Taba Siwa Gabal El Mawta Fayoum EL KHADIM Cleopatra El Fayoum Oasis Za’farana Ports Gabal Bath Wadi Abu

El Rayan Beni Suef ST CATHERINE’S El Dakrur Siwa ST ANTHONY’S Rudeis Ras Abu MONASTERY Gallum a Pyramids MONASTERY b

t a t Areg St Catherine T rea r q Sound & L h e G ST PAUL’S Area A

e E a f e MONASTERY G Light Shows Sa d S s MOUNT MOSES o n Ras u f e a l l f Gharib Bawiti D o El Tur u Tourist D f G s Su Nabq Information ALEXANDER e MONS ez n THE GREAT TEMPLE El Minya t Offices Bahariyya PORPHYRITES Sharm el-Sheikh r Oasis s e e BANI HASAN e r White TOMBS n t Desert TONA EL GABAL RUINS r ert Mallawi t Ras Mohammed s White Des e TEL EL AMARNA Hurghada W Farafra Oasis Asyut Qasr Farafra MONS CLAUDIANUS Nile River Abu minqar

Ge Sohag lf K WADI eb Qena ir ABYDOS HAMMAMAT El Quseir DANDARA

VALLEY OF THE KINGS Qus R El Qasr Ain Umm Dakhla Dabadib KARNAK Oasis e AL BAGAWAT Al Kharga Luxor NECROPOLIS d Mut Esna Port Ghalib Bulaq TEMPLE S N Kharga OF KHNOUM ew Oasis Edfu e V al TEMPLE a le OF HORUS y Kom Ombo Baris TEMPLE OF SOBEK & HAREORIS Wadi El Gemal Dush Saluga & Ghazale Aswan EZBET DUSH SAAD EL-ALI, Berenice THE HIGH DAM PHILAE KALABSHA

f Cancer Lake Nasser Shalatin WADI EL-SUBUA AMADA Tushka Qasr Ibram ABU SIMBEL

O T 1

0 Temperatures January February March April May June July August September October November December Degrees C Min/Max Min/Max Min/Max Min/Max Min/Max Min/Max Min/Max Min/Max Min/Max Min/Max Min/Max Min/Max Alexandria 9.3 18.3 9.7 19.2 11.2 21.0 13.5 23.6 16.7 26.5 20.2 28.2 27.2 29.6 22.9 30.4 21.3 29.4 17.8 27.7 14.8 24.4 11.2 20.4 Cairo 8.6 19.1 9.3 20.7 11.3 23.7 13.9 28.3 17.4 32.4 17.9 34.5 21.5 35.4 21.6 34.8 19.9 32.3 17.8 29.8 13.9 24.1 10.4 20.7 Minya 3.9 20.6 5.4 22.5 7.8 25.4 11.7 30.2 16.7 35.4 18.8 36.3 20.2 37.0 20.5 36.6 18.6 33.4 15.9 31.2 11.5 26.6 7.0 21.7 Luxor 5.4 23.0 6.8 25.4 10.7 29.0 15.7 34.8 20.7 39.3 22.6 40.7 23.6 40.8 23.5 41.0 21.5 38.5 17.8 35.1 12.3 29.6 7.7 24.8 Aswan 8.0 23.8 9.4 26.1 12.6 30.4 17.5 35.0 21.2 38.5 24.2 42.1 24.5 41.2 24.7 41.3 22.2 39.6 19.3 36.6 14.5 30.2 9.9 25.5 Matruh 8.1 18.1 8.4 18.9 9.7 20.3 11.8 22.7 14.5 25.5 18.2 27.8 20.2 29.2 21.0 29.9 19.7 28.7 16.8 27.0 13.3 23.4 10.0 19.7 Port Said 11.3 18.0 21.1 18.7 13.5 20.2 16.1 22.6 19.6 25.8 22.4 28.5 24.1 30.4 24.9 30.9 23.9 29.2 21.8 27.4 18.4 24.0 13.7 19.9 Ismailia 8.1 20.4 9.1 21.7 11.0 23.9 13.6 27.6 17.3 32.1 20.2 34.8 22.2 36.4 22.5 36.5 20.7 33.9 17.8 30.7 13.9 26.6 10.0 21.5 Siwa 4.1 19.7 5.7 21.8 8.2 25.0 12.1 29.9 16.8 34.3 19.2 37.1 20.7 38.0 20.7 37.8 18.3 35.1 14.9 31.7 10.1 26.3 6.0 21.3 two obelisks, the Sacred Lake, the huge Scarabeus and the Sphinx of fertility, in whose Medinet Habu Tomb of Nefertari (no. 66) Avenue that connects the Karnak Temple with the Luxor Temple. tribute the pharaoh The complex at Medinet Habu consists of the Temple of Ramses III. Nefertari was the wife of Ramses II. had to sacrifice a The beautiful South Gate, known as the Royal Pavilion, is of an Temple of Luxor This temple was dedicated to Amun-Ra, whose white bull. The imposing almost militaristic appearance. Even the reliefs on the Tomb of Amun-her-Chepeshef (no. 55) marriage to Mut was celebrated annually, when a sacred procession temple also contains walls of the towers underline the "war-like" character of the building, He was a son of Ramses III. moved by boat from the Temple of Karnak to the Temple of Luxor. a broken statue of as they depict the sacrifice of prisoners. The latter was built by the two pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramses King Ramses II, which Tomb of Queen Titi (no. 52) II and placed in the middle of the city overlooking the Nile. The was once the biggest The temple of Ramses III is, stylistically, one of the most perfect She was one of of Ramses’ wives. temple axis was bent in order to build the straight Sphinx-Avenue to in the world, buildings of Ancient Egypt. Beyond the pylon which is 27m high the Temple of Karnak. Originally, six huge statues of Ramses II were weighing 1000 tons. and decorated with war scenes, visitors enter the first courtyard, one Tomb of Cha-em Waset (no. 44) placed outside, three of which remain today. In front of the temple, side of which is taken up by a decorated gallery with Osirian pillars. He was a son of Ramses III. there is a red granite obelisk. It was one of two and the second is Hatshepsut-Temple (Deir el-Bahari) Senmut, who was Queen Beyond other gates and other courtyards one eventually arrives at now on the Place de la Concorde in Paris, having been taken there Hatshepsut’s architect, constructed this three-terraced funerary the last hypostyle hall, which is dominated by a group of statues The Tombs of the Nobles Luxor in 1836. temple next to the 500-years-older Temple of Montuhotep. A depicting Ramses III with the god Thot. and the Workers Luxor (or Thebes) was also called the “city of a hundred gates.” Just number of beautiful reliefs depict expeditions into the mysterious Tomb of Menena (no. 69) a little village during the Memphis era, it was the spot where the territory of “Punt” in Africa, and scenes of birth. Tombs Menena lived in the time of Thutmosis IV, and the paintings in his god of war, Montu, was worshipped. Its importance started to Further Interesting Tombs These can be found in the Valley of the Kings and in the Valley of tomb are still very vivid. In fact, they contain scenes that are among increase appreciably from the 10th dynasty onwards for both Deir el-Medina In addition to the temple, dating from the time of Tomb of Haremhab (no. 57) the Queens. Many are the tombs of nobles and their workers. (It the most elegant in the whole necropolis. political and geographical reasons, until, finally, it became the capital Amenophis II, a sanctuary was constructed in Ptolemaic times An unfinished tomb in which all the steps taken by ancient Egyptian should be noted that some may be closed for restoration without of Egypt in the New Kingdom. The god Amun, part of the triad, dedicated to the goddesses Hathor and Maat. Behind it was the architects to build such a structure can be studied. former settlement of the necropolis workers, who used their free prior notice). The Tomb of Ramose (no. 55) which also included Mut and Khonsu, was worshipped there with Ramose was one of the state officials during the reign of great pomp. Every victory and triumph was celebrated by the time to build their own tombs. (see Tomb of Sennedjem). Tombs in the Valley of the Kings Amenophis III and Akhenaton, and his tomb is considered very construction of a new and grandiose temple in his honour. The The canyon, once called the "Gates of the Kings", is now known as interesting because it elucidates a contemporary change of style. Karnak Temple was extended and embellished during the reign of The Colossi of Memnon The only remains of the temple of King the Valley of the Kings. It is a place of death, as once the Great Kings the most important Pharaohs over several centuries. Today, the Amenophis III are the “Colossi of Memnon.” These two gigantic were buried there in huge stone sarcophagi. The valley consists of The Tomb of Nakht (no. 52) former wealth of the city is still in evidence. Opposite the temples at statues, cut out of single blocks of sandstone, are 17.9 metres high and weigh more than 700 tons. Originally, they were placed at the both east and west branches, the former containing most of the Nakht was one of the astronomers of King Thutmosis IV. Only the the east bank, which served for the veneration of the gods, are Luxor Museum The museum, situated between the Temples of entrance of the greatest mortuary temple in Thebes, which, royal burial sites. The tombs, carved in rock, were designed to vestibule is decorated, showing scenes of the growing of wheat, those of the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, the tombs of nobles Luxor and Karnak, houses, among other things, relics from the time unfortunately, disappeared, having been used as a quarry in the resemble the Underworld. harvesting, hunting and fishing. and many mortuary temples. of Akhenaten (Amarna Period), the only king who worshipped just Ramses period. The colossi received their name from the legend of one god and who transferred the capital from Thebes to Tell-el- Tomb of Sennedjem (no. 1) Memnon, the son of the “dawn” in Greek mythology. Tomb of Seti I (no. 17) Amarna. A highlight of the museum is the reconstruction of a wall, The tomb of this worker consists only of a single arched coffin- East Luxor It is one of the biggest and at the same time, one of the most 18 metres in length, from the temple of Akhenaton in Thebes. The chamber, but its decoration is unique. On one side of the tomb, a Temple of Karnak beautiful tombs. About 100 metres long, it was built on two axis wall consists of hundreds of small illustrations, including one of the painting depicts Sennedjem working in the fields of Iaru (paradise), This temple was carved into limestone. It consists of several chambers, most of them Pharaoh and Queen Nefertiti worshipping the sun. Statues and ploughing, sowing and harvesting grain. On the other side, he is extended and decorated with scenes of the king being introduced to the portraits, which were found underneath the Luxor Temple some Tomb of Ramses III shown worshipping gods in the “after life.” widened over nearly Underworld. years ago, can also be seen. Built on two axis and decorated with beautiful colours. two thousand years. After the god Amun, Tutankhamun (no. 62) Tomb of Thutmosis III it was also dedicated West Luxor This tomb made history because it was the only one that remained Paintings in the tomb - showing all twelve hours of the night to other gods such as The west bank of Luxor was the necropolis of ancient Thebes, virtually intact until it was discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. through the beliefs of Ancient Egyptian mythology - are noted for Ptah and Chonsu. The where kings, queens, princes, princesses, nobles, priests and even Tutankhamun was the son-in-law of King Akhenaten. Unlike its their concise graphic style, and are considered among the most oldest parts of the some of their workers were buried. contents, the tomb itself is very modest, perhaps because it was beautiful in the valley. temple are situated in built in great haste as a result of the unexpected death of the young the east and date from the 11th dynasty. But its most truly Ramesseum This mortuary temple was constructed by Ramses II. king. The stone sarcophagus and the bigger wooden coffin still astonishing feature is the unique and immense hypostyle hall, 102 Its decoration again shows the exploits of the pharaoh who stopped containing the mummy are left in the burial chamber. Most of the Tombs in the Valley of the Queens metres long and 53 metres wide, containing 134 sandstone the Hethites advance. However, there are also scenes depicting the other treasures found in the tomb are on show in the Egyptian In this valley can be seen 74 tombs of queens, princes and columns, which are arranged into 16 rows. Also worth seeing are festivities held in the first month of summer to honour Min, the god Museum in Cairo. princesses from the 18th to the 20th dynasty.

Graeco-Roman era) is the Nilometer, which dates back to the The Unfinished Obelisk Temples between the 22nd of October, early in the morning, the sun‘s rays penetrate Romans and shows the height of the Nile floods in Greek, Demotic This huge partially completed obelisk measures 41m in length and Luxor and Aswan the whole temple to bring light into its sanctuary. and Arabic inscriptions. would have weighed 1680 tons when finished. It is still important, The Temple of Esna though, because it shows the techniques used by the Ancient Located in the town of Esna, about 60 kilometres south of Luxor, Egyptians in cutting out these columns of granite rock. the temple has a hypostyle hall with pictures and texts showing those Roman emperors who visited Egypt offering sacrifices to their The Monastery of St. Simeon deities. Dating back to the 6th century AD, the monastery can be reached by foot or by camel. Inside are the remains of a roofless basilica and The Temple of Edfu many well-preserved frescoes. The centre of the city of Edfu, 123 km north of Aswan, houses one of the best-preserved sandstone temples in Egypt. Dedicated to The Tombs of the Nobles Horus, the falcon-headed god, it was built during the Ptolemaic The northern hills of the West Bank are filled with rock-cut tombs of reign in 240 BC. The temple rivals those at Luxor in grandeur, ASWAN princes from the Old and Middle Kingdom, dating back to the 23rd containing a Nilometer, a Court of Offerings and a huge pylon at its Aswan is located about 850 km south of Cairo and is one of the century BC. The inscriptions covering their walls depict the role of entrance, which is guarded by two beautiful black granite statues most beautiful winter resorts in Egypt because of its dry and mild the nobles in protecting Egypt’s southern border and making depicting Horus in the form of a falcon. climate. Although the narrow alleys around the 3 km long bazaar journeys to other African territories. bustled with activity, the city abounds with calmness that visitors The Agha Khan Temples South of Aswan find very relaxing. The Aswan High Dam regulates irrigation demand Mausoleum These temples were moved because of the rising level of Lake and electricity for almost the whole of Egypt. The final resting place Nasser, and can be best seen while on a cruise on the lake. of the deceased The Temple of Philae leader of the Ismaylia The Temple of Bait-el-Wali Small Temple of Abu Simbel The Temple of the Goddess Isis of Philae was dismantled after the sect (in 1957), this This rock-hewn temple is one of five built by Ramses II in Nubia. It This temple is located north of the great temple. Its facade is Aswan Dam was constructed between 1973 – 1981 and re- mausoleum stands on comprises a courtyard, a hypostyle hall, and an area containing adorned with six statues, four of them commemorating Ramses II positioned on the island of Agilika. It is one of the best-preserved the West Bank multi-coloured texts and inscriptions, together with scenes of the and two in memory of his wife, Nefertari. The main hall contains six Graeco-Roman temples having been constructed of sandstone opposite the Old king on the battlefield. columns bearing the head of the god Hathor. Reliefs show the king between 250 BC and 111 AD. Cataract Hotel. It is an fighting and the couple offering sacrifices to the gods. In the exquisite example of Islamic architecture. The Temple of Kalabasha sanctuary, there’s a beautiful relief of Hathor. Dating back to the Roman Emperor Octavius Augustus (30 BC–14 Botanical Garden AD), this temple was moved from its original site 55km south of Also known as Kitchener’s Island with equatorial tropical trees Aswan, on the west bank, and rebuilt 1 km to the south of the High and shrubs is perfect for a peaceful and relaxing stroll. Dam. It was dedicated to a local god called Mandulis.

ABU SIMBEL The High Dam The great temple of Abu Simbel was dedicated to Amon-Ra, Re-Har- The first dam at Aswan was built between 1898–1902, and, after Achte and Ptah, but, in reality, it was constructed for the greater two raisings, in 1912 and 1934, it was considered that a new one glory of its builder, Ramses II. The second and smaller temple is built was required. This was built between 1960–1971 in co-operation to honour Nefertari, Ramses II’s wife and is dedicated to the with the former Soviet Union. It is 111 metres high, about 4 km long goddess Hathor. and 40 metres wide at the top. At the base, it reaches a width of Elephantine Island 980 metres. One of the results of the dam is that it has created Lake The Temple of Kom Ombo Great Temple of Abu Simbel This island was one of the strongest forts along Egypt’s southern Nasser, the world’s third largest artificial lake. In Kom Ombo, about 45 km north of Aswan on the east bank of the The facade of the temple is 33 metres high and 38 metres wide. It border. Its chief deity was “Khnum,” who had a ram-shaped head Nile, the impressive remains of a Graeco-Roman temple of consists of four colossal statues of the Pharaoh seated on his throne. and was seen as the creator of mankind. Near to the island’s Shopping Possibilities in Aswan somewhat unusual style can be found. In fact, it is a "double temple" Each is 20 metres high, measures four metres from ear to ear and museum, (which is located east of the remains of an ancient Among favoured items for sale are spices, mallow and tamarisk the right-hand part having been consecrated to the god Sobek, one metre along the line of the lips. It is here where the "miracle of settlement and houses a number of important relics from the blossoms for making tea, galabeyas and jewellery. while the one on the left was dedicated to the god Haroeris. the sun" takes place. Twice a year, on the 22nd of February and on

bubbles from whic h visitors to Alexandria can see the underwater The Tombs of Kom Al-Shoquafa city for themselves. These catacombs, the largest known Roman burial site in Egypt, were constructed in the 1st and 2nd century AD, probably as a The section of ancient Alexandria that has been found is believed to family crypt. They consist of three storeys of tombs and chambers be the island of Antirhodos on which Cleopatra’s palace stood. cut into the rock, and are unique both for their architecture and Nearby was Timonium, the palace where Marc Anthony lived durin g decoration, which is a mixture of Egyptian and Graeco-Roman. his stay in Alexandria. THE WHITE MED .Among the stunning discoveries at the sites - where the cities of Herakleion, Canopus and Menouthis once stood - are remarkably White sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, a mix of culture, The Pompey Pillar preserved houses, temples, port infrastructure and colossal statues. activity and relaxation combined with breathtaking scenery The cities - probably built during the waning days of the pharaohs This nine-metre high pillar was erected around 297 AD. and fantastic weather, this is the White Med. in the 7th or 6th century BC - will be left as they are in the sea and A beautiful stretch of land overlooking the Mediterranean Sea only smaller pieces will be retrieved for museums. dotted with great cities and state of the art resorts it comprises Alexandria in the East and El Alamein , Ghazala and Sidi The Graeco-Roman Museum Abdelrahman, Almaza and Marsa Matruh in the West. The This beautiful museum contains about 40,000 exhibits dating White Med, which is less than 5 hours away from the UK, is back to the beginning of the 3rd century BC. The collection includes Other Points of Interest not only Egypt's most precious destination on the The sunken Royal Quarters a splendid black granite sculpture of Apis, many statues of Serapis and busts and statues from the Graeco-Roman period. There are lso The Fort of Qait Bay Mediterranean but it is also the main gateway to the Huge excitement has surrounded Alexandria over recent years This impressive medieval fortress of the 15th century was built at mysterious desert and its nearly untouched oasis especially in following some most extraordinary finds. In the mid fifth-century AD sarcophagi, mummies, pottery, bas-reliefs, coins, jewellery and tapestries. the site of the Pharos Lighthouse, using the latter’s foundations and Siwa. the Royal Quarters sank under the sea following a series of tidal debris. Today, it hosts also a marine museum. waves and earthquakes and the streets where Cleopatra and Marc ALEXANDRIA Antony were a familiar sight disappeared forever. Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt and one of the However, marine archaeologists have now literally dredged up the past, bringing up a number of relics and artifacts covered by centuries of silt. What they have found so far includes a large Montazah Palaces and Gradens granite Acres of gardens and a beautiful beach in the western part of country’s major ports. It was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 head that is Alexandria make Montazah the city’s foremost leisure resort. The BC, and its cultural, spiritual and economical bloom surpassed all possibly of the The Mosque of Mursi Abul Abbas palaces (the Slamlek and the Haramlek) are a grand architecture expectations - its highlight being the legendary lighthouse on the built in a mixture of Turkish and Florentine styles. Emperor The Tomb of Al-Shatby This Andalusian-style mosque is the largest in the city and it was Island of Pharos, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Augustus, two The architectural style of this necropolis follows the model used for built in 1769 on top of a tomb of a 13th century Muslim cleric. World. The city was also the most powerful and prosperous Sphinxes, a Golf building Greek houses. The tombs date back to the 3rd century BC, provincial city of the Roman Empire, and remained the capital of statue of a Priest Golfers can enjoy an 18-hole course at the Alexandria Sporting and are the oldest so far discovered in Alexandria. Egypt for the of Isis (an Club. next 900 years Egyptian under Ptolemaic, Goddess) holding The Tombs of Moustafa Kamel Transport Roman and a Canopic These tombs date back to the 3rd century BC, and differ from other Alexandria can be reached from Cairo on a daily basis by air, Byzantine rule. Jar, and a Ptolemaic tombs in their inscriptions, which describe the daily train and bus. There are also bus connections to Marsa Matruh and wrecked ship activities and religious beliefs of the deceased. Al-Alamein World famous dating back to 90 library BC. Now, there The Roman Theatre The once world-renowned library of Alexandria, containing are plans This small Roman theatre with its 13 white, marble terraces is the 500,000 volumes, was frequently visited by philosophers, poets, are to build a only one of its kind in Egypt. It was discovered quite recently and is artists and scientists but was destroyed by fire during the reign of network of plastic situated in the heart of Alexandria. Queen Cleopatra. However, another library has been re-built on tubes and exactly the same spot.

EL ALAMEIN six swimming pools (including two especially for kids) offering the oracle consulted by Alexander the Great in 331 BC. Sit and admire THE OASIS OF WADI EL NATROUN Deir Anba Bishoi or Monastery of St Pshoi, who founded Old Cairo is among the most important locations visited by Situated around 106 km to the West of Alexandria it played an opportunities for all kinds of water sports. Diving and snorkelling the sea of palm trees stretched out below. Do not miss out on a swim (THE HOLY FAMILY IN EGYPT) not only this monastery but also the close by Al-Sorian’s. The the Holy Family where the spiritual impact of their presence is important role during the battles of World War II. A military museum facilities are also provided in addition to a fully equipped gym. in the slightly fizzy water of the spring pools. Some date from the time church contains the remains of the saint and two charming most felt still. Some of such sites in the Fortress of Babylon explains in detailed maps and models all these battles and a number With white sandy beaches and clear waters reflecting the sunshine in of the Roman occupation whilst others have been more recently One of the most significant places in the Western Desert is chapels. The desert view from the top of its fortified keep is area are , The Church of Abu Serga, Al-Muallaqa or Hanging of big guns, tanks and airplanes on display giving a glimpse on how thousands of shades of greens and blues, this resort is ideal for sun constructed to irrigate Wadi El Natroun, situated 100 km north west of Cairo. It is a breathtaking. Church, The Church of St Barbara and the Convent of St fierce the fighting was. worshippers and also those who need a lot of activity with the the gardens. geological salt lakes’ vale indented in the Desert, that owes Other points of interest are the Commonwealth war cemetery, the possibility for daily excursions to El Alamein, Alexandria or Marsa Baharia Oasis Georges to mention just a few. At the Fustat section of the German military cemetery and the Italian war cemetery. Matruh. The four villages of its name to the Natroun salt, very relevant to Ancient city, The Church of the Virgin Mary of Al-Demshiria, The this oasis are Egyptians as it was employed in the mummification Church of St Mercurios Abu Sefein are among the holy MARSA MATRUH scattered around a procedure. It is a birdwatchers paradise and became the site places. An air of devotion pervades the whole district. This beautiful little city on the White Med has become a tourist depression of many monasteries in spiritual commemoration of the Holy Nevertheless, the most meaningful destination of all in the resort for Europeans and Cairenes especially during the surrounded by dunes Family’s passage through the valley. The monasteries benefit land of Egypt is Mount Qussqam. There, the Monastery of Al summer months. It is served by Marsa Matruh International topped with black from the atmosphere of seclusion and tranquillity that engulfs Muharrag was built around the cave where the Holy Family Airport and domestic flights from Cairo. volcanic rocks. Up the whole dale, and deserve a visit for their fine examples of dwelt for six months. This area is also known as Second until the Middle Ages, Baharia was an ideal stopping place for Coptic art: Bethlehem. On their way back, they retraced more or less As the rest of the White Med, Marsa Matruh is known for its caravans from the Maghreb en route to Mecca. It is very accessible, white soft sand and crystal clear waters. The main bay is being linked to the capital by an asphalt road. their steps on their outward journey across Sinai to Palestine. protected from the open sea by a string of small islands acting Farafra Oasis Deir El Baramus or Monastery of the Romans, the oldest as a natural breakwater and transforming it into a huge of the sites in the Wadi, houses five churches. St John the Subsequent Biblical history says it all: they arrived home in Marina El Alamein is a popular resort with many water sports facilities, This is the smallest and least frequented of the five oases. Those who swimming pool. Baptist’s Church lodges a superb ivory icon work. Nazareth, from where the message of Christ would, in the a huge marina, a golf course, a hotel and many villas laid around a love tranquillity and who yearn for solitude after the crowded Nile Deir Abu Makar, or Monastery of St Makarios, some 20 Among the most important places to visit is Rommel Island and Valley should have no hesitation in heading for Farafra. It lies on a km south of St Pshoi’s, has given many Coptic popes among fullness of time, be heard. series of man made lagoons. the Rommel hideout or cave in addition to Ageeba, a beautiful plateau of white sand with pockets of green here and there concealing its monks and contains tombs of many patriarchs and martyrs fjord surrounded by high cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. a few mud houses. Paths in the sand lead from Qasr el-Farafra, the GHAZALA AND SIDI ABDELRAHMAN Marsa Matruh is also considered the gateway to the desert including the founder’s itself. It is the most secluded and it is These two regions are around 130 km to the West of Alexandria and biggest village, and crisscross the palm grove which provides shade necessary to obtain a visit permission issued by its Cairo where the oasis of Siwa is only 300 kms away. from the dancing rays of the sun. Visitors should not miss a trip into some 30 km away from El Alamein and only a few kilometres away administrative office. from El Alamein International Airport and are regarded as top OASES AND THE WESTERN DESERT the White Desert, around forty kilometres from the oasis. Sand and addresses on the White Med especially because of the new black rocks give way to strange limestone concretions in the shape of Oceans of golden dunes, moonscapes with bizarre rock formations pyramids, mushrooms and icebergs, as far as the eye can see. The development that is taking place on Sidi Abdelrahman Bay worth and endless kilometres of rocky plains make up the Western Desert. billions of dollars. landscape is a magical sight at dawn and sunset. An extension of the Sahara the Western Desert is dotted with oases, Dakhla Oasis Typically for the White Med the sand is white, the water is clear and lying like islands in the ocean. These are linked by a thousand- even in summer a cooling breeze is coming in from the Sea. It is almost possible to forget about the desert here, as the land is so kilometre trail tracing a zigzag across the map. fertile: Dakhla appears as a succession of palm groves, orchards and With an array of water sports facilities and the possibility of daily The oases are famous for their dry climate, humidity never exceeds excursions to Alexandria or El Alamein there is something to do for market gardens. A number of lovely excursions – involving some everyone. distance and therefore requiring transport – leave from Mut and lead to some interesting sites: the deserted citadel of El-Qasr, the necropolis ALMAZA at Balat, the temple at Deir el-Haggar and pharaonic remains at El Deir Al-Sorian or Musawaka with its Roman Necropolis. The Almaza Beach Resort is only 38 km from Marsa Matruh Monastery of the International Airport directly located on a beautiful bay on the Kharga Oasis Kharga is worth the Syrians, named after the Mediterranean. It is yet another hot spot on the Egypt’s White Med Syrian monks who featuring three state of the art hotels built in a beautiful Mediterranean detour thanks to its style of architecture. ancient sites, namely the inhabited the monastery The facilities in the resorts are staggering. Three restaurants, five bars, Temple of Hibis, sole in the 8th century, architectural evidence of contains exquisite wall 9.5%. Their mineral water springs are said to be good for the the Persian occupation treatment of rheumatic and digestive ailments, colds and allergies. paintings in its Church of Egypt, and the of the Virgin Mary. The The Holy Family found haven in Egypt for almost four years Siwa Oasis Christian necropolis of library accommodates after their flight from Bethlehem for fear of King Herod’s Stretching eighty kilometres in length and dotted with limestone Bagawat. Perched on outcrops, mineral springs and two salt lakes, Siwa has a culture based the side of a hill, the necropolis contains several hundred tombs dating many valuable books persecution. Through the centuries their epic journey has on dates and olives making it feel rather like the Garden of Eden. In the from the fifth century. Some have preserved their wall paintings and manuscripts and been revived and revered by Egyptians with many holy sites. centre of the settlement of Shali, the oasis’ main town, stand some depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. About 20 km the small museum The sacred travellers ventured all the way from Bethlehem, strange, ghostly ruins. These are all that remains of the old village, south of Kharga lays the Temple of Al Ghuwaytah, from the 25th houses a fine collection through Sinai, to Sakha in the north of the Nile Delta to Assiut destroyed last century by torrential rains. dynasty, dedicated to the gods Amun of icons. in Middle Egypt. A few sandy paths lead to the Temple of Amun. Standing on an and Mut.

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