Egypt’s rich when it comes to its history and culture. Scattered through the country is a heap of spectacular ancient ruins, guaranteed to astonish you!
Some of Best Egypt Ruins are located in Cairo, the capital, and in Giza. Others are located in unfamous places and all the way west to Upper Egypt.
When you travel to Egypt you will find many tours to a lot of ruins and attractions. However, some ruins are harder to get to, as they are not as famous as top ones.
Here we will take a tour around Egypt, to discover more about those hidden gems, and at the same time, we will mention some of to ruins back there.
Best Egypt Ruins
The Great Pyramids, Giza
When hearing the word Egypt, the first thing that pops into anyone’s mind is the Great Pyramids of Giza. This amazingly well-preserved site never failed to amaze anyone who ever set their eyes upon it, making it on the top of the most tourists bucket list. Giza is a city near Cairo, the capital, just 7 km (just 4 miles) away.
The three pyramids, named, Khufu, Khafra and Menkaure are tombs where kings rest. The staggering architectural composition of these pyramids is one of a kind.
There you can enjoy riding a camel, entering the pyramids or taking a couple of photos to commemorate your trip
Saqqara Pyramids, Giza
Although not as famous as the Great pyramids, the Saqqara pyramids in one of the best ruins in Egypt. As a world heritage site, it’s considered the oldest intact stone building in the world.
Serving the same function as the Great Pyramids, their pyramids serve as the final resting place for various kings and nobles.
Dahshur Pyramids, 40kms south Cairo
Dahshur is one of the most important archaeological sites in Egypt. This is because it was a trial ground for the ancient Egyptians, who attempted shifting the architecture of their pyramids from being step sided (like Saqqara) to smooth-sided (like Khufu).
The Dahshur site included three pyramids. First is the Bent Pyramid, which was the first attempt at building a smooth-sided pyramid. However, it didn’t turn out as expected. Consequently, a second trial was attempted. This time the Red pyramid was successfully built. The Red Pyramid is one of the best-preserved ruins in Egypt. It’s named so due to the material used in its construction; red limestone.
Other majestic pyramids there included the White Pyramid, the Pyramid of Senusret III and the Pyramid of Amennemhat III.
Explore this amazing trial ground, and enjoy watching the unique coloured pyramids.
Abu Rawash
Inspired by the majestic pyramid of his father Khufu, his son, Dejedefre decided to build one for himself. Built on a hillock, archaeologists think it was a huge as his predecessor’s. However, due to climate, it was eventually brought down to its current site.
Still, this site is worth discovering. You can notice the architectural features like the boat pit and the burial pit.
Alexandria
Along the Mediterranean coast of Alexandria lies myriad of Greek and Roman ruins, some of the must-see archaeological marvels during your holiday in Egypt.
Pompey’s Pillar and The Temple of Serapeum
Alexandria’s longest-standing and best-preserved landmark, the Pompey’s Pillar stand on an amazing height of 20.46 metres.
Build out of red Aswan granite, the pillar originally rose through the temple of Serapeum, and was built to commemorate Emperor Diocletian’s victory on revolts.
Interestingly, the temple of Serapeum was built for the worship of Serapis, the hybrid Greek and Egyptian god of Alexandria. Unfortunately, it was ruined during the Jewish revolt.
In addition to the pillar, you can find a couple of sphinxes and a nilometer (a structure that used to measure and record the level of the Nile River in ancient times)
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
An amazing archaeological site located in Alexandria, it’s considered one of the seven wonders of the middle ages.
The site bears multiple tombs, statues and archaeological objects. The moment you step inside, you’ll be in a state of awe. This magnificent structure is a blend of Egyptian, Greek and Roman influences.
The site is made of 3 levels, however, the third level is completely underwater. The first level was built to serve the function of a funeral banquet, where relatives grieved their dead. The second level was where the dead were buried.
Both the Catacombs and the Pompey’s Pillar a close to each other, and tickets to both sites are fairly cheap
Luxor
Upper Egypt was the centre point where the great Ancient Egyptian civilisation rose. Thus scattered along the Nile are multiple archaeological wonders including temples, famous monuments and more.
In Luxor, known as the world’s biggest open museum, you can find a plethora of wonders of archaeology.
Valley of Kings
One of the most important and staggering Ancient Egyptian landmarks is the Valley of Kings. Housing the tombs of more than 70 Pharos, it holds many wonders to be discovered. It’s worth noting that not all tombs are open at the same time, in order to prevent the deterioration of their conditions and for their upkeep.
A world-famous tomb that you’ll find there is the Tutankhamun tomb. The infamous burial spot that kindled the flame of the Mummy’s curse. However, rest assured! The tomb is opened and bustling with tourists marvelling the amazing archaeology before their eyes.
Regardless of the tomb, you’ll visit, it’s guaranteed that you’ll be astonished. The wall is embellished with coloured Pharaonic paintings, thus keep an ear with your guide, who will explain the meanings behind these breathtakingly intricate paintings. A set of stairs will take you downwards underground, where you will see the burial spots of the kings.
Deir el-Medina (Workers’ Village)
All the aforementioned ruins were built for the royalty, ensuring that they’re forever remembered. However, what’s often forgotten are the laborious workers and artists who gave birth to these amazing work of art.
Catching a glimpse of their everyday life is possible through Deir El Medina. One of the best-preserved Ancient Egyptian villages, it offers you an idea of what these ordinary people lived their day-to-day life. There you can find modest houses and tombs. Although not as extravagantly decorated as that of their royals, they’re certainly breathtaking in their own sense
The Karnak Temple
Being the largest temple complex ever built, this majestic temple used to serve as the bustling heart of Thebes (Luxor), the capital of Ancient Egypt. Thus it’s no wonder it’s the sheer size and grandiose.
In addition to being a pivotal religious place of worship, it served administrative purposes. Moreover, it was an abode to multiple Pharos.
The temple is a maze of wonders. Marvel the great architecture, in addition to carvings of kings and important events.
If you choose to fulfil your dream and go on the trip of your dreams, we recommend that you check these tours: Day Tour to Medinet Habu temple and Ramesseum Temple, 6 Days Egypt with On the go tours, and Guided Day tour to Dahshur Pyramids, Giza Pyramids and Sakkara
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