Secret must-see sites in Egypt
Egypt, the origin of civilization, is primarily identified for the Nile River, the mysterious Pyramids, and the Great Sphinx which date back to the ancient Pharaohs.
When planning an Egypt agenda, you will no doubt have the highlights of visiting the Nile River Valley, the city of Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, and the 4500-year-old limestone monuments of Giza.
If you are an Egyptophile, you have knowledge about mummies, temples, archaeology, and early Egyptian royalty. But if you are a bucket lister who wants to experience Egypt, and wants more than a guidebook experience, here are some of the secrets while visiting Egypt.
Djoser Pyramid – is an archaeological site approximately ten minutes northwest of the ancient capital city of Memphis, the home of the Sphinx.
Found in the city of Saqqara approximately 30 minutes outside of Cairo, the early burial ground of the ancient Egyptian Pharaohs was built in the 27th Century BC. Using stone and clay, this step pyramid is the first of a long line of pyramids designed by master Egyptian builders.
Originally built in the mastaba style with a flat roof and sloping sides it served as the necropolis (cemetery) for the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis.
Djoser is part of a large necropolis site known as the “tombs of the nobles”. Here many tombs of court officials and lesser royalty can be discovered.
The tomb eventually evolved into a 200-foot six-layer pyramid. Within the structure, the limestone walls contain images painted approximately 4,500 years ago. Underneath the pyramid is a labyrinth of tunnels almost 3.5 miles long. The pyramid and the complex are an amazing representation of early Egyptian architecture and with seven other structures in the area it is one of the largest complexes built at the time.
Khan el-Khalili – during a visit to Old Cairo, visiting a bazaar or suq market will transport you back in time. The main trade area established by the Muslims in the 14th century is now a standard part of the Cairene’s lifestyle and a must-see attraction.
Khan el-Khalili, the largest and most popular of the bazaars features the Suq Market of Old Cairo. Made up of many historic structures combined creating a shopping district that is more than just a souvenir shop. Here you will find handmade items, antiques, spices, gold and copper artifacts, and custom-designed local jewelry.
Visiting is part of the encounter as it i truly is a scavenger hunt of exotic local merchandise scattered throughout a maze of shops and alleyways.
In addition to the shopping experience, there are many old cafes to round out a visit. If you are looking for a great spot to sit, and sip some local tea or try a hookah and people-watch, El-Fishawi is the oldest cafe in the bazaar.
Tip: for a full Egyptian dining experience, head over to Naguib Mahfouz Cafe near the Khan-el-Khalili compound.
Temples of Philae – located near Aswan, a historic city on the river Nile, is an island where a significant number of Egyptian archeological sites can be found.
One of the Nubian major monuments is the sacred former temple site. Built during Egypt’s Pharaonic era the former site was completed in the Greek-Roman period between 332 BC – 395 AD.
The majority of the original ancient structures were relocated brick by brick to Agilkia island for protection from river flooding.
To reach the temple complex, you arrive by rowboat. On your journey, you can explore well-preserved temples and structures from ancient Egypt. Viewing first hand original hieroglyphic reliefs that are still in the process of being translated.
To fully understand the story and history of the complex from its erection to its conversion as a Christian pilgrimage site, visit the site in the evenings for the Sound and Light historical performance.
The Temple of Edfu – is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt.
Found within the lesser-visited Edfu region along the West Bank of the Nile Valley just 2 hours from Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. The temple was built in honor of the first national Egyptian God, Horus, who was also known as Apollo by the Romans.
Horus who represented kingship and the sky is depicted in drawings in the form of a falcon. He was worshiped from the late prehistoric period through Roman Egyptian occupation.
Construction of the temple and the surrounding site started in 237 BC and was completed in 57 BC during rule under Pharaoh Ptolemy III.
Completed by Pharaoh Ptolemy XII, the inscriptions on the walls describe life during the Hellenistic period. Including scenes of the mythical conflict between Horus and Seth for the claim to the throne.
Bucket list-worthy experiences – the last experiences if not already on your to-do list, are recommended for the region:
Take a hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings in Luxor and Queens in Karnak. This unique opportunity offers you views of the temples and monuments as you glide along the banks of the Nile river. Scheduling your flight as the sun rises and illuminates the ancient cities is a once-in-a-lifetime view of the sites that even the Pharaohs themselves did not have.
Discover the view of the city of Cairo from a Felucca. Enjoy traveling by ancient river vessels that were used by royalty. Watch the sunset and sail the Nile river as Egypts Pharaohs and Queens did thousands of years ago.
Egypt is a bucket list experience. Discover the extended history and culture of Egypt on an 11-day Egypt journey, and visit the most important sites and some of the secret sites of the region.
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