Tourz Store Team
Egypt is known for its iconic ancient sites like the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Valley of the Kings. However, many other lesser-known historical sites in Egypt are equally impressive and worth exploring. Here are five amazing historical sites in Egypt that you've probably never heard of:
The Tombs of the Nobles are located close to the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens and are some of the most impressive but least visited tombs in all of Egypt. The walls of the tombs are much more lively and depict scenes from the noble's everyday life. Visitors are permitted to visit some of the tombs, and the Tomb of Sennefer is said to be one of the best of the noble tombs for visitors to see because of the colours and how well it has been preserved.
Saqqara is a large complex with numerous pyramids located only about 30km from Cairo. The Step Pyramid of Djoser is the best-known pyramid at Saqqara and is the first pyramid to have been built in Egypt. Before this, Egypt used burial sites called mastabas which were basic structures with flat roofs. The Pyramid of Djoser comprises six mastabas stacked on top of each other, giving it its unique step-type look. The area is also home to two more unique pyramids, the crooked pyramid and the Red Pyramid.
The Dendera temple is one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt, yet few tourists visit it. The temple complex is about 1.6 miles from Dendera town and covers about 430,000 square feet. The main feature of the temple complex is the Hathor Temple, a pilgrimage site for those seeking miracle cures and a hospital. It was also the site for numerous festivals and celebrations. Visitors can explore other attractions at the site, including a sacred lake, the Temple of the Birth of Isis, a sanatorium, and an early Christian church covered in incredibly detailed carved and painted astrological calendars.
Deir Al Medina was the artist's village where the artists who painted and decorated the elaborate tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens lived. Amenhotep I purposefully created and planned the village to help preserve and safekeep the tombs of Egypt's royalty. Today, Deir Al Medina is an archaeological site open to tourists and a great place for those interested in learning about the Egyptian commoner's way of life.
Abydos is an important historic city in Upper Egypt that was crucial in ancient Egypt. It is believed to have started as a burial place for some of the first kings in Egypt between 3000-2890 BC. Abydos is home to several temples, including the Temple of Osiris, a funerary chapel that Egypt's pharaohs changed, rebuilt, and added to over the years. The ruins of the Temple of Osiris can still be visited, along with the Temple of Seti I, known for the wall carving known as the 'Abydos King List', a cartouche that lists the names of many important pharaohs.
Egypt is home to countless incredible archaeological sites and attractions, and new ones are being found daily. While Egypt's best-known attractions are definitely must-sees, these lesser-known sites are equally impressive and worth visiting. If you want to experience a different side of Egypt and escape the crowds, consider adding a few of these sites to your Egypt tour package. From the well-preserved Dendera temple to the Tombs of the Nobles, these sites will impress and leave you with lasting memories of ancient Egypt.
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Tourz Store Team