Discover Egypt's cultural treasures - on the Nile to antique temples and sites

The fascinating civilization of the ancient Egyptians is undoubtedly one of the most impressive and most important in world history. But not only they have shaped this country - other ethnic groups also left their traces, which made Egypt a unique fusion of Arabic, Islam and Mediterranean.

This rich and multi -layered history created an impressive abundance of cultural and archaeological treasures that are second to none. In fact, the country even houses a third of all antiques worldwide.

From the majestic pyramids, the imposing presence of which still causes admiration, to the mighty Nile, which flows quietly through the heart of Egypt, to the barren beauty of the Sahara and the untouched beaches of the Red Sea - Egypt is a travel destination full of incomparable sights that need to be discovered.

The cultural heritage of Egypt - a journey through time and artistry

The North African country with the Nile as a lifeline is revealed to us as a fascinating world in which the sand of the story of past pharaons tells, majestic pyramids are silent witnesses of a past civilization and seamlessly merges the lively culture of Egyptian with the breathtaking landscapes that have been accommodating it for centuries.

Egypt, a country full of opposites, invites us to a journey through the epochs, from the legends of the Enneade to the modern pulse of its cities. Egyptian fashion draws its inspiration from old tradition and contemporary influences. Traditional items of clothing such as the Galabeya and artistically patterned scarves reflect on the past, while modern designers give their creations a fresh touch.

From lively textiles to exquisite jewelry - the Egyptian fashion tells a story that unites generations. There is a symphony of the rich cultural heritage of Egypt, where every artifact, hieroglyyphe and every piece of jewelry carries the echo of a past era.

The artistry of the ancient Egyptians unfolds as a tableau of skill that converted simple materials into works of beauty and awe. Hieroglyphs provide a story that goes back to the beginning of human civilization. In addition to the subtleties of his culture, the legacy of Egypt is a testimony of human achievements.

The pyramids protrude majestically from the desert and have stabbed the imagination for centuries. These monumental buildings, technical masterpieces of their time, are monuments for both human creativity and for the divine force on which their creation was based.

In the country in which the past is alive, modernism shines with a uniquely Egyptian energy. The busy streets of Cairo pulsate from life and mirrors n the joie de vivre of a people who welcomes changes and yet respects his deep roots.

The synthesis of tradition and contemporary life can also be seen between ancient bazaar and modern art galleries, between the whisper of history and the rhythms of the present. And when the sun goes down, Egypt becomes an oasis of nightlife.

Significant places that represent the heart of Egyptian culture

When looking at people, it is important to understand their interior. But the appearance also plays a crucial role in places to grasp their true being. The landscapes and locations of Egypt, such as the majestic pyramids and the mighty Nile, significantly shape the history of the country in the past, present and future.

Let us consider the visual narrative of Egypt through six pioneering places and buildings.

The pyramids

Egypt is proud to accommodate one of the oldest and last remaining wonders of ancient world - the great pyramid of Giza . This pyramid was built for the Pharaoo Khufu more than 5,000 years ago. Despite their global awareness, Egypt houses over 118 more of these imposing tombs.

These monumental buildings are not only memorial sites for pharaohs and queens, but also windows in the thoughts of our ancestors, which focused on the sky. Due to their mystical orientation towards the stars, the pyramids were considered gates to the nightly firmament and illustrate that history still has numerous secrets.

Large Sphinx from Gizeh - watching icon Egyptens

The Sphinx , a mythical creature, melts the elements of lion and humans and is generally considered a symbol of Egyptian culture. Masterfully carved in the rocks of the Giza plateau, she attracts visitors from all over the world.

Numerous secrets are about Sphinx: their origin, their creator, the mystery behind their shape - but mostly the question of how it was created is fascinated. As the largest monolith monument in the world, made from a single block limestone, it exerts an incomparable attraction and reveals the miracle of ancient architecture.

Sand and desert

If you think of Egypt, the desert to mind. About two thirds of the Egyptian landscape are shaped by desert, whereby the eastern desert, the Sinai desert and the western desert (part of the Sahara) dominate. Although the deserts of Egypt look like huge, barren areas at first glance, they actually recover some treasures.

The Egyptians have used the advantages of mining valuable materials such as limestone (think of the Sphinx), granite, amethyst, copper and even gold. But how can these precious materials be best protected? The desert acts as a protective mechanism at the same time, since only the locals know how to find your way around it.

Cairo - pulsating metropolis and cultural melting pots

Cairo , the pulsating capital of Egypt, fascinates one of the most important cities worldwide. With an impressive population of over 19 million people, it is one of the largest cities in Africa and even the world. Cairo is not only the cultural and political heart of Egypt, but also a real treasure trove of Islamic architecture, which is why it is often referred to as the “city of a thousand minarette” .

A special jewel is the Egyptian museum , which houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts from our planet - including Tutankhamun's iconic death mask and many other treasures from his grave.

Alexandria - pearl of the Mediterranean

Alexandria , the second largest city of Egypt, is often referred to as the “pearl of the Mediterranean” due to its perfectly preserved state and its rich cultural heritage. The name of this port city goes back to Alexander the big one, which is said to be responsible for its foundation and thus gives it a story over 2000 years old.

Nowadays Alexandria is an important economic and industrial center through the natural gas and oil pipelines from Suez. Both externally and historically, the city represents both the ancient Egyptian culture and history as well as the modern civilization of Egypt.

The country's literary jewel can also be found in this port city: the Bibliotheca Alexandrina . This modern large library, which was opened in 2002, captivates with its round construction, which is reminiscent of a radiant sun disk that rises majestically from the sea.

In the legendary Library of Alexandria , a valuable treasure trove of knowledge rests that gives fascinating insights into the rich history of Arab life. The innovative project “Memory of the Arabs” is passionate about preserving this cultural heritage and making it accessible to the world online.

The Nile - Lifeline of Egypt

Egypt, the land of pyramids and ancient civilization, hides a fascinating secret in its apparently dry desert landscape. Despite the dominant vast sand dunes and the heat, it was precisely the banks of the mighty Nile that paved the way to one of the first mass agricultures to the Egyptians.

The Nile , as the longest river in the world, meanders over 4,000 miles and not only represents the lifeline of Egypt, but also the most important water source. With its vital presence, the NIL has significantly shaped the history and development of Egypt.

On its banks, traces of millennia can be found in history and culture, starting with the impressive pyramids to the magnificent temple systems. But that's not all - the river also served as a trade route for the export of different goods such as pottery, linen, lentils, papyrus, ox skins and even works of art that aroused admiration beyond the borders and brought prosperity into the country.

A rich network of culture, history and trade, which turned Egypt a real day of civilization, unfolds along the banks of the Nil.

Discover Egypt's cultural treasures with a Nile cruise

As an enthusiastic traveler, I have always been fascinated by the history and culture of ancient Egypt. One of the best ways to explore this fascinating world is a Nile cruise . On such a cruise along the longest river in the world, you can not only enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the landscape, but also discover ancient temples and monuments that are near the Nile.

After we are immersed in the diverse culture of Egypt, we deal with the exploration of ancient temples and cultural highlights along the Nile in this section. I will introduce you to the best time for a Nile cruise to visit the most important temples and create unforgettable memories.

The best time for a Nile cruise

The best time for a Nile cruise is from October to April . During this time the weather is pleasantly warm, but not too hot and there is little rain. The temperatures are usually between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, which is perfect to explore the ancient temples and monuments along the Nile.

It is also the high season for tourism in Egypt , so that you can meet many like -minded people and enjoy a lively atmosphere.

Exploration of old temple along the Nile

Explore the remains of temples and graves and feel the pulse of a society in your constant architecture, which worshiped its gods and celebrated its pharaohs.

A Nile cruise offers the unique opportunity to explore a variety of antique temples and monuments that are scattered along the Nile. We introduce you to the best known:

The valley of the kings

The valley of the kings is an archaeological site in Egypt, which is located on the western side of the Nile opposite Thebes, the modern Luxor . It is one of the most important graves of the ancient Egypt and was over a period of around 500 years, from the 18th to the 20th dynasty (approx. 1540–1070 BC), the preferred burial site for pharaohs, queens, princes and high -ranking civil servants.

The valley of the kings was chosen to accommodate the graves of the pharaohs, as it is remote and surrounded by rugged rock formations that serve as a natural barrier. This location should offer the graves additional protection against grave robbers. A total of more than 60 royal graves were discovered in the valley of the kings.

The graves in the valley of the kings are known for their magnificent wall paintings and hieroglyphs, who should accompany the deceased in their lives after death. The walls of the graves show scenes from the Egyptian death book, religious texts and representations of gods. The colors of the paintings are still surprisingly well preserved after thousands of years.

The most famous grave in the valley of the kings is the tomb of Tutankhamun , which was discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. It was one of the few graves that was almost untouched and contained a rich collection of treasures and artifacts. The find of Tutankhamun's grave made a significant contribution to arousing interest in Egyptian archeology worldwide.

The valley of the kings is a fascinating testimony of Egyptian history and offers an insight into the burial rites and the belief in life after death in ancient Egypt. It is a place of great cultural importance and still the subject of archaeological research and discoveries.

Hatshepsut Temple

The Hatshepsut Temple was installed in the rock of a steep rock wall and extends over several terraces. The structure of the temple is a remarkable example of Egyptian architecture and shows a harmonious connection between nature and building. The temple was designed by the architect Senenmut, who was also a close confidante of the Pharaonin.

Access to the temple takes place via a processionallee that is flanked by Sphingen. The first terrace of the temple contains a column hall with statues from the pharaoh and various offerings. There are other pillar halls and chapels on the second terrace, while the third terrace houses the main part of the temple. There is the central shrine, which contains the sanctuary of the Hatshepsut.

The walls of the Hatshepsut temple are richly decorated with reliefs and hieroglyphs, which represent different scenes from the life of the pharaonin. The reliefs also tell of commercial and military expeditions that Hatshepsut undertook during their reign. These decorations are of great historical importance because they offer insights into the political and cultural situation of Egypt at the time of the pharaonin.

Today the Hatshepsut Temple is a popular tourist attraction and an impressive example of the architecture of ancient Egypt. The temple attracts visitors from all over the world who want to admire the magnificent reliefs, the majestic construction and the unique story. The Hatshepsut Temple is an important cultural heritage of Egypt and a symbol of power and legacy of a remarkable pharaonin.

The Karnak Temple and the Luxor Temple

They are two of the most important ancient Egyptian temples, which are located in Luxor, Egypt. These temples are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and attract thousands of visitors every year.

Karnak Temple:

The Karnak Temple consists of a variety of temples, pillar halls, pylons, shrines and sacred lakes. The most impressive structure in the Karnak-Tamplex is the large temple of Amun, which is flanked by a long processionallee, the so-called Sphinx-Allee. The temple is known for its monumental pylons, the huge pillar halls (hypostylene) and the impressive obelisk.

The walls and columns of the Karnak temple are decorated with hieroglyphs, reliefs and representations of gods and pharaohs. These artistic representations tell of historical events, religious ceremonies and the faith of the ancient Egyptians.

Luxor temple:

The Luxor Temple is located on the eastern bank of the Nile and was another important religious center in ancient Egypt. The temple served as a backdrop for religious festivals and processions. There are magnificent pillar halls inside the temple, of which the hall of the columns with papyrus chapter is particularly impressive. The temple also contains chapels that are dedicated to different deities, as well as the shrine of the amun.

Similar to the Karnak Temple, the walls of the Luxor temple are decorated with reliefs and hieroglyphs, which represent scenes from Egyptian life and mythology. sand and deposits over the centuries

Visitors to the temple of Karnak and Luxor can experience impressive architecture, the artistic details and the spiritual importance of these sacred sites. These temples are not only of great importance, but also a window in the fascinating world of ancient Egypt.

The Sobek Temple in Kom Ombo

The Sobek Temple in Kom Ombo is a unique Egyptian temple, which is located in the city of Kom Ombo on the banks of the Nile. The temple is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus. What makes the Sobek temple special is its double structure because it consists of two symmetrical parts, each dedicated to one of the gods.

The temple consists of two separate parts, each have their own inputs and extend along a central axis. The eastern part of the temple is dedicated to the falcon god Horus , while the western part is dedicated to the crocodilegott Sobek. Both parts of the temple are connected by a common pillar hall.

Another interesting attraction of the Sobek temple is the crocodile museum, which is next to the temple. Mumified crocodiles are exhibited there, which served as gifts on the crocodile god Sobek . These crocodilemumia illustrate the cult aspect of the temple and the veneration of Sobek by the old Egyptians.

The Sobek Temple in Kom Ombo is an important archaeological site and a popular destination for tourists. The temple not only offers insights into the worship of Sobek and Horus, but also into the religious and medical practices of ancient Egypt. The Sobek Temple is a remarkable example of the unique architecture and spirituality of ancient Egypt.

Tips for a successful Nile cruise

In order to make your Nile cruise a success, there are some important tips to consider. First, pack light clothing because it is often hot in Egypt. Also remember to take sunscreen and a hat with you to protect yourself from the intense sun.

Matching clothes & equipment

The majority of the population in Egypt are Muslims and women are modest with long -sleeved tops and ankle -long skirts. There are no strict clothing regulations for visitors, but it is recommended respectful clothing , especially in religious areas such as mosques. Bright colors and loosely sitting linen clothing are recommended in the heat.

A scarf, a floppy hat and sunglasses protect against the sun. Hiking shoes are a must. On Egyptian evenings on cruises you can wear a Jalabiya, a traditional robe. Armuleless tops and shorter skirts are allowed on board the ship.

Drink, hygiene & health

It is also important to consider that Egypt has a hot climate all year round, which means that sufficient fluid intake is essential. Your cruise company will usually provide enough mineral water so that you will not need reusable water bottle.

It is known that tap water in Egypt can lead to stomach complaints, so I recommend that you brush your teeth with bottle water. It is advisable to avoid raw vegetables and avoid swimming in the Nile or its channels to minimize the risk of bacterial infections. Peel fruits before eating.

In the event of diarrhea or stomach complaints, medication such as anti -diarrhea and antacids can be very helpful and should therefore be carried as a precaution.

A good insect spray is essential because flying pests such as mosquitoes and flies are widespread. Also, don't forget to pack your sunscreen.

Cost

The cost of a Nile cruise can fluctuate strongly, depending on the choice of the cruise line, the travel duration and the time. Well -known companies such as Viking, Amawaterways and UNIWOWLD require higher prices than less well -known providers such as Mövenpick or Sonesta.

For a 10-day trip with the renowned lines, the prices can be between 3,500 and 7,500 euros per person, while 12-day trips can cost up to EUR 12,000-including accommodation, transfers, meals and flights. Shorter routes are common for unknown lines, e.g. three-night cruises from around EUR 550 per person. Autumn and winter cruises are more expensive than summer trips to the hot season.

A few words about security and drinking money

A cruise on the Nile is one of the safest river cruises worldwide. Despite former religious unrest in the region, there have been no terrorist attacks along the Nils for over a decade. However, during their journey and the country tours, armed accompaniment is present.

This may be worrying for some visitors, but can also convey a calming feeling. give the same security guard over the week . An appropriate guideline is around 2 euros per person per day.

Even more tips from the cruise expert (English)

Seven out of ten travelers told Africa's cruise expert Gary Bembridge that they absolutely want to do a Nile cruise. But almost all of them complained to the British that they would probably not do it because they had too many questions and concerns.

After doing a Nile cruise himself, he now provides answers to the most burning questions in his YouTube video:

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www. kunstplaza .de/