Egypt Attractions

Eastern (Arabian) Desert, Egypt

Eastern (Arabian) Desert of Egypt is the largest desert in eastern Egypt. Covering an area of about 85,690 sq miles, this largest desert of Eastern Egypt originates from southeast of the Nile River Delta. It extends up to northeastern Sudan in southeast direction and from the Nile river valley eastward to Gulf of Suez and Red Sea.

Also known by the name of "Arabian Desert", the Eastern Desert of Egypt is well dissected. In the east it rises up to a formidable range of mountains some of them achieving height of 6,600 ft and 7,176ft. But there is a considerable decrease in the height in stages at the Red Sea. Numerous dry valleys divide this hilly desert terrain of Egypt. But during the rainfall season, these dry valleys give birth to luxuriant vegetation.

The caravan routes across the desert between the Nile Valley and the Red Sea had served as a trade route used for trading purpose with Sinai, Arabia, India and with the countries located on the east coast of African Continent. Later Egyptian pilgrims for reaching Mecca followed these routes after the arrival of Islam.

The Eastern (Arabian) Desert of Egypt comprises of almost one-fourth of total land surface of Egypt. The northern tier of the Arabian Desert is a limestone plateau that stretches from the Mediterranean coastal plain to a point opposite Qina.

Egyptian Antiquities Museum, Egypt


Egyptian Antiquities Museum of Egypt commonly known as the Egyptian Museum is located in the capital city of Cairo. This museum houses the most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities. Established by Egyptian government in 1835 to protect the rich heritage of ancient Egyptian antiquates. Earlier the museum was in the annex of palace of Isma'il Pasha in Giza but in 1900 under Gaston Maspero, museum moved to its present location of Tahrir Square in Cairo's city center.

Built during the reign of Khedive Abbass Helmi II in 1897 and opened in 1902, the Egyptian Museum has 107 halls. The ground floor of the museum has huge statues while the upper floor of the museum houses small statues, jewels, Tutankhamun treasures and the mummies. Besides of its collection halls it also comprises of a section on photography and a large library.

The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities display an 'Object of the Month', which is the prime center of attraction between the visitors. Behind it there is a display of some of the valuable and rare items from the time of unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. The most famous item among them is the slate palette of King Narmer-considered as one of the earliest documents of Egyptian history. Along with it other smaller gems of sculpture art are also on display.

The four gilded shrines of Tutankhamun's tomb nested one inside the other is also on display in the Egyptian Museum. These shrines are lined in decreasing size. Along with these four shrines, chariots, gloves, jewellery and the famous golden mask of Tutankhamun and many other antiquities of his tomb are on display. The upper floor of the Museum also houses a specific Mummy Room, which has mummies of some of the great rulers of Ancient Egypt.

Fort Qaitbey, Egypt


Fort Qaitbey is situated on the most visible location of Alexandria city. Located on the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World i.e. the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, Fort Qaitbey is one of the gems of the Alexandria.

Qaitbey, a Mumluk ruler, who ruled Egypt from 1468 to 1496, builds Fort of Qaitbey. It was believed that some of the construction material of Fort of Qaitbey came from the ruined structure mainly the huge red granite pillars. Fort Qaitbey consists of three main parts: the huge walls around the entire fort complex, an interior wall and the tower built on the site of lighthouse.

The first attraction of the fortress, the huge walls covered about two acres of land. However the eastern wall of the fort has no protective tower but the wall of the western side consists of three guard towers. The middle of the southern wall contains a section, which leads to the main entrance of the fort. The northern wall of the fortress is facing towards the sea and has square shaped windows for canons. On the top there was a balcony for archers.

Within the main wall there is a lower secondary wall primarily known as inner walls of Fort Qaitbey. The inner walls of the fortress contain rooms used for garrisoning soldiers. The main central tower of the fort has a large garden in its front. For entering the central tower, there are a series of tunnels known as coastal passages that lead into various sections of the fort complex. There are three doorways to reach coastal passages. Two of them are in the right and left side of the garden while the third door leads to the stables, in the western part of the fort.

The central tower of the fort is a square shaped structure located in the northeastern side of the fortress. This central tower measures 17 meters in height and thirty meters each side. The ground floor of the central tower contains a mosque that is considered as the oldest mosque of Alexandria. The left side of the mosque contains an opening that leads to the coastal passages. Sultan's throne is on the third floor of the tower along with a large massive rectangular shaped balcony.

Fort of Qaitbey was ruined twice first by the French troops under the leadership of Napoleon and later by the British troops and was also restored three times first in 1940s, second in 1982 and last in 2000.

Gabalaya Park and Aquarium Cairo

A hot favorite with kids and for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing place, the Gabalaya Park and Aquarium is a popular recreation spot located in the heart of Cairo. Situated between Om Kalthoum Street and Hassan Sabri Street,in the heart of Zamalek, the Aquarium is frequented by hundreds of locals as well as tourists everyday. This wonderful little park boasts several interesting things to engage kids, including the small aquarium teeming with colorful fishes.

If you're looking to spend few hours in a serene and relaxing environment, away from the hustle bustle of Cairo, then the Gabalaya Park and Aquarium can be an ideal destinations to be in. The park is beautiful and pleasant, and you'll certainly appreciate its cool ambience. It's a great place to take your family and kids. Enjoy watching colorful fish swim around in tunnels that look a little like bomb shelters - a fairly original setting, or take a refreshing short walk. Though the Gabalaya Park and Aquarium is located just minutes away from the Cairo city centre, you'll feel that you are miles away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown area. Admission fee to the Gabalaya Park and Aquarium is very nominal at only 50 piasters (1 Egyptian pound= 100 piaster).

Great Pyramid of Cheopos (Khufu), Egypt

The Great Pyramid of Cheops located at Giza Plateau just outside of Cairo is the largest pyramid of Egypt. It is not only the largest pyramid of Egypt but is also the oldest member of the Seven Wonders of the World. Built for the 4th dynasty Pharaoh ruler Khufu, this great pyramid is also known by the name of Pyramid of Khufu or Khufu's Pyramid. The Minister of Khufu named Hemon was the architect of the Great Pyramid.

Great Pyramid of Cheops is the oldest and largest pyramid among the three pyramids of the Giza Necropolis. Pyramid of Khufu is basically a complex that includes two mortuary temples in honor of Khufu, three smaller pyramids for wives of the king, a smaller pyramid and small mastaba tombs surrounding the pyramid.

To the southwest of Great Pyramid lies the Pyramid of Khafre. Pyramid of Khafre is slightly smaller than the Great Pyramid. Khafre is one of Khufu's successor and builder of Great Sphinx. Another Pyramid related to Khufu is of Pyramid of Menkaure, a successor of Khafre. At the present time the pyramid of Menkaure is the tallest among these three pyramids as The Great Pyramid of Cheops lost its height of about 8 meter due to loss of material from the tip.

Originally standing at 481 ft high and covering an area of 13 acres of land, Pyramid of Khufu, Egypt is 754 ft at base. The entrance of the Pyramid was about 15 meter higher than the entrances used today. The Great Pyramid of Khufu contains a Grand Gallery, which is 157 ft long and 28 ft high. The width of the gallery at the bottom is 62 inches while at top it is 41 inches wide.

This Grand Gallery of Pyramid leads into the Chamber of King. The measurement of King's Chamber is 34'4" x 17'2"x 19'1" high. Above the Chamber of King is located five relieving chambers that provide support to the stones and distribute weight of the burial chamber evenly. The top most of these relieving chambers is the most important. To the west of the Great Pyramid of Egypt lies the Royal Cemetery.

Great Sphinx, Egypt

The Great Sphinx of Egypt is the first colossal royal sculpture in Egypt. It is the national symbol of Egypt history as well as of culture. This monumental statue at Giza lies northeast of Chephren's Valley Temple. The Great sphinx of Giza is a large statue in the form of half -human and half -lion.

Great Sphinx at Giza is among one of the largest single-stone monuments present on this earth. Commonly believed to construct in 3rd millennium BC, this Great Sphinx of Egypt is 57 meter long and 6meter wide and has a height of 20 meter. The face of the sphinx is in the east direction with a temple to the front that probably belongs to the sun god.

Sphinx is the word given by the Greeks to a fabulous creature that has head of women, body of lion and wings of bird. There are numerous sphinxes in Egypt but the Great Sphinx is among the most popular one not only in Egypt but also throughout the world.

The Great Sphinx is made of soft limestone bedrock. Basically the Sphinx is not a single monument but like other Egyptian monuments it is a complex that includes the great statute, an old temple, a New kingdom Temple and some other small structures.

The lion part of the Great Sphinx statute is the symbol of solar and the royal human head is the symbol of the power. The head and the face of the statue are the example of the architectural style of the Old Kingdom particularly of 4th dynasty.

However the statue is in crumbling situation today because of the wind, humidity and the smog from the Cairo. The figure was buried in sand for most of its life, which resulted in the loss of nose, part of the uraeus (sacred cobra) and the ritual beard from the statue. The beard from the Great sphinx is on display in the British Museum.

Greco Roman Museum, Egypt

Greco-Roman Museum located in Alexandria city of Egypt is founded in 1892 as a small building now located on Horreya Road. Transferred to its present site near to Gamal Abdul Nasser Road, Greco-Roman Museum contains hundred of precious antiques of Greek and Roman period.

The museum contains rare collection of coins from various countries dated back to 630 BC to the Ottoman period of 19th century. The collection of antiques at this museum that covers an era from the 3rd century BC to the 7th century AD is one of the fascinating and impressive records of changes that occurred in every aspect of the civilization.

Established in a historic building whose beautiful neo-classical façade of six columns and pediment bears "MOYXEION" a Greek inscription. Earlier there was 11 galleries or halls but at present Greco-Roman Museum Alexandria contains 27 halls along with an attractive garden that offer an excellent introduction to the rich Greek and Roman art in Egypt.

However whole of the museum is a great center of art collection but still some of the halls of the museum are the most visited ones. Hall number 3 of the museum has magnificent collection of metal work particularly silver and gold work. The main attraction of this room is the rare collection of varied ancient jewelry.

For viewing the sacred Apis Bull one should visit room number 6. Found to the west of Pompey's Pillar, Apis Bull is regarded as the most successful imposition of Greek realism on an Egyptian image. Same room also contains the Serapis Head, sculptured in fine white marble. It was one of the Ptolemies' gods.

Hall 8 is devoted to the work of mummies and collection of sarcophagi. While hall 12 contains numerous rear statues belonging to the Greco-Roman period. Similarly every hall of the museum contains something interesting and exciting aspect related to Greco-Roman period.

Hanging Church, Egypt


The Hanging Church in Egypt is the most popular Coptic Church in Cairo. The church dates back to 3rd cent AD and the beginning of the 4th century AD. The church has been restored with the change of time and objects that were redundant are preserved in the Coptic Museum.

The Hanging Church in Cairo got its name from its location on the top of the southern tower gate of the old Babylonian fortress. In the 14- 15 centuries the church also became popular as the Staircase Church due to the 29 steps leading to the entrance.

The Hanging Church in Egypt was built in a traditional basilican style with three aisles, a narthex and tripartite sanctuary. Later another chapel was constructed known as the little church and now is the oldest part in the church. In the 19th century a fourth aisle was added. The church is 23.5 meters long, 18.5 meters wide and 9.5 meters high.

The Hanging Church in Egypt has played an important in the Coptic Church History, as it had been the seat of the patriarchs after it was transferred from Alexandria to Al- Fustat. The 66th patriarch Pope Ana Christodolos (1039- 1079) chanted the liturgy in the church. Here in the church there are 110 icons and the oldest among them belongs to the 8th century.

In the church one will find the nave and the two aisle, 3 sanctuaries. Among the three sanctuaries the middle one is most important and is dedicated to Mary. There are 7 altars, 3 of them are in the main sanctuary, 3 in the right sanctuary and 1 in northern side.

Here at the Hanging Church in Cairo several important festivals are celebrated like the enthronement of the patriarchs. The church also has been a place where antiquities have been preserved especially in the Coptic Museum.

Luxor Museum, Egypt

Opened in 1975, Museum of Luxor or Luxor Museum is one of the best display centers of Egyptian antiquities. Housed within a modern building the collection of the museum is limited to certain numbers but is of tremendous importance and significant and are beautifully displayed.

The main item of collection of Luxor Museum includes statues from the famous Cachette found buried in Temple of Luxor as well as small collection of items from the tomb of Tutankhamun.

The ground floor of the museum contains masterpieces of Egyptian sculpture including a calcite double statue of Sobek-the crocodile god and of Amenhotep III- a 18th dynasty Pharaoh. One of the main attraction items of museum of Luxor is a reassembled wall of 283 painted sandstone blocks from a wall of a temple built in honor of Amenhotep IV.

There are numerous other antiquities of interest in Museum among which one is a couple of very nice coffins. Luxor Museum also has items of the periods after the demise of pharaonic Egypt. On left side of the ground floor is located a gallery known for the wonderful collection of stone sculptures found in 1989 from the one of the courtyards of the Luxor Temple.
The hours for the Museum are from 9 am to 1 PM and then from 4 PM until 9 PM. in the winter. Afternoon hours in the summer are from 5 PM until 10 PM.

Mausoleum of Aga Khan, Egypt


Situated on the hill above the white villa, the residence of the Aga Khan III, the Mausoleum of Aga Khan is built by his French born wife accordance to his wishes. This Mausoleum belongs to the spiritual leader of the Ismailis- Aga Khan III.

Built in a very elegant manner by using pink granite, Mausoleum of Aga Khan is among of late 1950's structures. The location of Mausoleum at the hilltop gives an excellent view to the Aga Khan's White Villa also. Mausoleum of Aga Khan is located near to the Monastery of St Simeons on the west bank at Aswan.

The interior of the mausoleum is given ethnic contrast combination of light colors, floored with red carpets and immaculately maintained. A fresh red rose was also laid on the sarcophagus every day according to the instructions given by the Begum of Aga Khan.

Also known by the name of Sir Sultan Mohammed Shah, Aga Khan was the 48th Imam of the Ismaili (Shia sect) Muslims. He was the only surviving son of Aga Kahn II, born at Karachi, who succeeded his father as the Imam in 1885. Aga Khan III was not only the Imam of the Shia Ismailis Muslims but was also a founding member and the President of the All India Muslim League. All India Muslim League was the party that was responsible for the division of United India into Pakistan and India.