Egypt's Most Beautiful Archaeological Sites
Egypt's archaeological sites form a fascinating heritage. Once considered a 'gift of the Nile,' ancient Egypt allows us to discover the setting of the most beautiful mythological legends.
Egypt's archaeological sites form a fascinating heritage. Once considered a "gift of the Nile," ancient Egypt allows us to discover the setting of the most beautiful mythological legends, with its Pyramids of Giza, its pharaonic tombs and ancient ruins of exceptional beauty, including the mosaic The Villa of the Birds nestled in the heart of the Roman amphitheatre of Kom-El-Dick or the Temple of Horus… Ready to step back in time? Follow us in the footsteps of ancient Egyptian civilizations.
The city of Alexandria: one of Egypt's most beautiful archaeological sites
The construction of the city of Alexandria took approximately fifteen years. Started under the reign of Ptolemy I, it was completed under his son, Ptolemy II, in the 3rd century BC. Once nicknamed the "trading post of the world" (due to its strategic location), the city of Alexandria preserves two other wonders:
The Roman amphitheatre of Kom-El-Dick
Discovered by chance in 1960 by an Egyptian-Polish expedition, this site houses a stunning mosaic depicting several birds. Named "The Villa of the Birds," it is one of the rare figurative Roman mosaics to have survived the passage of time.
The catacombs of Kom-El-Shoqafa
Uncovered in the early 20th century, this archaeological site contains tombs, statues and remains from different periods, drawn from Roman, Greek and Egyptian cultures. These catacombs are considered one of Alexandria's most beautiful archaeological sites!
Visiting the city of Alexandria: practical information
Visiting the city of Alexandria: practical information
Kom-El-Dick: open daily from 08:00 to 17:00.
Kom-El-Shoqafa: open daily from 09:00 to 16:00.
The Luxor site: an ancient wonder listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site
Located less than three kilometers apart, the Temple of Karnak and the Temple of Amon were once connected by an avenue lined with 600 sphinxes! Today, both ends of this majestic avenue are visible at the entrance of each temple.
The Temple of Karnak
Located north of the city of Luxor, the Temple of Karnak is divided into sacred sections. Its construction, begun during the Middle Kingdom, was completed during the New Kingdom – approximately 1,600 years later! From this exceptional undertaking remains a remarkable heritage, marked by the different periods of rule. Spanning two hectares, the site features four courtyards, dozens of pylons, a sacred lake, as well as numerous hieroglyphics! Since 1979, the Temple has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Temple of Amon (Luxor)
More commonly known as the "Luxor Temple," this edifice was built at the request of the pharaohs Amenhotep III (who initiated the inner section) and Ramesses II (responsible for the exterior). Dedicated to Amon, the god of the wind, the temple measures 260 meters long. Did you know that the obelisk at Place de la Concorde comes from this Egyptian temple? It was a diplomatic gift offered to the city of Paris in 1836.
Visiting the Luxor site: practical information
Karnak: open daily from 07:00 to 17:30 (€6)
Amon: open daily from 07:00 to 17:30
The Giza plateau: THE site to admire the last of the seven wonders of the world
This archaeological site is located on the west bank of the Nile, 25 km from Cairo. The reason it is so renowned worldwide is because it is home to the famous Pyramids of Giza!
The Pyramids of Giza
Of the 38 pyramids on the plateau, those of Khafre, Khufu and Menkaure dominate the site. Why? These are the necropolises of 3 generations of pharaohs from the same family. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the only one of the seven wonders of the world to have withstood the test of time!
The Sphinx
In Egyptian mythology, the sphinx designates a chimera symbolizing the union of the sun god Ra (lion's body) and the pharaoh (human head, sometimes falcon or ram head). The Sphinx of Giza is the largest monolithic sculpture in the world, measuring 73 meters long, 14 meters wide and over 20 meters high.
Visiting the Giza plateau: practical information
Giza archaeological site: general admission is €8. Additional fees are required to visit the interiors of the pyramids:
Khufu: open daily from 08:00 to 17:00 (€10)
Khafre and Menkaure: open daily from 07:00 to 17:00 (€6)
The Sphinx: open daily 08:00 to 16:00 (€10)
The Temple of Horus: one of Egypt's most important sites in Edfu
Built by the Greeks, this ancient city of Behdet was constructed on a hill. To visit the ancient city of Edfu, head to Upper Égypte. The Temple of Horus, located on the left bank of the Nile, is remarkably well preserved despite the passage of time (its founding dates back to 237 BC!). Very rich and very vast, it requires a full day of visiting.
Visiting the Luxor site: practical information
The Temple of Horus is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00 (€6)
Cultural tour in Égypte: visiting the must-see sites
As we've seen, Égypte is filled with exceptional remains. However, exploring these ancient sites requires careful organization. To avoid inconveniences (poor opening times, pricing issues, etc.), it is recommended to call upon local tourism professionals, present to guide you through tours designed on a bespoke basis.
Note: opening times and prices are subject to change
Frequently asked questions
The Pyramids of Giza, and notably the Great Pyramid of Khufu, are often considered the most impressive archaeological site in Égypte. Being the only one of the seven wonders of the ancient world to have survived, they remain an unmistakable symbol of Egyptian civilization.
General admission to the Giza archaeological site is approximately €8. Additional fees are required to visit the pyramid interiors: €10 for Khufu, €6 for Khafre and Menkaure, and €10 for the Sphinx. These rates are subject to change, so it is advisable to verify before your visit.
Yes, Karnak Temple has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. This exceptional site, whose construction spanned approximately 1,600 years, is part of the Luxor archaeological site, one of the world's greatest concentrations of ancient monuments.
Yes, the catacombs of Kom-El-Shoqafa are open daily from 09:00 to 16:00. Discovered in the early 20th century, they house tombs, statues and remains blending Roman, Greek and Egyptian cultures, making them one of Alexandria's most singular archaeological sites.
To visit multiple archaeological sites in Égypte efficiently, it is recommended to contact a travel agency specializing in cultural tours offering bespoke itineraries. These tours optimize travel between sites that are sometimes far apart (Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor, Edfu) while allowing you to benefit from expert local guides.
Yes, the obelisk at Place de la Concorde in Paris comes from the Temple of Amon (or Luxor Temple) in Égypte. It was a diplomatic gift offered to the city of Paris in 1836, at a time when the obelisk was transported from the banks of the Nile to the French capital.
