Top Qs
Timeline
Chat
Perspective
Luxor
City in southern Egypt From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Remove ads
Luxor[a] is a city in Upper Egypt. Luxor had a population of 284,952 in 2023, with an area of 43.0 km2 (16.6 sq mi)[1] and is the capital of the Luxor Governorate. Nicknamed the City of a Hundred Gates or the City of the Sun, formerly known as Thebes. It was one of the capitals of Ancient Egypt. The city is among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.[3]
Luxor has frequently been characterized as the ''world's greatest open-air museum'', as the ruins of the Egyptian temple complexes at Karnak and Luxor stand within the modern city. Immediately opposite, across the River Nile, lie the monuments, temples, and tombs of the West Bank Theban Necropolis, which includes the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. Luxor is a major destination for tourism, with its large hotels and resorts, known also for its famous hot air balloons.[4][5][6] The city also contains diversified cultural heritage such as temples, churches, and mosques, co-existing side by side. Around 5 million tourists from around the world arrive annually to visit Luxor's attractions, making a significant contribution to the modern city's economy.[7]
In modern times, the city of Luxor is central to economic, and cultural life in Egypt. The heritage of the Classical Era is still evident in the city, represented by ancient monuments, and works of art. Luxor city has been named as the "First World Capital of Culture, History and Heritage".[8][9] The city is located between latitudes 25-26 North and 32-33 East. It is about 670 km from the Egyptian capital, Cairo, about 220 km north of Aswan. Luxor covers an area of approximately 416 km², with a populated area of 208 km², and its population is estimated at approximately 284,952 in 2023.[10] The nearest seaport to the city is Safaga Port, and the nearest airport is the city's Luxor International Airport.[11]
Remove ads
Etymology
The name Luxor[b] derives from the Arabic قصر qaṣr, meaning "castle" or "palace", in the plural form al-quṣūr (“the palaces").[13][14][c] It may be equivalent to the Greek and Coptic toponym τὰ Τρία Κάστρα ta tria kastra and ⲡϣⲟⲙⲧ ⲛ̀ⲕⲁⲥⲧⲣⲟⲛ pshomt enkastron respectively, which both mean "three castles".[16]
The Sahidic Coptic name Pape[d][16] comes from Demotic Ỉp.t meaning 'the adyton,' which, in turn, is derived from the Egyptian. The Greek forms "Ἀπις" and "Ὠφιεῖον" originate from the same source.[16] The Egyptian village of Aba al-Waqf[e] shares the same etymology.[17]
The Greek name is Thebes (Ancient Greek: Θῆβαι) or Diospolis. The Egyptian name of the city is Waset, also known as Nut (Coptic: ⲛⲏ),[18] written as
|
and
|
.
Remove ads
History
Summarize
Perspective
Luxor was the ancient city of Thebes, the capital of Upper Egypt during the New Kingdom, and the city of Amun, later to become the god Amun-Ra. The city was regarded in the ancient Egyptian texts as wAs.t (approximate pronunciation: "Waset"), which meant "city of the sceptre", and later in Demotic Egyptian as ta jpt (conventionally pronounced as "tA ipt" and meaning "the shrine/temple", referring to the jpt-swt, the temple now known by its Arabic name Karnak, meaning "fortified village"), which the ancient Greeks adapted as Thebai and the Romans after them as Thebae. Thebes was also known as "the city of the 100 gates", sometimes being called "southern Heliopolis" ('Iunu-shemaa' in Ancient Egyptian), to distinguish it from the city of Iunu or Heliopolis, the main place of worship for the god Ra in the north. It was also often referred to as niw.t, which simply means "city", and was one of only three cities in Egypt for which this noun was used (the other two were Memphis and Heliopolis); it was also called niw.t rst, "southern city", as the southernmost of them.
The importance of Luxor started as early as the 11th Dynasty, when the community grew into a thriving city.[19] Montuhotep II, who united Egypt after the troubles of the First Intermediate Period, brought stability to the lands as the city grew in stature. The Pharaohs of the New Kingdom in their expeditions to Kush, in today's northern Sudan, and to the lands of Canaan, Phoenicia and Syria saw the city accumulate great wealth and rose to prominence, even on a world scale.[19] Thebes played a major role in expelling the invading forces of the Hyksos from Upper Egypt, and from the time of the 18th Dynasty to the 20th Dynasty, the city had risen as the political, religious and military capital of Ancient Egypt.
The city attracted peoples such as the Babylonians, the Mitanni, the Hittites of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), the Canaanites of Ugarit, the Phoenicians of Byblos and Tyre, and the Minoans from the island of Crete.[19] A Hittite prince from Anatolia even came to marry with the widow of Tutankhamun, Ankhesenamun.[19] The political and military importance of the city, however, faded during the Late Period, with Thebes being replaced as political capital by several cities in Northern Egypt, such as Bubastis, Sais and finally Alexandria.
However, as the city of the god Amun-Ra, Thebes remained the religious capital of Egypt until the Greek period.[19] The main god of the city was Amun, who was worshipped together with his wife, the Goddess Mut, and their son Khonsu, the God of the moon. With the rise of Thebes as the foremost city of Egypt, the local god Amun rose in importance as well and became linked to the sun god Ra, thus creating the new 'king of gods' Amun-Ra. His great temple at Karnak, just north of Thebes, was the most important temple of Egypt right until the end of antiquity.
Later, the city was attacked by Assyrian emperor Ashurbanipal, who installed a new prince on the throne, Psamtik I.[19] The city of Thebes was in ruins and fell in significance. However, Alexander the Great did arrive at the temple of Amun, where the statue of the god was transferred from Karnak during the Opet Festival, the great religious feast.[19] Thebes remained a site of spirituality up to the Christian era, and attracted numerous Christian monks of the Roman Empire who established monasteries amidst several ancient monuments including the temple of Hatshepsut, now called Deir el-Bahri ("the northern monastery").[19]
Following the Muslim conquest of Egypt, part of the Luxor Temple was converted from a church to a mosque. This mosque is currently known as the Abu Haggag Mosque today.
The 18th century saw an increase of Europeans visiting Luxor, with some publishing their travels and documenting its surroundings, such as Claude Sicard, Granger, Frederick Louis Norden, Richard Pococke, Vivant Denon and others. By the 20th century, Luxor had become a major tourist destination.
Archaeology
.jpg)
In April 2018, the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities announced the discovery of the shrine of god Osiris: Ptah Neb, dating back to the 25th dynasty in the Temple of Karnak. According to archaeologist Essam Nagy, the material remains from the area contained clay pots, the lower part of a sitting statue and part of a stone panel showing an offering table filled with a sheep and a goose which were the symbols of the god Amun.[20][21][22]
On the same day in November 2018, two different discoveries were announced. One was by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities that had found a 13th-century tomb on the West Bank belonging to Thaw-Irkhet-If, the overseer of the mummification shrine at the temple of Mut, and his wife.[23] Five months of excavation work until this point had revealed colorful scenes of the family and 1,000 funerary statues or ushabti.[23] The other discovery was of 1000 ushabti and two sarcophagi each containing a mummy in the TT33 complex by a joint team from the IFAO (French Institute of Oriental Archaeology, Cairo, Egypt) and the University of Strasbourg.[23][24] One of the sarcophagi was opened in private by Egyptian antiquities officials, while the other, of a female 18th Dynasty woman named Thuya, was opened in front of international media.[23][24][25]
In October 2019, Egyptian archaeologists, headed by Zahi Hawass, revealed an ancient "industrial area" used to manufacture decorative artefacts, furniture, and pottery for royal tombs. The site contained a big kiln to fire ceramics and 30 ateliers. According to Zahi Hawass, each atelier had a different aim – some of them were used to make pottery, others used to produce gold artefacts, and others still to churn out furniture. About 75 meters below the valley, several items believed to have adorned wooden royal coffins, such as inlaid beads, silver rings, and gold foil, were unearthed. Some artefacts depicted the wings of deity Horus.[26][27]
In October 2019, the Egyptian archaeological mission unearthed thirty well-preserved wooden coffins (3,000 years old) in front of the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut in El-Assasif Cemetery. The coffins contained mummies of twenty-three adult males, five adult females, and two children, who are believed to be from the middle class. According to Hawass, mummies were decorated with mixed carvings and designs, including scenes from Egyptian gods, hieroglyphs, and the Book of the Dead, a series of spells that allowed the soul to navigate in the afterlife. Some of the coffins had the names of the dead engraved on them.[28][29][30][31]
On 8 April 2021, Egyptian archaeologists led by Zahi Hawass found Aten, a 3,400-year-old "lost golden city" near Luxor. It is the largest known city from Ancient Egypt to be unearthed to date. The site was said by Betsy Bryan, professor of Egyptology at Johns Hopkins University to be "the second most important archaeological discovery since the tomb of Tutankhamun".[32] The site is celebrated by the unearthing crew for showing a glimpse into the ordinary lives of living ancient Egyptians whereas past archaeological discoveries were from tombs and other burial sites. Many artefacts are found alongside the buildings, such as pottery dated back to the reign of Amenhotep III, rings, and everyday working tools. The site is not completely unearthed as of the 10th of April 2021.[32]
In February 2025, a joint Egyptian-British archaeological team announced the discovery of the tomb of Thutmose II near Luxor, marking the first identification of a pharaonic royal tomb in over a century since that of Tutankhamun in 1922. Located west of the Valley of the Kings in an area known as Wadi C, the tomb—designated Wadi C-4—was identified through inscriptions on alabaster vessels bearing the names of Thutmose II and his wife, Hatshepsut. The tomb's interior featured fragments of funerary furniture and decorative elements, including blue-painted ceilings with yellow stars and religious texts. However, the site had suffered damage due to ancient flooding, which led to the deterioration of many of its original contents.[33][34][35][36]
In May 2025, Egyptian archaeologists uncovered three ancient New Kingdom tombs at the Dra Abu el-Naga necropolis in Luxor, dating back over 3,500 years; the tombs belonged to high-ranking officials identified through inscriptions as Amum-em-Ipet, Baki (a grain silo supervisor), and “S” (a Temple of Amun supervisor, scribe, and northern oasis mayor). Each tomb features typical New Kingdom architectural elements such as courtyards, halls, burial shafts, and wall depictions of banquet scenes and funerary processions, offering new insights into elite burial customs in non‑royal Theban cemeteries.[37]
In May 2025, a joint Egyptian–Canadian archaeological mission identified the owner of Kampp 23, a rock-cut tomb located in the El-Asasif necropolis, as Amun Mes, a high-ranking official who served as the mayor of Thebes during the Ramesside period. The tomb featuring a T-shaped layout typical of the 19th–20th Dynasties was first discovered in the 1970s but remained unattributed until recent excavations revealed inscriptions confirming Amun Mes's identity and several of his titles, including tax collector, royal advisor, divine father of Amun, and overseer of quarry expeditions. The team also found evidence of later reuse, such as painted plaster over original reliefs and fragments of ushabti figures.[38][39][40]
Remove ads
Geography
Summarize
Perspective
Approximately 4,000 years ago, a significant alteration in the geography of the Nile River occurred, particularly in the region near modern-day Luxor. This transformation involved the expansion of the floodplain, which increased the availability of arable land. This geographic and environmental shift likely played a crucial role in supporting the agricultural productivity that underpinned the prosperity and stability of ancient Egyptian civilization during that period and over the years.[41]
Climate
Luxor has a hot desert climate (Köppen climate classification BWh) like the rest of Egypt. Aswan and Luxor have the hottest summer days of any city in Egypt. Aswan and Luxor have nearly the same climate. Luxor is one of the sunniest and driest cities in the world. Average high temperatures are above 40 °C (104 °F) during summer (June, July, August). During the coolest month of the year, average high temperatures remain above 22 °C (71.6 °F) while average low temperatures remain above 5 °C (41 °F).
The climate of Luxor has precipitation levels lower than even most other places in the Sahara, with less than 1 mm (0.04 in) of average annual precipitation. The desert city is one of the driest ones in the world, and rainfall does not occur every year. The air in Luxor is more humid than in Aswan, but still very dry. There is an average relative humidity of 39.9%, with a maximum mean of 57% during winter and a minimum mean of 27% during summer.
The climate of Luxor is extremely clear, bright, and sunny year-round, in all seasons, with a low seasonal variation, with about 4,000 hours of annual sunshine, very close to the maximum theoretical sunshine duration.
In addition, Luxor, Minya, Sohag, Qena, and Asyut have the widest difference of temperatures between days and nights of any city in Egypt, with almost 16 °C (29 °F) difference.
The hottest temperature recorded was on May 15, 1991, which was 50 °C (122 °F), and the coldest temperature was on February 6, 1989, which was −1 °C (30 °F).[42]
Remove ads
Cityscape and landmarks
Summarize
Perspective
The cityscape of Luxor, presents a unique blend of ancient monumental ruins and a functional, modern city, often described as the "world's greatest open-air museum".[46][47] The urban landscape is primarily defined by the Nile River and the surrounding desert, with development concentrated along the fertile riverbanks.[48]
The most striking aspect is how modern life coexists with ancient history. The ruins of the massive Karnak Temple Complex and the elegant Luxor Temple stand directly within the urban fabric of the modern city on the East Bank. The recently restored, 2.7 km long Avenue of Sphinxes connects these two temples, running through what was previously a residential area.[49][50]
The Nile River as a Divider, the city is split into the East Bank and West Bank by the Nile River. The East Bank is considered the "land of the living" in ancient Egyptian belief and is the site of the main residential areas, hotels, bustling markets, and the city center.[51] The West Bank was the "land of the dead" and is less urbanized, dominated by the Theban Necropolis, including the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, and various mortuary temples rising from the desert cliffs.[52]
The city's footprint is compact, bordered closely by lush green agricultural fields along the Nile and the arid, rugged yellow desert landscape and mountains beyond. Hot air balloon rides at sunrise are a popular way to get a panoramic view of this contrast between the fertile valley, the winding river, and the ancient sites.[53]
Mosques and churches can be found alongside ancient temples, reflecting the city's diverse cultural heritage. Traditional aspects like felucca sailboats on the Nile and street markets in the downtown area add to the vibrant atmosphere. In essence, Luxor's cityscape is a vibrant tapestry where thousands of years of history are an integrated part of daily life, rather than being confined to a museum or a separate historical park.[54]
East bank
Karnak Temple
The Karnak Temple Complex, commonly known as Karnak (/ˈkɑːr.næk/), is one of the largest religious complexes of the ancient world, encompassing a vast array of temples, monumental gateways, chapels, and other structures. Construction began during the reign of Senusret I (1971–1926 BCE) in the Middle Kingdom of Egypt (c. 2000–1700 BCE) and continued into the Ptolemaic Kingdom (305–30 BCE). However, most of the existing structures date from the New Kingdom.[55][56]
The area surrounding Karnak was known in ancient Egypt as Ipet-Isut, meaning "the chosen holy place," and was the principal center of worship for the Theban Triad during the Eighteenth Dynasty, consisting of the god Amun, the goddess Mut, and the god Khonsu. Karnak is part of the great ancient city of Thebes and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979, along with the rest of the city's monuments.[57][58] Karnak takes its name from the nearby modern village of Karnak, located about 2.5 kilometers north of the city of Luxor.[59][60]
Luxor Temple
The Luxor Temple is a large and complex ancient Egyptian temple located on the east bank. The temple was founded around 1400 BC. It was dedicated to the worship of Amun-Ra, his wife Mut, and their son Khonsu; these deities are also known as the Theban Triad. The temple was constructed during the reigns of the eighteenth and nineteenth Dynasties. The most significant additions to the temple complex are those built by Amenhotep III (1397–1360 BC) and Ramesses II (1290–1223 BC), who added the open courtyard, the pylon, and two obelisks. Thutmose III (1490–1436 BC) also erected chapels for pilgrims to the Theban Triad, and Tutankhamun (1348–1337 BC) completed the reliefs on its walls.[61][62] The triple shrine, originally built during the reigns of Queen Hatshepsut and King Thutmose III (of the Eighteenth Dynasty), was destroyed and later rebuilt during the reign of King Ramses II.[63] The temple was also called Ipet-Resit (meaning the Southern Sanctuary or the Place of Amun-Ra). It is one of the best-preserved and most beautifully constructed Egyptian temples, and it exemplifies the typical layout of an Egyptian temple most clearly.[64][65]
Hotels
West bank
Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings near Luxor, Egypt, is a famous royal necropolis where New Kingdom pharaohs (18th-20th Dynasties) and nobles were buried in hidden rock-cut tombs from around 1550-1070 BC, featuring intricate art and Egyptian hieroglyphs depicting afterlife beliefs, with key tombs like Tutankhamun's (KV62) discovered there, and remains an active archaeological site offering insights into ancient Egyptian funerary practices and beliefs.[66][67]
Valley of the Queens
Valley of the queens is a significant ancient Egyptian necropolis located on the west bank of the Nile River. Known in ancient times as Ta-Set-Neferu, meaning "The Place of Beauty," it served as the burial site for the wives and children of New Kingdom pharaohs, primarily from the 19th and 20th dynasties.[68][69] The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its beautifully decorated rock-cut tombs and vibrant wall paintings.[70]
Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III
It is the central monument of the Medinet Habucomplex, located on the west bank. It is renowned for its exceptional preservation, including vivid, original colors in its reliefs that depict the pharaoh's military victories, particularly against the Sea Peoples.[71]
The complex is surrounded by a massive, fortified mudbrick enclosure wall with a unique Syrian-style gatehouse called a migdol. This design reflects the political instability and military realities of the late New Kingdom period when it was built (c. 1186–1155 BCE). The temple walls are covered with detailed inscriptions and reliefs that serve as an important historical archive, documenting the life, reign, and major battles of Ramesses III, including the famous naval battle against the Sea Peoples. Many of the inner sections of the temple still retain their vibrant original paints, which is a rare sight among ancient Egyptian temples in Thebes. Beyond its function as a mortuary temple for the pharaoh's cult, the complex was a significant religious center dedicated to the god Amun and housed administrative buildings, a royal palace, workshops, and accommodation for the priests.[72][73]
Ramesseum
The Ramesseum is the massive mortuary (funerary) temple of Pharaoh Ramesses II (the Great), located on the Nile's West Bank, famous for its grand scale, surviving reliefs such as the Battle of Kadesh, hypostyle hall, and the ruins of a colossal statue of the pharaoh that inspired Shelley's "Ozymandias" poem.[74] Built as a "Million-Year Temple" for his cult and Amun-Ra, it showcases monumental architecture, though much is ruined, offering insights into New Kingdom power, religion, and art.[75][76]
Deir el-Medina
Deir el-Medina, the "Village of the Artisans" or "Valley of the Workers," is a remarkably preserved ancient Egyptian settlement on the West Bank, home to the skilled craftsmen who built the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens during the New Kingdom (c. 1550-1080 BCE).[77][78] This secluded community offers a unique glimpse into daily life, with ruins of houses, tombs such as Sennedjem's, and a chapel, providing intimate access to ancient Egyptian artistry and social life, unlike the grander, busier royal tombs. Isolated for secrecy, the village housed the artisans, known as "Servants in the Place of Truth," and their families for nearly over 400 years.[79][80]
Theban Necropolis
The Theban Necropolis contains over 400 cataloged tombs, designated with the prefix TT for Theban Tomb, which are generally referred to as the Tombs of the Nobles. These non-royal tombs, located on the west bank, offer a vibrant glimpse into the daily lives and administrative roles of high-ranking officials, scribes, and priests of ancient Egypt. The tombs are clustered in several areas, including Sheikh Abd el-Qurna, Deir el-Medina, El-Khokha, Qurnet Murai, and Dra Abu el-Naga.[81] While many tombs exist, a select number are accessible to the public on a rotating basis to aid in their conservation. Some of the most significant and frequently.[82][83]
Temple of Hatshepsut
The Temple of Hatshepsut, or Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, is a temple from the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt, and the best-preserved of the temples built some 3,500 years ago at Deir el-Bahari. It was built by Queen Hatshepsut on the west bank of the Nile opposite Thebes. The Temple of Hatshepsut is distinguished by its unique architectural design, unlike the Egyptian temples built on the east bank. The temple consists of three successive levels on open terraces. Constructed of limestone, the temple features limestone statues of the god Osiris and Queen Hatshepsut, arranged in a beautiful arrangement in front of the columns of the second level. Originally, these statues were painted, but only traces of the colors remain today. Some of the statues are in excellent condition, demonstrating the elegance and beauty of the temple's design. The Temple of Hatshepsut is also notable for the reliefs on its walls depicting maritime expeditions sent by Queen Hatshepsut to the Land of Punt to trade for frankincense and myrrh.[84][85] The pharaohs offered incense to their gods to gain their favor, and many Egyptian pharaohs recorded this on stelas in their temples, depicting them offering sacrifices and incense to various deities. In addition to incense and myrrh, Hatshepsut's expeditions also brought back rare woods, trees, and animals not found in Egypt, as well as leopard skins worn by a specific class of the Egyptian priesthood.[86] The Wadi Deir el-Bahari was dedicated to the worship of Hathor and Amun-Ra, and also housed the cults of Horus and Anubis. This dates back to the eleventh Dynasty, when Pharaoh Mentuhotep II was the first to utilize the area to build tombs and a temple for himself, his wives, and his close courtiers. This occurred during the Middle Kingdom. The Temple of Hatshepsut, however, was built during the New Kingdom, in the eighteenth Dynasty, and was commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut, daughter of King Thutmose I.[87][88][89]
Malkata
The palace of Amenhotep III, known as Malkata Palace (also spelled Malqata), is located on the West Bank, south of the Medinet Habu complex. Today, the site consists mostly of mudbrick foundations, but it offers a unique insight into ancient Egyptian royal life.[90][91] Malkata was built during the eighteenth Dynasty and served as the main residence and administrative center for Pharaoh Amenhotep III and his Great Royal Wife Queen Tiye during the latter part of his reign, a period of immense prosperity. In antiquity, the palace was known as the "House of Rejoicing" (or "Palace of Joy") and was a central venue for royal and religious festivals, including the important Sed Festival, which celebrated the pharaoh's continued vitality and divine authority.[92][93]
Colossi of Memnon
The Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III located on the west bank. Standing approximately 18 meters (60 feet) tall and weighing over 720 tons each, they have guarded the entrance to Amenhotep III's mortuary temple for over 3,400 years. The statues depict Amenhotep III seated on his throne. Small figures carved at his feet represent his wife, Tiye, and his mother, Mutemwiya. In antiquity, the northern statue was famous for "singing" or "whistling" at dawn. This was likely caused by an earthquake in 27 BCE that cracked the stone; as morning dew evaporated and heat expanded the rock, it emitted a resonant sound. The name is Greek, not Egyptian. When Greeks visited the site, they associated the "singing" statue with the mythical hero Memnon, son of Eos (the goddess of dawn), who was supposedly greeting his mother.[94][95] Carved from single blocks of quartzite sandstone, the stone was transported over 600 kilometers from quarries near modern-day Cairo to Luxor. As of late 2025, archaeologists have reassembled and revealed additional colossal statues of Amenhotep III at the site as part of a long-term conservation project to restore his once-massive mortuary temple.[96][97]
El-Assasif
El-Assasif Cemetery (or Necropolis), is less-crowded burial ground on the West Bank near Hatshepsut's Temple, featuring tombs of nobles, high priests, and officials from the eighteenth, Twenty-fifth, and Twenty-sixth Dynasty of Egypt.[98] Known for its vibrant wall paintings depicting daily life, agriculture, and warfare, it offers unique insights into ancient Theban society, with major tombs like those of Kheruef, Ankhhor, and Pabasa being highlights, though many areas are still under active archaeological excavation.[99][100]
Remove ads
Economy
Summarize
Perspective
The economy of Luxor, like that of several other Egyptian cities, is heavily dependent on tourism. Since 1988, Luxor has been the only city that offers hot air balloon rides in Egypt, which is a common activity for tourists. Large numbers of people also work in agriculture, particularly sugarcane. There are also many industries, such as the pottery industry, used in eating, and many other uses.
Following the 2011 Egyptian revolution, tourism to Egypt dropped significantly, again affecting local tourist markets.[101][102][103] However, the last couple of years, tourism in Luxor is flourishing, experiencing significant recovery and growth post-pandemic, with increasing visitor numbers, major infrastructure projects aimed at boosting tourism such as new hotels and pedestrian zones, and Egypt positioning itself as a top destination, despite some local concerns about development impacting heritage.[104][105] Luxor and Aswan saw a 22% tourism jump in early 2023, and Egypt's overall tourism surged by nearly 27% in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Egypt's tourism sector is predicted to see continued growth, with projections for arrivals rising annually through 2029.[106] Sites like the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple remain major draws, attracting millions of visitors to experience ancient Egyptian wonders. A master plan for Luxor aims to transform it by 2030 with luxury hotels, golf courses, and pedestrian areas, enhancing its appeal. Development includes new hotels and a pedestrianized corniche along the Nile River.[107][108]
Luxor is a center for traditional Egyptian crafts, with a heritage of alabaster carving, handwoven textiles, and pottery that dates back to ancient times. The West Bank village of Kurna is a key hub for artisans, offering opportunities to see these crafts being made. Artisans in Kurna carve alabaster into lamps, vases, and statues using techniques passed down for generations. Luxor's handwoven textile, including rugs, scarves, and wall hangings, feature vibrant colors and designs inspired by the Nile, desert, and Nubian culture. Pottery is made from the rich clay of the Nile using traditional foot-powered wheels and fired in straw-fueled kilns. The items often feature Egyptian and Nubian motifs.
Agriculture
Agriculture in Luxor, is a vital economic sector, focusing on fertile Nile Valley lands for fruits such as grapes, bananas, dates, mangoes, vegetables such as tomatoes, corn, and staples (sugarcane), with a growing emphasis on sustainable practices, export-oriented crops like grapes, and modern tech like solar power to combat climate change and ensure food security, acting as a major employer alongside tourism.[109][110]
To make up for shortfalls in income, many cultivate their own food. Goat's cheese, pigeons, subsidized and home-baked bread, and homegrown tomatoes are commonplace among the majority of its residents.[111]
Agriculture in the city centers on the fertile Nile banks. Modernization efforts, including solar power, improved irrigation, and value-adding projects such as sun-dried tomatoes for export, which boost farmer income and sustainability, but water scarcity and the need for diversification remain major concerns for Luxor's economy, as noted by international cooperation initiatives.[112]
Farmers are using modern techniques, solar energy, and better irrigation to increase yields. Projects focus on processing such as drying tomatoes, to reduce waste and increase income, and Egyptian Ministry of Planning, Economic Development & International Cooperation, support sustainable farming in Luxor.[113][114]
Tourism development
A controversial tourism development plan aims to transform Luxor into the biggest, vast open-air museum. The master plan envisions new roads, five-star hotels, glitzy shops, and an IMAX theatre. The main attraction is an 11 million dollar project to unearth and restore the 2.7 kilometres (1.7 miles) long Avenue of Sphinxes that once linked Luxor and Karnak temples. The ancient processional road was built by the pharaoh Amenhotep III and took its final form under Nectanebo I in 400 BCE. Over a thousand sphinx statues lined the road now being excavated, which was covered by silt, homes, mosques, and churches. Excavation started around 2004.[115][116]
The full restoration and 2021 reopening of this 2.7 km ancient processional way connects the Karnak and Luxor temples, significantly boosting cultural tourism demand. Ongoing efforts focus on clearing informal settlements around temples and renovating surrounding areas, such as the and the , to create unified shopping and tourism complexes.
On 18 April 2019, the Egyptian Government announced the discovery of a previously unopened coffin in Luxor, dated back to 18th dynasty of Upper and Lower Egypt.[117][118] According to the previous Minister of Antiquities Khaled al-Anani, it is the biggest rock-cut tomb to be unearthed in the ancient city of Thebes.[119] It is one of the largest, well-preserved tombs ever found near the ancient city of Luxor.[120] On 24 November 2018, this discovery was preceded by the finding of a well-preserved mummy of a woman inside a previously unopened coffin dating back more than 3,000 years.[121][23]
Remove ads
Culture
Summarize
Perspective
Luxor's culture is a synthesis of its ancient Theban heritage and modern Upper Egyptian "Sa'idi" traditions. In 2025, the city was officially recognized as the inaugural World Capital of Culture, History, and Heritage for its preservation of these dual legacies.[122][123]
Luxor functions as a "living museum" where ancient spiritual practices and architectural feats remain central to local identity. Sites like Luxor Temple and Karnak are not just ruins but active cultural hubs that host modern festivals and community events. The Theban Legac and the city’s history as the ancient capital, Thebes, influences everything from its storytelling to the pride residents take in their role as "guardians" of human history.[124]
The economy and social scene heavily revolve around tourism, blending ancient wonders with contemporary amenities. A strong emphasis is placed on generosity and communal gatherings. Traditional coffee houses are centers for social exchange.[125] The Moulid of Abu Haggag is a major cultural event where Sufi traditions merge with ancient-style processions, often featuring boat floats that mirror ancient Egyptian festivals. The city maintains a thriving local crafts industry, particularly in alabaster carving, pottery, and textiles that reflect centuries-old techniques. Modern development focuses on "cultural development" that balances tourism needs with heritage preservation.
Beyond the temples, much of Luxor's cultural landscape is shaped by the Nile's seasonal cycles, with fertile lands producing sugarcane and corn, maintaining a strong peasant "fellahin" heritage. Known as the "City of a Hundred Gates," Luxor was the heart of Ancient Egypt, preserving massive temples and tombs that defined ancient beliefs in gods, the afterlife, and royal power.[126][127] The city embodies ancient duality: the East Bank with living and sun, and the West Bank with death and after life, with sites like the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's Temple.[128] Sites like Luxor Temple saw continuous religious use, converting from pagan temples to churches, then mosques such as the Abu Haggag Mosque, showcasing layers of history.
The souks are central to daily life, selling spices, jewelry, and local crafts, offering a lively, authentic atmosphere. Known for warm Egyptian hospitality, visitors enjoy authentic Egyptian dishes like koshari, melokhia and grilled fish, often with Nile views. Traditional Egyptian music and dance are common, especially on Nile dinner cruises.[129][130]
Architecture
Luxor, often called the "world's largest open-air museum," contains one of the highest concentrations of monumental architecture from Ancient Egypt.[131] The city's architectural landscape is defined by its massive stone temples, royal necropolises, and unique sustainable modern villages.[132][133]
Generally Egyptian Architecture, with massive monumental gateways consisting of two tapering towers flanking an entrance, often decorated with scenes of military victory.[134] Large, roofed halls supported by dense forests of columns, symbolizing the primeval papyrus marshes of creation. Monolithic stone towers capped with pyramid-ions.[135] Luxor Temple originally had two; one remains, while the other is in Paris. Giant stone figures, such as the 15-meter seated statues of Ramesses II at Luxor Temple, serve as spiritual and political guardians.[136][137]
Painting and sculpture
Luxor offers an incredible wealth of ancient Egyptian painting and sculpture, visible in its vast open-air museums and specialized art galleries. The Luxor Museum houses a high-quality collection of artifacts, including exquisite sculptures from the New Kingdom of Egypt, the Luxor Temple Cachette statues, the Talatat reliefs from Akhenaten's temple, and royal mummies. The Karnak Temple features colossal statues of pharaohs like Ramesses II and towering obelisks, with detailed reliefs and inscriptions covering its walls and pillars. Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Artisans (Deir el-Medina) contain some of the best-preserved and most beautiful grave paintings in Luxor, offering a vivid glimpse into the daily lives of ancient Egyptians and the artistry of the royal workmen.[139] The Luxor Temple features monumental seated statues of Ramesses II at the entrance and extensive wall reliefs. Colossi of Memnon include two massive stone statues of King Amenhotep III, all that remain of his mortuary temple, stand as a testament to the monumental scale of ancient Egyptian sculpture.[140][141]
Music
Historically, music in Thebes was a sacred and central pillar of life during the Middle and New Kingdoms of Egypt. As the capital of the Egyptian Empire, Thebes was a major hub for religious festivals and elite social gatherings where music was omnipresent.[142] Today, Music in Luxor, ranges from ancient historical narratives at temple sites to traditional folk performances on the Nile. Karnak Sound and Light Show is the most prominent musical event in Luxor, this 75-minute multimedia spectacle uses haunting music and poetic narration to recount the history of the Karnak Temple.[143][144]
Many evening Nile dinner cruises feature live traditional entertainment, including belly dancing, Sufi whirling dervish shows, and Nubian drumming. Some private felucca rides offer live Oud performances at sunset.[145] Often held in local theaters or on Nile-view terraces, these shows feature whirling dervishes performing to live traditional Egyptian music, creating a mystical, trance-like atmosphere. Major venues and bars in facilities such as the Sonesta St. George, Winter Palace, and Hilton Luxor Resort and others, frequently host live music, including local musicians and folkloric dance nights.[146][147]
Cinema
Films set in the city of Luxor, often feature its iconic ancient sites like Karnak and the Nile, with famous examples including The Blazing Sun (1954 film), Bride of the Nile (1963), The Night of counting the Years (1969), and The Treasure: Truth and Imagination.[148][149] Agatha Christie adaptations Death on the Nile (both 1978 and 2022) were also filmed in Luxor, the sci-fi blockbuster Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, the epic The Ten Commandments, documentaries like Baraka, and even James Bond films such as The Spy Who Loved Me, showcasing its timeless allure for mystery, adventure, and historical dramas.[150][151]
Libraries
The city of Luxor has several libraries, including public and specialized research facilities that are open to visitors and locals alike. Misr Public Library at Luxor is a major library in the area, housing a large collection of books, around 53,000 books and an Egyptology department. The library has won "Library of The Year" award.[152] El Dabaeya Public Library public library located in the village of El Dabaeya, on the West Bank. The Theban Mapping Project is located on the West Bank, this library offers free access to academic and general books on Egyptology, archaeology, and other topics in multiple languages including Egyptian, English, French, German, and Arabic languages. It also hosts evening lectures. Luxor Library and Heritage Center includes a research facility and a heritage center designed to orient visitors to the local cultural history through interactive displays and a unique 180-degree movie presentation of Egypt's history.[153][154]
Museums
Luxor Museum
The Luxor Museum is a renowned archaeological museum in the city, celebrated for its high-quality collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including royal mummies and treasures. It is located on the East Bank of the Nile River between the Luxor Temple and the Karnak Temple Complex.[155] The Royal Mummies Hall displays the mummified remains of New Kingdom pharaohs Ahmose I (founder of the 18th Dynasty) and Ramesses I. The Luxor Temple Cachette section displays a collection of over 20 well-preserved statues of pharaohs and gods, discovered buried beneath the Luxor Temple floor in 1989.[156] The museum includes various items from the famous tomb in the Valley of the Kings, such as chariots, weapons, and ritual objects. Akhenaten's Talatat Reliefs displays a rare sandstone blocks from the temple of the "heretic king" Akhenaten, known for their unique Amarna artistic style.[157][158]
Mummification Museum
The Mummification Museum is an archaeological museum dedicated to the ancient Egyptian art of mummification, as ancient Egyptians believed in the importance of preserving the body after death to ensure immortality in the afterlife.[159][160] The mummification was an essential element in the funerary practices of the ancient Egyptians, and it was symbolically supervised by the god Anubis.[161] The museum provides a comprehensive look at the process, tools, and religious significance of mummification through various artifacts which are displayed in nineteen cases.[162][163]
LAFF
The Luxor African Film Festival (LAFF) is a major annual event, showcasing African cinema with Nile cruises and ceremonies at Luxor Temple. The festival features African films from all over the continent. Founded in 2012, the LAFF is held annually in January.
Holidays and festivals
Luxor hosts both modern Islamic/Coptic holidays such as Eid, Coptic Christmas and Easter, and uniquely local and ancient festivals, most notably the historic Opet Festival, it is a grand procession celebrating Amun-Re's fertility,[164] now revived in spirit and the vibrant Moulid of Abu el-Haggag,[165] honoring a local saint with floats, drumming, and stick dances, offering a rich blend of Egyptian echoes and contemporary Egyptian culture.[166][167] Festival of the Valley, known as the Wadi Festival is an ancient festival for the deceased, with modern celebrations focusing on the West Bank. Sham El Nessim is a national, ancient Egyptian festival marking spring (Easter Monday), where families picnic, color eggs, and enjoy parks. Coptic Christmas on January 7th, and Easter in April and May, are major celebrations for Egypt's Coptic Christian population, with fasting and church services.[168]
Religious landmarks
.jpg)
Luxor is packed with ancient religious landmarks, primarily massive temple complexes, such as Luxor Temple. The city's key Islamic landmark is the Abu El-Hagag Mosque, uniquely built within the ancient Luxor Temple, bridging ancient Egyptian and Islamic eras with Mamluk and Abbasid influences, serving as a rare, significant site for Islamic worship and history in Upper Egypt.[169][170] Like most Egyptian cities, Luxor has Coptic Orthodox churches serving the local community, though specific well-known landmarks might be smaller parish churches rather than vast historical complexes.[171][172]
Coptic Catholic Eparchy
The Coptic Catholic (Alexandrian Rite) minority established on November 26, 1895, an Eparchy (Eastern Catholic Diocese) of Luqsor (Luxor) alias Thebes, on territory split off from the Apostolic Vicariate of Egypt. Its episcopal see is St. George cathedral in Luxor.
In turn, it lost territory on August 10, 1947, to establish the Eparchy of Assiut and again on 14 September 1981 to establish Sohag.
Suffragan Eparchs of Luxor
Ignazio Gladès Berzi (March 6, 1896 – died January 29, 1925), Marc Khouzam (August 6, 1926 – August 10, 1947), also Apostolic Administrator of Alexandria of the Copts (Egypt) (December 30, 1927 – August 10, 1947); later Coptic Catholic Patriarch of Alexandria (10 August 10, 1947 – died February 2, 1958), Isaac Ghattas (June 21, 1949 – May 8, 1967), later Archbishop-Bishop of Minya of the Copts (Egypt) (May 8, 1967 – died June 8, 1977).
Amba Andraos Ghattas, Lazarists (C.M.) (May 8, 1967 – June 9, 1986), also Apostolic Administrator of Alexandria of the Copts (Egypt) (February 24, 1984 – June 9, 1986), President of Synod of the Catholic Coptic Church (1985 – March 30, 2006), President of Assembly of the Catholic Hierarchy of Egypt (1985 – March 30, 2006), later Coptic Catholic Patriarch of Alexandria (June 23, 1986 – retired March 30, 2006), created Cardinal-Patriarch (February 21, 2001 – died January 20, 2009), also President of Council of Catholic Patriarchs of the East (2003–2006). Aghnatios Elias Yaacoub, Jesuits (S.J.) (July 15, 1986 – died March 12, 1994), previously Coadjutor Eparch of Assiut of the Copts (Egypt) (May 19, 1983 – July 15, 1986), Youhannes Ezzat Zakaria Badir (June 24, 1994 – December 27, 2015), previously Eparch (Bishop) of Ismayliah of the Copts (Egypt) (November 23, 1992 – June 23, 1994) and Emmanuel (Khaled Ayad) Bishay (April 16, 2016 -).
Remove ads
Infrastructure
Summarize
Perspective
Health
The city has a number of hospitals either public or private such as; Luxor International Medical Complex, El Karnak International Hospital, Medina Specialized Hospital,[173] Shefaa Al-Orman Hospital, a free cancer treatment hospital is the first and largest integrated hospital in Upper Egypt offering completely free cancer treatment. The hospital is equipped with diagnostic and treatment equipment for cancer patients and serves residents of the southern governorates of Upper Egypt.t.[174] The city also includes the Luxor Medical Center (LMC),[175] Isis Central Hospital, Medicare Medical center, Tiba Specialized Hospital, Luxor Specialized Hospital.[176]
Education
Luxor University
Luxor University, founded in 2019, located in New Thebes, is a non-profit governmental university that provides programs and courses for students.[177]
Misr University of Science and Technology
Misr University of Science and Technology acquired a 44-acre plot of land in New Thebes city after submitting an allocation request to the New Urban Communities Authority to establish a branch in Upper Egypt. The university is under construction and is planned to include 10 colleges.[180][181]
The branch will include the following colleges: Medicine and Dentistry, Physical Therapy, Nursing, Health Sciences Technology, Pharmacy, Special Education, Engineering, Information Technology, Management and Economics, Languages and Translation, Media and Communication Arts, Archaeological Site Management and Museum Studies, and Biotechnology.[182][183]
Thebes Technological University
Located in New Thebes, the university includes 3 chemistry labs in addition to computer labs, 4 carpentry workshops, 4 classrooms, 4 lecture halls, 5 five-a-side and multi-purpose sports fields, a teaching hotel, and other facilities.[184][185]
The university has also student dormitories for male and female students, and faculty housing. Students receive a Higher Technological Diploma and a Bachelor of Technology degree in any of its specializations.[186][187] The university also grants professional Master's and PhD in technology. Studies at the university began in September 2022.[188][189]
Schools
Today, Luxor is an active member of the Egyptian educational system, with several international schools such as; Future International School of Luxor, Ahlan language School, Nile Egyptian School (NES) - Luxor Branch. Also a number of public educational schools, and higher education institutes.[190]
Transport
Air
Luxor is served by Luxor International Airport. It is located 6 km east of the city.
Roads, taxis, and buses
A bridge was opened in 1998, a few kilometres upstream of the main town of Luxor, allowing ready land access from the east bank to the west bank. Traditionally, river crossings have been the domain of several ferry services. The so-called 'local ferry' (also known as the 'National Ferry') continues to operate from a landing opposite the Temple of Luxor.
Transport to sites on the west bank is serviced by taxi drivers who often approach ferry passengers.[citation needed] There are also local cars that reach some of the monuments for 2 L.E., although tourists rarely use them. Alternatively, motorboats line both banks of the Nile all day, providing a quicker, but more expensive crossing to the other side.
The city of Luxor on the east bank has several bus routes used mainly by locals. Tourists often rely on horse carriages, called "calèches", for transport or tours around the city. Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced, and since the government has decreed that taxis older than 20 years will not be relicensed, there are many modern air-conditioned cabs. Recently, new roads have been built in the city to cope with the growth in traffic.
River Transport
The river transport sector is one of the most important elements of the transport system in Luxor, encompassing all its components: shipping lines, Nile docks, navigation locks, and the infrastructure of the waterway. These serve tourist boats operating between Luxor and Aswan, as well as transport barges, sailboats, and ferries.[191][192]
There are also river ferries, which are large vessels that transport residents of the governorate and tourists to and from the east and west banks at nominal fares. In addition, there are small privately owned boats used for travel and leisure on the Nile.[193] Large tourist ships offering Nile cruises from Cairo to Aswan call at Luxor's Nile docks. This route is also used for transporting goods and allows for dual-use river vessels.[194][195]
Rail
For domestic travel along the route of the Nile, a rail service operates several times a day. A morning train and a sleeping train can be taken from the railway station situated around 400 metres (440 yd) from Luxor Temple. The line runs between several major destinations, including Cairo to the north and Aswan to the south.
Remove ads
Twin towns – sister cities
Luxor is twinned with:
Notable People
- Meritaten, Egyptian Royal Wife, King's Daughter
- Ahmose-Nefertari, Egyptian queen consort
- Neferhotep I, Egyptian pharaoh
- Sobekhotep IV, Egyptian king
- Ahmed el-Tayeb, Egyptian Islamic scholar
- Bahaa Taher (1935–2022), Egyptian novelist
- Yusuf Abu al-Haggag (1150–1245), Egyptian Scholar and Saint of Luxor
See also
Notes
- Egyptian Arabic: الأقصر, romanized: al-ʾuqṣur, lit. 'the palaces'
- Arabic: الأقصر, romanized: al-ʾuqṣur, lit. 'the palaces', pronounced /ˈlʌksɔːr, ˈlʊk-/,[12] Egyptian Arabic pronunciation: [ˈloʔsˤoɾ], Upper Egyptian: [ˈloɡsˤor]
- Arabic: أبا الوقف, Ancient Greek: Ωφις
Remove ads
References
Further reading
External links
Wikiwand - on
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Remove ads