Luxor is the world's greatest open-air museum, filled with the awe-inspiring monuments of ancient civilization.

It was part of ancient Thebes, and was the seat of power for 1350 years - from 2100BC to 750BC. During this time the Egyptians constructed several architectural works of art, and the city is thus extremely rich in relics that tell a story about Ancient Egypt's glorious history - palaces, monuments, temples and tombs.

On the East bank of the Nile, in the city of the living, are found the Temples of Luxor and Karnak, the largest place of worship ever built. On the West Bank are the Colossi of Memnon, the tombs of the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, and a number of commemorative temples and tombs of important officials.

Today, you can walk through history; past statues with heads of gods and animals, beneath pillars carved with lotus buds and papyrus.

Ride in a horse-drawn caleche, sail in a felucca, take a sunset cruise or see the city from a hot-air balloon.

Where does the name 'Luxor ' come form?
Luxor is part of ancient Thebes: 'The Hundred-Gated City' as it was called by the renowned Greek historian, Homer, because of its buildings and large gates. The city grew over the years, and the Arabs, impressed by its beautiful palaces and huge edifices, re-named it 'Luxor': City of Palaces. Luxor remained the seat of power from 2100 to 750B.C.

That is why the visitor is awed by the city, made immortal by its huge pillared-monuments along both banks of the Nile. In the City of the Living, in the east, where the life-giving sun rises; and in the City of the Dead, in the west, where the sun, in its never-ending orbit, bids farewell to life!