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Posts Tagged ‘Sphinx’

The Wonders of Ancient Egypt

May 8th, 2009 No comments

The recent contest to create a list of the New Seven Wonders of the World gave special recognition to the Great Pyramids, who were one of the original seven wonders listed by ancient historian Herodotus. If you visit Egypt today, there are many wonders for you to explore.

Kom Ombo Temple: The Temple of Kom Ombo is an unusual double temple built during the Ptolemaic dynasty in the Egyptian town of Kom Ombo. The building is unique because its ‘double’ design meant that there were courts, halls, sanctuaries and rooms duplicated for two sets of gods. The southern half of the temple was dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek, god of fertility and creator of the world with Hathor and Khonsu. The northern part of the temple was dedicated to the falcon god Haroeris. The temple is atypical because everything is perfectly symmetrical along the main axis.

Edfu Temple: The Temple of Edfu is an ancient Egyptian temple located on the west bank of the Nile in the city of Edfu which was known in Greco-Roman times as Apollonopolis Magna, after the chief god Horus-Apollo. It is the second largest temple in Egypt after Karnak and one of the best preserved. The temple, dedicated to the falcon god Horus, was built in the Greek period between 237 and 57 BC. The inscriptions on its walls provide important information on language, myth and religion during the Greco-Roman period in Egypt.

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali: The Alabaster Mosque is situated in the Citadel of Cairo and commissioned by Muhammad Ali Pasha between 1830 and 1848. Situated on the summit of the citadel the mosque, the largest to be built in the first half of the 19th century and is most visible mosque in Cairo. The mosque, along with the citadel, are the landmarks and big tourist attractions in Cairo. Its beauty rivals those of European cathedrals.

Temple of Karnak: Karnak a vast complex of ruined temples, pillars and other buildings. It is located near Luxor in Egypt. It was the most holy place in Ancient Egypt, the main place of worship of the Theban Triad with Amun as its head. It is the largest temple or temple complex in all of Egypt.

The Sphinx: Beneath the shadow of the Great Pyramid lies the mysterious Sphinx. Buried by sand over the years, the Sphinx was re-discovered by European in the 19th Century. It is the largest monumental sculpture of antiquity in the world today. It can be visited as part of any trip to the Pyramids when in Cairo.

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5 Ideas For a Luxury Holiday to Egypt

May 3rd, 2009 No comments

Experience Scuba diving in Sharm El Sheikh

Egypt has some of the very best sites suitable for scuba diving. Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are the most admirable places to go for scuba diving. Its underwater view is just amazing. The incredible underwater life is certainly going to make you stunned. If you are a novice in scuba diving, you can become an expert by attending their courses on scuba diving.

Enjoy a luxury cruise down the Nile

Cruise liners offer a country tour with top quality and luxurious service. They cruise down the Nile, touching in the best places of the country while comforting you with the five star services. These cruises depart from Luxor or Aswan, and take you through the prominent places like the Valley of the Kings, the Necropolis, and numerous ancient temples. These cruises are equipped with gyms, restaurants, shopping centres and boutique.

Play golf in Hurghada

Golf is a sport that approximately every one likes to play particularly when they are on opulence holiday. Egypt offers some fabulous golf courses. Among these superb golf courses Hurghada – El Gouna and Cascades are the finest. They are situated at the amazing beaches and they offer interesting view along with the wonderful game.

Feel pampered at a luxury spa hotel

The necessary feeling on holidays is the pampering treatment to make it Luxurious. The spas in Egypt offer this treatment at its very best. Residence des Cascades in Hurghada and the Sheraton Hotel in Sharm El Sheikh have outstanding spa facilities, offering a range of sauna, and massage treatments. You can treasure the most relaxing moments at these spa centres. The ancient techniques of massage can make feel you young and revitalized once again.

Take a city tour in Cairo

Egypt has several historical places to tender for the history lovers. The Pyramids and the Sphinx are two of the most visited and astounding sights in the world. No visit to Egypt can be considered complete without visiting these two iconic places of Egypt. The Cairo Towers has a rotating restaurant to offer you a special experience. Citadel was chosen by Saladin for its neat nature. You can see the medieval time as you amble through the Citadel.

The nights are even more splendid in Egypt. You can take delight in the bustle of city life in the lights and can treasure the memories of some stunning Egyptian Dances at some remarkable restaurants. Your hunger for a snug holiday is contented entirely when you are in Egypt for a luxury holiday.

The Top 10 Attractions in Cairo

April 26th, 2009 No comments

Cairo is a fantastic place and each holidayer has an urge to visit Cairo at least once in his life time. There are a lot of places which will fulfil your craving up to some degree seeing the outstanding places and witnessing the leftovers of a popular civilization. The top ten must see sights in Cairo are mentioned below;

1. The Pyramids of Giza

This place does not need any introduction. Egyptian Pyramids are one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Giza Necropolis contains the Pyramid of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. This is quite close to the Great Sphinx. A must see place. The trip to Egypt is incomplete without visiting this place.

2. The Manial Palace

This Palace was built for Prince Mohammad Ali between 1899 and 1929, the Manial Palace was owned by the Egypt administration in 1955. This Palace has astonishing structural design and it represents a celestial mingle of many cultures like Ottoman, Moorish, European rococo and Persian architecture. This palace now serves as a museum where the statues and opus of medieval times are exhibited.

3. Museum of Islamic Ceramics

This Palace has also been transformed into museum. There are plentiful mesmerizing collections of antiques from a range of Islamic rules; are displayed. The artefacts were transferred from the National Library, because the magnificence of Palace makes it even more exciting. The structural design of the Palace is incredible and worth seeing. This is a great place for the people interested in Islamic history.

4. Pharaonic Village

If you desire to observe the era of 3000 years ago, this is the place where you should go. You will definitely find it beyond belief. The conception of the Pharaonic Village took 20 years for preparation as a place apposite to be opened to tourists. This is a perfect magnetism that promises to take visitors back in the olden times of Pharaoh.

5. The Hanging Church

This is another empire highlight; the Hanging Church gets its name from its position – above the eminent Babylon Fortress, with its nave hanging over an alleyway. It carries all the depiction of 3rd century, and with its fabulous marble stage, inlaid screens, cryptogram and paintings. This is the place which will certainly impress you.

6. Khan el Khalili Market

It is one of the Cairo’s most significant shopping places even today. You are certain to see the reflection of olden times in the trade and business environment of this market.

7. Cairo Tower

This tower is 187 metres tall. Evening is the most excellent time to visit this tower because you will be able to observe the whole Cairo lights from its peak. It also has spinning restaurant which will certainly give you a special familiarity to treasure.

8. Giza Zoo

This is a great day out place for family. There is foliage and an extensive variety of animals. The tickets are offered at insignificant price.

9. The Citadel

This place was chosen by Saladin for its pure nature. You can see the medieval time as you stroll through the Citadel.

10. The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities

This Museum holds a large treasure of artefacts and well-known icons and deity with regard to the times of Tutankhamen – the famed Egyptian ruler. If you want to study about Egyptian History, this could be the place for you.

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