Exploring the Ancient Wonders of Luxor with Family

Echoes of Eternity

Today was a day of diving deeper into the ancient soul of Luxor, a city that seems to whisper stories from millennia past. It's a humbling experience to walk where pharaohs and priests once trod, to touch stones carved with prayers and declarations of power. Today, the family and I explored temples dedicated to creation and remembrance, and even found time to support local artisans, ensuring that the traditions of this land continue to thrive.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Mamma Mia! Luxor. Astrid was particularly excited, having read about their cheese pies, and Lasse, of course, was all in for the pizza. I enjoyed a simple but delicious Egyptian coffee, strong enough to prepare me for the day's explorations. Fuelled up, we set off to our first destination: the Temple of Khnum in Esna, about an hour's drive south of Luxor.


Discover the ancient wonders of Esna at the Temple of Khnum, a historical landmark steeped in history and architectural marvel.

The Temple of Khnum, also known as the Temple of Esna, is a fascinating site. It sits several meters below the current street level, a testament to the layers of history that have built up over centuries. As we descended into the excavation pit, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. This temple, dedicated to Khnum, the ram-headed god of creation, was constructed during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. The family were amazed by the sheer size of the hypostyle hall, its roof supported by massive columns adorned with intricate carvings. The kids were particularly fascinated by the astronomical scenes decorating the ceiling and hieroglyphic accounts of temple rituals covering the pillars.

The stones of Luxor hold not just history, but the enduring spirit of a civilization that continues to inspire and captivate.

The temple's walls tell stories of Roman emperors dressed as pharaohs making offerings to the local gods. It was a unique blend of cultures, a reminder that even in the most ancient of places, change is constant. Astrid was captivated by the lotus-leaf capitals, each uniquely styled. I found myself pondering the dedication of those who built and decorated this temple so long ago. It's a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring power of belief.

After immersing ourselves in the Temple of Khnum, we drove back towards Luxor for lunch at Kam Thai. This wasn't exactly a traditional Egyptian choice, but the kids were craving something different, and I had heard good things about this place. And indeed, it was a delightful surprise. The restaurant was small and clean, with a cozy atmosphere. Lasse devoured a plate of Pad Thai, while Astrid and I shared some spring rolls and Tom Yum soup. It was a welcome change of pace, and a reminder that travel is about embracing new experiences, even culinary ones.


Experience authentic Thai cuisine at Kam Thai in Luxor – where every dish tells a story of flavor and tradition.

Our next stop was the Mortuary Temple of Seti I, located on the West Bank of Luxor. This temple, built by Seti I and completed by his son Ramesses II, is a tribute to both the pharaoh and the god Amun-Re. As we approached the temple, the scale of the structure was simply breathtaking. The temple was known as “Glorious Seti in the West of Thebes”.


Explore the Mortuary Temple of Seti I in Luxor, a historical landmark showcasing ancient Egyptian artistry and grandeur in the heart of Al Qarnah.

The Mortuary Temple of Seti I is one of Egypt's most significant and well-preserved examples of New Kingdom architecture. The temple complex features a series of courtyards, hypostyle halls, and chapels, all decorated with intricate carvings and hieroglyphics depicting ancient Egyptian history and mythology scenes. Inside, we explored the hypostyle hall with its elegant papyrus columns and high-quality reliefs. I was particularly drawn to the chapels dedicated to the royal mortuary cult, especially the one dedicated to Seti's father, Rameses I. It featured a well-preserved false door showing Rameses I in a kiosk with a falcon above it. It's moments like these that make history come alive.

Astrid was fascinated by the inscriptions and reliefs, spending time deciphering the stories they told. Lasse, surprisingly, was also engaged, asking questions about the pharaohs and their beliefs. It's wonderful to see him connecting with history in such a tangible way. The Mortuary Temple of Seti I was used for religious purposes and as an important political symbol for Egypt during this period.

As the afternoon waned, we decided to indulge in a bit of shopping. I had read about SHOP SANDOUK. HandCrafts/FairTrade, a fair-trade shop offering handicrafts made by local artisans. We found it tucked away on a quiet backstreet. The owner, Khaled, greeted us warmly and offered us some refreshing karkadeh, a hibiscus tea. The shop was a treasure trove of beautiful items: hand-woven fabrics, alabaster pottery, wooden jewelry boxes, and more. The family were impressed by the quality and craftsmanship of the items, and it was clear that Khaled had a passion for supporting local artisans.


Discover the essence of Egyptian craftsmanship at Shop Sandouk, a premier destination for authentic handicrafts and fair-trade souvenirs in Luxor.

Astrid purchased a hand-woven shawl, while Lasse picked out a small alabaster sculpture. I found a beautiful wooden box, perfect for storing some of my woodworking tools back in Silkeborg. It felt good to support the local economy and take home a piece of Egypt that was both beautiful and meaningful. The shop is a great representation of the vibrant beauty of Egyptian art and culture, with high-quality Fairtrade handicrafts created by local artisans from Luxor and other Egyptian villages.

Our final stop of the day was dinner at Casa di Napoli. After a long day of exploring, we were all craving some familiar comfort food. Casa di Napoli is known for its Italian cuisine and wines, and it did not disappoint. We sat on the terrace, enjoying the warm evening air and the views of Luxor's bustling streets. The kids devoured pizzas, while Astrid and I shared a pasta dish. It was a perfect way to end the day, relaxed and content.


Discover authentic Italian flavors at Casa di Napoli in Luxor – where culinary excellence meets Egyptian charm.

As I reflect on today's adventures, I'm struck by the layers of history that permeate Luxor. It's a city where the ancient and the modern coexist, where the echoes of pharaohs and gods can still be heard in the stones of the temples. And it's a city where the traditions of craftsmanship continue to thrive, thanks to the dedication of local artisans. Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Valley of the Queens and experience the Sound & Light show at Karnak Temple. I'm sure it will be another day filled with wonder and discovery.

For now, I'm grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family, to witness their curiosity and their connection to this ancient land. It's a journey that I will cherish forever.

Until tomorrow, Ciao!