From pyramids to temples, Egypt has some of the most iconic ancient monuments on the planet, so it’s no surprise that it has some very impressive places on the World Heritage List.
What is a surprise is how few Egyptian World Heritages Sites there are… but that’s mainly because the local authorities chose to group lots of landmarks together into single designations. (For instance, everything within Ancient Thebes, including the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and the Temple of Hatshepsut are all just one single UNESCO site.)
Of the seven World Heritage Sites in Egypt, six of them are cultural, with a focus on Ancient Egypt and the achievements of one of humanity’s oldest civilisations.
A couple of highlights are the Pyramids of Giza, which remain one of the most recognisable symbols of human achievement, and the ancient Thebes complex including the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of pharaohs are still full of mystery.
But starting with the Ancient Egyptian dynasties, the story continues through the Greco-Roman period, the rise of Coptic Christianity, and the Islamic age, culminating in the medieval streets of Historic Cairo, one of the oldest Islamic cities in the world.
One of the things I find quite interesting is that most of these World Heritage Sites in Egypt don’t just feature an individual monument – instead they showcase entire ancient cities and archaeological landscapes that have survived for millennia.
If you wanted to visit all of Egypt’s World Heritage Sites, you’d find most of them relatively accessible compared to many other countries (the exception perhaps being the Saint Catherine Area).
Several of the major sites are clustered along the Nile Valley, with some right in the heart of Cairo. Even the more remote locations, like Abu Simbel, are well-connected by tours and flights.
So, with all that in mind, let’s take a look at all of the Egyptian World Heritage Sites.
Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur
Starting with the oldest of the cultural World Heritage Sites in Egypt, this one that covers the ancient capital of Memphis has monuments from approximately 3100BC to 2200 BC.
The site’s centrepiece is undoubtedly the Pyramids of Giza, the three monumental structures built as tombs for pharaohs, along with the Great Sphinx, showcase the extraordinary architectural and engineering prowess of the Old Kingdom period.
But the UNESCO site stretches all the way from Giza for about 30 kilometres to an area called Dahshur, (now known as Saqqara) which has even earlier monuments like the Red and Bent Pyramids, which provide insight into the evolution of the construction of these tombs.
This is a World Heritage Site of unparalleled historical significance. The number of important monuments within its boundaries is incredible, and together they offer a glimpse into one of the world’s most fascinating civilisations.
Of course, you’ll want to visit the pyramids, but I recommend also seeing some of the other landmarks further away that remind you of how ancient Memphis was once a thriving metropolis.
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
The next of Egypt’s World Heritage Sites chronologically is Ancient Thebes, which was the capital of the Middle and New Kingdoms of Ancient Egypt, around where the modern city of Luxor now is.
Set on either side of the Nile, Ancient Thebes stands as a testament to the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilisation. especially the spectacular Karnak Temple complex on the east bank, which I think is one of the best attractions in the whole country.
The other main highlight is on the west bank – the Valley of the Kings (plus the Valley of the Queens and associated mortuary temples). These necropolises contain the tombs of pharaohs and nobles, their walls still adorned with vivid paintings.
And, of course, this is where you’ll find the tomb of Tutankhamen.
One of the things that makes this World Heritage Site so outstanding is the concentration of monumental and architectural wonders, including Luxor Temple, the Avenue of Sphinxes, and the Colossi of Memnon.
When you visit Luxor, make sure you leave yourself enough time to explore as many of these ancient landmarks as possible.
Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae
This next World Heritage Site covers a period from about the 13th century BC to the 2nd century BC, from the height of the New Kingdom to the Ptolemaic Period, which saw the end of Ancient Egypt.
A number of monuments are included in this designation, which together represent an extraordinary collection of ancient architectural marvels, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship and engineering prowess of the time.
The centrepiece is the Great Temple of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel, renowned for its colossal statues and intricate reliefs. Equally impressive is the nearby Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Queen Nefertari. These structures were famously rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser in the 1960s through a monumental UNESCO-led relocation effort.
The other most important monument is the island temple complex at Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Here, you can get a boat across to the island and explore the graceful colonnades and reliefs. There’s also a popular sound and light show in the evenings.
Between these two main landmarks are lots of other smaller temples of monuments that tell the story of the Nubian civilisation. It’s a region rich in history that often, apart from the two places I’ve mentioned, can sometimes be overlooked by visitors. But there are lots of things to do in Aswan if you spend a few days here.
Saint Catherine Area
The Saint Catherine Area, located in the south of the Sinai Peninsula, is a sacred landscape encompassing Mount Sinai. Revered by three major monotheistic religions, it’s considered to be the site where Moses received the Ten Commandments.
Because of this, it’s an extremely important pilgrimage site. The journey typically begins in the small town of Saint Catherine, nestled at the foot of Mount Sinai. From here, you can get up early for a challenging ascent to see the sunrise from the summit.
The 6th-century Saint Catherine’s Monastery is one of the oldest continuously functioning Christian monasteries in the world. Within its impressive Byzantine architecture are priceless religious artefacts. The famous Burning Bush, believed to be the original site where God spoke to Moses, grows within the monastery grounds.
This is not the easiest site to visit, although there are tour operators that can take care of many of the logistics for you. The facilities are relatively basic once you’re here, though. And if you want to do the pilgrimage properly, it can be quite an arduous journey.
Abu Mena
Abu Mena, located about 45 kilometres southwest of Alexandria, also offers a glimpse into early Christian history.
The archaeological site is based around a vast Christian pilgrimage centre that flourished from the 4th to the 7th centuries. It grew around the tomb of Saint Menas of Alexandria, a martyr and miracle-worker who became one of Egypt’s most revered saints.
The complex once included a grand basilica, baptistry, public buildings, streets, houses, and workshops, all serving the needs of countless pilgrims. Now it’s mainly ruins and doesn’t actually get many visitors.
You’ll find it relatively quiet as you explore, but that stillness is part of the charm. The foundations of the enormous basilica, which once rivalled the great churches of Constantinople in size and grandeur, give you an idea of what once was. But don’t expect too much else.
Historic Cairo
Right in the centre of the capital, Historic Cairo is the most modern of Egypt’s World Heritage Sites, even though it covers a period of more than a thousand years.
This site is a treasure trove of Islamic architecture and culture, including landmarks from about 970 AD onwards. Based around the medieval Islamic city, with its labyrinthine streets and stunning monuments, it reflects the golden age of the Fatimid, Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods.
As you wander the narrow alleyways of ornate mosques, madrasas, and bazaars, some highlights to look out for are the Sultan Hassan Mosque, the Al-Rifa’i Mosque, and the majestic Citadel of Cairo.
The World Heritage Site also includes an area known as Coptic Cairo, where there has historically been a Christian presence. In this small but dense neighbourhood surrounded by tall walls, some of the highlights worth mentioning are the Fortress of Babylon, the Hanging Church, Abu Serga (the oldest church in Egypt, built in the 4th century), and the Coptic Museum.
Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)
And finally, the only natural World Heritage Site in Egypt – Wadi Al-Hitan, or Whale Valley. This is an incredible fossil site that holds the secrets of prehistoric whales’ evolution from land-dwelling to aquatic creatures.
The site boasts hundreds of fossils of ancient whales which shows that they have legs and feet! These 40-million-year-old remains are remarkably well-preserved, often complete skeletons, that offer unparalleled insights into a pivotal moment in natural history as whales become water-based creatures.
It may now be famous, but I think visiting Wadi Al-Hitan is an incredible journey through time and terrain.
The stark beauty of the desert, with its wind-carved rock formations and golden dunes, creates an otherworldly backdrop for this open-air museum. Following marked trails, you can see the fossils in situ and marvel at the juxtaposition of marine remains in this now-arid environment.
The site’s visitor centre offers educational displays and contextual information, enhancing the experience. However, the real magic lies in wandering the valley itself.
