Unusual & Offbeat Destinations in Giza, Egypt
1. Serapeum of Saqqara
An ancient tomb complex for the Apis bulls. It's unique due to its massive limestone structure and intricate maze-like corridors.
- Ancient Animal Mummy Tomb: One of the largest known animal tombs in the world.
- Architectural Marvel: Features an impressive underground labyrinth and grandiose structure.
- Less Touristy: Typically less crowded than other Giza attractions, offering a more tranquil experience.
2. Mastaba of Ti
A well-preserved mastaba tomb dating back to the Old Kingdom. It's unique due to its vibrant and detailed frescoes.
- Vibrant Frescoes: Features some of the best-preserved wall paintings in Egypt.
- Early Pyramid Structure: One of the oldest and most well-preserved mastabas from the Old Kingdom era.
- Off-the-Beaten Path: Located in a quieter part of Saqqara, away from the hustle and bustle of popular attractions.
3. Giza Solar Boat Museum
A museum dedicated to the wooden boat found buried alongside Khufu's pyramid. It's unique due to its remarkable preservation.
- Ancient Artifact Conservation: The boat was beautifully preserved, allowing visitors to see it as close to its original state as possible.
- Close Proximity to the Pyramids: Located just next to the Great Pyramid of Giza.
- Inside Look at Funerary Boats: Provides insight into ancient Egyptian funerary rituals and boat-building techniques.
4. The Pyramids of Abu Sir
A complex of three pyramids built for the Pharaoh Neferirkare Kakai. It's unique due to its smaller scale and remote location.
- Remote and Secluded: A quieter alternative to the crowded Pyramids of Giza.
- Small-Scale Pyramids: Offers a unique perspective on what smaller pyramids may have looked like in ancient Egypt.
- Early Dynasty Pyramid Complex: One of the oldest known pyramid complexes, dating back to the 5th Dynasty.
5. Red Monastery (Sah Abu Abbas Al-Murr)
A Coptic Christian monastery known for its striking red walls and ornate frescoes. It's unique due to its remote desert location.
- Desert Monastery: Located in the heart of the Eastern Desert, far from any urban centers.
- Ornate Frescoes and Architecture: Features intricate frescoes depicting various biblical scenes and impressive architectural design.
- Well-Preserved Artifacts: Houses numerous well-preserved artifacts, including manuscripts and icons.
6. The Hanging Church (Al Mu'allaqa)
An ancient Coptic Orthodox church built atop the gates of the Babylon Fortress. It's unique due to its architectural structure and historical significance.
- Architectural Masterpiece: Features a remarkable wooden roof supported by four large columns.
- Historical Significance: Believed to have been built in the 5th century, making it one of the oldest churches in Egypt.
- Centrally Located: Found within the heart of Cairo's old Islamic quarter.
7. The Step Pyramid of Djoser (Saqqara)
An ancient Egyptian pyramid complex built for Pharaoh Djoser. It's unique due to its step-like design and impressive size.
- First True Pyramid: Considered the world's first true pyramid.
- Impressive Architectural Design: Features an intricate system of mastabas and mortuary temples.
- Centrally Located: Found within the Saqqara necropolis, close to many other ancient attractions.
8. Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-As
The first mosque built in Egypt and the Islamic world. It's unique due to its blend of Coptic, Byzantine, and early Islamic architectural styles.
- Historical Significance: Established in 641 AD, marking the advent of Islam in Egypt.
- Mixed Architectural Style: Shows a fascinating fusion of architectural styles from various eras.
- Centrally Located: Found within the heart of Old Cairo, close to many other historical sites.
9. Deir el-Bahri Temple
A mortuary temple complex built for Queen Hatshepsut. It's unique due to its striking design and valley setting.
- Striking Design: Features a distinctive terraced design and intricate relief carvings.
- Valley of the Kings Setting: Located on the west bank of Luxor, overlooking the Valley of the Kings.
- Female Pharaoh Monument: One of the most impressive structures built by a female pharaoh in ancient Egypt.
10. The Temple of Hathor at Dendera
A beautifully preserved temple dedicated to the goddess Hathor. It's unique due to its zodiac ceiling and detailed carvings.
- Well-Preserved Artifacts: Features numerous artifacts, including a black granite statue of Hathor.
- Detailed Carvings and Inscriptions: Showcases intricate carvings and hieroglyphic inscriptions depicting various scenes from ancient Egyptian life.
- Zodiac Ceiling: Features a unique astronomical zodiac ceiling, showcasing the twelve signs of the zodiac.
11. The Temple of Horus at Edfu
A well-preserved temple dedicated to the falcon god Horus. It's unique due to its incredible state of preservation and detailed carvings.
- Well-Preserved Artifact: One of the most complete and best-preserved temples in Egypt.
- Detailed Carvings and Inscriptions: Showcases intricate carvings and hieroglyphic inscriptions depicting various scenes from ancient Egyptian life.
- Temple on the Nile: Located on the west bank of the Nile, near the city of Edfu.
12. The Temple of Kom Ombo
A unique double temple dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris. It's unique due to its dual design and crocodile-filled Sacred Lake.
- Dual Design: The only known double temple in Egypt, housing two separate sanctuaries.
- Sacred Crocodile Lake: Features a lake where crocodiles were once worshipped as sacred animals.
- Centrally Located: Found between Aswan and Edfu, near the Nile River.
13. The Temple of Philae
An island temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. It's unique due to its beautiful setting on Elephantine Island and intricate carvings.
- Beautiful Island Setting: Located on a picturesque island in the Nile River.
- Detailed Carvings and Inscriptions: Showcases intricate carvings and hieroglyphic inscriptions depicting various scenes from ancient Egyptian life.
- Relocated Historic Site: The temple was moved to its current location before the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
14. The Valley of the Queens
A burial place for many queens and noblewomen during the New Kingdom. It's unique due to its scenic beauty and well-preserved tombs.
- Scenic Beauty: Located in a breathtaking desert valley on the west bank of Luxor.
- Well-Preserved Tombs: Features numerous well-preserved tombs, including those of Nefertari and Seti I's Queen Tuya.
- Less Touristy: Typically less crowded than the Valley of the Kings.
15. The Temple of Seti I at Abydos
A mortuary temple dedicated to Pharaoh Seti I. It's unique due to its impressive scale and intricate carvings.
- Impressive Scale: One of the largest temples in Egypt, showcasing grandeur and sophistication.
- Detailed Carvings and Inscriptions: Showcases intricate carvings and hieroglyphic inscriptions depicting various scenes from ancient Egyptian life.
- Far from the Crowds: Located in a remote area, away from more touristy attractions.