Luxor (Arabic: الأقصر, romanized: al-ʾuqṣur, meaning “the palaces”) is a modern city located in Upper (southern) Egypt, encompassing the site of the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes. Often referred to as the “world’s greatest open-air museum,” Luxor is home to some of Egypt’s most iconic archaeological sites. The ruins of the Egyptian temple complexes at Karnak and Luxor are located within the modern city itself. On the opposite bank of the River Nile, the West Bank of the Theban Necropolis holds a vast array of monuments, temples, and tombs, including the renowned Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens. Each year, thousands of visitors from across the globe come to explore Luxor’s ancient wonders, making tourism a key contributor to the city’s economy. With a population of 422,407 (as of 2021) and covering an area of approximately 417 km² (161 sq mi), Luxor serves as the capital of Luxor Governorate. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.