Qena is a provincial capital, most famous for its proximity to the ruins of Dendara. It owes its modern prosperity to the opening of the Wadi Qena towards the Red Sea, which is a major traffic route between Upper Egypt and the Red Sea. Ineresting is Armant city where as it is believed was situated Cleopatra’s Temple, even though no signs of that are left as it was used for materials to build a 19th century sugar refinery. The Temple dedicated to the god Montu still exists, built here Armant was part of the Palladium of Thebes, which was sacred land placed under the protection of Montu. Still the most interesting city of the province is Luxor, which has often been called the worlds greatest open air museum, as indeed it is and much more. It has been a tourist destination since the beginning of tourism. Even in ancient times, during the late Dynasties of the Greek and Roman periods, the area drew tourists, and has been doing so ever since. The number and preservation of the monuments in the Luxor area are unparalleled anywhere else in the world that know of. The city is a must for a visit and very thorough exploration.