Luxor Temple

Exploring Luxor Temple feels like walking through a book about ancient Egyptian architecture, where every pylon, column, and courtyard shares a story. To appreciate the site fully, it helps to move in the order ancient visitors did.

1. The First Pylon of Ramesses II
You start at the grand pylon built by Ramesses II, one of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs. This structure rises nearly 24 meters high, with walls carved with scenes from the Battle of Kadesh, where Ramesses defeated the Hittites. These carvings served as propaganda to show the pharaoh’s power to everyone who entered.

2. The Colossal Statues of Ramesses II
At the entrance stand the enormous seated statues of Ramesses II, each over 15 meters tall. Some are damaged, but their size is still impressive. Standing before them, you feel how the pharaoh wanted to show his everlasting presence.

3. The Obelisks
Originally, two obelisks stood at the entrance. Today, only one is still there; the other was given to France in the 1800s and now stands in Paris at the Place de la Concorde. The remaining obelisk, made from pink granite, has hieroglyphs that honor Amun and Ramesses II.

4. The Courtyard of Ramesses II
Beyond the pylon lies a large courtyard, surrounded by two rows of papyrus-bundle columns. This open space once held ceremonies and gatherings. The mix of open sky and tall columns creates a powerful feeling of space.

5. The Colonnade of Amenhotep III
The Colonnade Hall is a key feature of Luxor Temple, stretching 100 meters long with 14 huge columns, each standing 19 meters high. Later, Tutankhamun and Horemheb decorated this area. Their carvings show the Opet Festival, featuring priests, musicians, dancers, and the pharaoh affirming his power.

6. The Hypostyle Hall of Amenhotep III
Next is the Hypostyle Hall, featuring 32 tall columns arranged in four rows. This creates a “forest of columns,” a typical design in Egyptian temples. The columns are carved with hieroglyphs and images of gods, adding to the sacred feeling.

7. The Inner Sanctuaries
At the temple’s center is the Sanctuary of Amun, where kings performed rituals. Later, Alexander the Great added his shrine here, blending Greek and Egyptian traditions. This mix of cultures shows Luxor Temple’s long history.

8. The Abu Haggag Mosque
Above the ancient courtyard is the Abu Haggag Mosque, which is still used today. Built in the 11th century, it stands on the temple ruins, symbolizing the continuation of worship across different faiths. Its white walls and minaret contrast sharply with the sandstone columns below.

9. The Avenue of Sphinxes
Finally, visit the Avenue of Sphinxes, a ceremonial road that stretches nearly 3 kilometers to Karnak Temple. Once lined with over 700 sphinx statues, this route was used during the Opet Festival. Today, some sections have been restored, allowing visitors to walk where ancient priests once walked.