Luxor Temple: History, Architecture, and Visitor’s Guide

Built during Egypt's New Kingdom era (c.1550–1069 BC) and over several centuries by different pharaohs, the "Southern Sanctuary," as ancient Egyptians knew it, is located around three kilometers south of Karnak Temple. The temple, which was once linked by a procession way bordered with ram sphinxes, was dedicated to the Theban Triad: Amun-Ra, the king of gods; Mut, his wife and goddess of motherhood; and Khonsu, their son and god of the moon.

The History of Luxor Temple

 

 

Initially commissioned by Pharaoh Amenhotep III, later pharaohs such as Tutankhamun, Ramesses II, and Alexander the Great added their own extensions and modifications to the temple.

 

Known as Ipet-resyt, Luxor Temple history reveals its role as the main venue for the grand Opet Festival, where the cult images of Amun, his wife Mut, and their son Khonsu were celebrated.

The Masterful Construction of Luxor Temple

 

 

Blending engineering precision with creativity, Luxor Temple's architecture reflects the artistry of ancient Egypt. Its colossal statues, intricate reliefs, and towering columns are a marvel of design. 

At the entrance, the obelisks flanking the grand gateway represent ancient illusionism—a technique that creates the impression that both obelisks are the same height despite their differing measurements. This optical mastery aligns perfectly with the surrounding layout, enhancing visual harmony.  

These Luxor Temple facts reveal its creators' extraordinary ingenuity and vision, making it a timeless wonder of the ancient world.

Luxor Temple's Iconic Features

 

 

Luxor Temple has many impressive features that showcase the artistic and architectural achievements of Luxor Temple's history. Some of the main features are:

• The First Pylon: This massive gate marks the entrance to the temple. It was built by Ramesses II and decorated with scenes of his military victories. In front of the pylon are two 25-meter-high pink granite obelisks. One still stands in its original place, while the other was taken to Paris in 1836 and now stands at the Place de la Concorde.

 

• The Court of Ramesses II: This large, open courtyard is surrounded by columns and statues. Ramesses II auilt it and features colossal statues of him and his family. One of these statues is famous for having a small figure of his daughter Meritamen carved on hitsleg.

 

• The Colonnade of Amenhotep III is a magnificent hall with 14 huge columns supporting a roof decorated with stars. It was built by Amenhotep III and completed by Tutankhamun and Horemheb. The walls of this hall are covered with reliefs depicting scenes from the Opet Festival.

 

• The Court of Amenhotep III is another open courtyard with columns around its perimeter. Amenhotep III built it and features a large altar where offerings were made to the gods.

 

• The Hypostyle Hall: This spacious hall has 32 columns supporting a roof with windows that allow natural light to enter. Amenhotep III also built it, and the scenes in it show him worshipping various gods.

 

• The Sanctuary: The temple's most sacred part is where the Amun-Ra cult statue was kept. Amenhotep III originally built it, but later rebuilt by Alexander the Great, who claimed to be the son of Amun-Ra.

 

• The Roman Chapel: This small chapel was built inside the temple by the Romans during their occupation of Egypt. It was dedicated to Emperor Constantine and his co-rulers and painted with scenes from their lives.

Plan Your Visit: Tickets, Times, and Tips

 

 

Luxor Temple is open daily from 6 AM to 9 PM, except on Fridays when it closes at 5 p.m. You can buy tickets at the ticket office near the temple entrance or through tour operators. Visiting at sunrise or sunset offers stunning light. Also, don't miss the experience of visiting Luxor Temple at night, when it hosts a sound and light show that tells the story of the temple and its pharaohs. The show lasts about an hour.

 The show runs every night at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m. in different languages (English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Arabic). You can book your tickets online or at the office near the temple entrance. Guided tours enrich the experience, providing insights into the temple's history and artistry.

 If you plan to visit Luxor Temple in Luxor City, it is about 700 kilometers south of Cairo. You can reach Luxor by plane, train, bus, or car. There are many hotels, restaurants, and shops near the temple where you can find accommodation, food, and souvenirs.

 Bring your camera, sunscreen, hat, water, and comfortable shoes. Enjoy your trip and discover the wonders of Luxor Temple!

Why do I book with Sun Pyramids Tours?

 

Egypt warmly welcomes visitors with its majestic Nile River, desert landscapes, and the fertile Delta, along with its remarkable and awe-inspiring landmarks. With our Egypt tour packages, you’ll have the chance to uncover the most mesmerizing wonders of the land of the Pharaohs, including the iconic Giza Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, Abu Simbel, the Karnak temples, and so much more. The Nile River is also the perfect setting for one of our Nile cruises, where you can sail through history, admiring the magnificent monuments between Luxor and Aswan. The opportunity is right here for you—don’t miss out, book with us today!