Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple is located in the middle of Luxor, Egypt a short distance from Karnak Temple. A long avenue of sphinxes connects the two complexes which you can access easily from the site with the sphinxes closest to the temple fully restored.

All of the temples were at one point partially buried in the sand as they were lost to history with houses and businesses actually being built on top of the ruins including a mosque built in the first courtyard of the temple which still remains, now high above the ground level. In recent years the sites have all been restored.

The temple was built by Amenhotep III (1390–1352 BC) and Ramses II (1279–1213 BC). Like Karnak Temple the entrance of the temple consists of two carved stone pylons with statues of Ramses II.

Passing between the pylons is the first courtyard with the mosque to the (upper) left.

Passing through the courtyard lined with more colossi there is an avenue of stone columns then another courtyard and finally a series of temples of various ages including evidence of use by early Christians.

The walls of the inner temples are quite elaborately decorated with vivid coloured murals.

Luxor Temple is located in the middle of Luxor so getting here is not difficult with easy access by bus, car and taxi (or even walking if you are in the city).

There is a small car park outside the main entrance, a building that houses the ticket booth and security scanners. Once inside there is a small gift shop and café.

For additional information, please see:

• Lonely Planet - Luxor Temple
• Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities - Monuments - Luxor Temple
• Wikipedia - Luxor Temple