Luxor Temple is one of the landmarks that made the ancient city of Thebes (modern Luxor) world-famous. Located right in the heart of Luxor, it was dedicated to the god Amun Ra and his divine family. The temple dates back to the New Kingdom’s 18th Dynasty, around 1500 BC.
Constructed by two great pharaohs, the oldest sections were built by Amenhotep III, while the outer parts were completed by Ramses II. Although it is not as vast as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple is celebrated for its unique elegance, detailed carvings, and impressive preservation, much of which survived because it was buried under sand and mud for centuries.
The Temple’s Grand Façade
The imposing façade of Luxor Temple rises to a height of 21 meters. Its walls are decorated with dramatic scenes of Ramses II at the Battle of Kadesh—shown riding his chariot and defeating his enemies.
At the entrance stand two colossal seated statues of Ramses II. Originally, six statues adorned the gateway, but only two remain intact today while the others have been damaged over time.
Luxor Temple once boasted two obelisks. One still stands at the entrance, while its twin now rises in Place de la Concorde in Paris—famously gifted to France by Muhammad Ali in the 19th century.
Avenue of the Sphinxes
Stretching nearly 3 kilometers (2 miles), an avenue lined with sphinxes once connected Luxor Temple to the Karnak complex. This grand processional route emphasized the importance of both temples during religious festivals.
Statues and Chapels
Beyond the pylons lies a courtyard with a granite altar and three chapels, constructed by Queen Hatshepsut and dedicated to Amun Ra, his wife Mut, and their son Khonsu. Within this court, several impressive statues of Ramses II can also be found, standing tall and remarkably well-preserved.
The Hypostyle Hall
Moving deeper into the temple, visitors encounter the Hypostyle Hall, built by Amenhotep III. Its towering columns resemble those in Karnak Temple. The hall is decorated with statues of Amun Ra and King Tutankhamun, whose images enhance the sacred atmosphere.
Behind the hall lies an open courtyard where buried statues were unearthed and later displayed in the Luxor Museum. This area is often referred to as the Cachette of Luxor.
Roman Frescoes
During the Roman period, the temple was transformed into a military camp. Frescoes were painted over the original hieroglyphic inscriptions—many of which are still visible today.
The Sanctuary of Amun Ra
At the far end lies the most sacred part of the temple, dedicated to Amun Ra. First built by Amenhotep III, it was later rebuilt by Alexander the Great, who preserved the ancient reliefs while adding his own contributions. This blending of pharaonic and Greco-Roman influences makes Luxor Temple a unique monument that reflects Egypt’s long and layered history.
Traveler’s Tip: Visiting Luxor Temple at night is a magical experience. The temple is beautifully