Luxor Temple: A Tourist's Guide

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the Temple of Luxor, an ancient Egyptian temple located on the east bank of the Nile River in Luxor, Egypt.

This temple is a remarkable example of the grandeur and sophistication of ancient Egyptian architecture and religious traditions. Dedicated to the god Amun, this temple has undergone several expansions and renovations over the centuries, resulting in a fascinating blend of different architectural styles and historical periods.

From the imposing statues and towering obelisks to the intricate carvings and paintings, the Temple of Luxor is a feast for the eyes and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient Egyptian culture and history.

In this guide, we will provide you with all the essential information about the Temple of Luxor, including its history, architecture, significance, and tips for visiting. Whether you are a seasoned traveller or a first-time visitor to Egypt, this guide will help you make the most of your trip to this awe-inspiring temple.

Luxor Temple is situated on the bank of the River Nile, in the Egyptian town of Luxor. Luxor is often referred to as "the world's greatest open-air museum" because it is home to many ancient Egyptian archaeological sites. Luxor's other popular tourist destinations include Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and the Valley of the Queens.

The Temple of Luxor is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt for a good reason. From its historical significance to its beautiful location and atmosphere, there are plenty of reasons why tourists love visiting this ancient Egyptian temple. In addition, the temple is one of those places that looks even better in real life than in photos. So, if you find yourself in Egypt anytime soon, add Luxor Temple to your list of places to visit! You won't be disappointed!

We will cover the history and architecture of Luxor Temple in this guide. Additionally, we will attempt to respond to some of the most common inquiries about visiting the temple, such as :

• A Brief History of the Luxor Temple
• Top features of the Luxor temple
• 8 reasons why tourists love Luxor temple
• Frequently Asked Questions

A Brief History of the Luxor Temple

The great city of Thebes, or Waset in ancient Egyptian, the City of a Hundred Gates, was located in the present town of Luxor. From the twelfth dynasty (1991 BC), it served as Egypt's capital, reaching its height during the New Kingdom.

The temple was built by Amenhotep III and completed by Tutankhamun(1336-27 BC) and Horemheb (1323-1295 BC), and Rameses II later expanded it (1279-13 BC). A granite memorial to Alexander the Great is located at the back (332-305 BC).

The temple has been used virtually continuously as a worship site. The temple's hypostyle hall was turned into a Christian church during the Christian era, and to the west are the ruins of another Coptic church. The temple was later buried beneath Luxor's streets and homes for thousands of years. It eventually had the mosque of Sufi Shaykh Yusuf Abu al-Hajjaj erected over it. When the temple was discovered, this mosque was meticulously conserved. It now plays a crucial role in the overall complex.

Before the building work by Rameses II, the Court's northern end was originally the temple's entrance. Seven pairs of 52-foot (16-meter) high papyrus-style columns with open flowers formed an enclosed colonnade. Amenhotep III started it, and Tutankhamun finished it. It continues to support its enormous size today.

The Court leads into a Hypostyle Hall, which has thirty-two columns. At the rear of the hall are four small rooms and an antechamber leading to the birth room, the chapel of Alexander the Great, and the sanctuary.

The Luxor Temple is one of Egypt's most famous and well-preserved temples. Located in the city of Luxor, on the east bank of the Nile River, the temple was built in 1400 BCE by Pharaoh Amenhotep III. It was dedicated to the god Amun, his consort Mut, and their son Khonsu. 

The temple underwent several constructions and transformations over the centuries, culminating in its final form under Ramses II in 1250 BCE. The Luxor Temple is a popular tourist destination for its beautiful architecture and fascinating history. 

Here are five reasons why you should add it to your travel itinerary.

1. The Avenue of Sphinxes
   The King's Festivities Road, also known as Rams Road, is a 2.7 km (1.7 mi) long avenue (dromos) which connects Karnak Temple with Luxor Temple. The avenue is marked by sphinxes and ram-headed statues lined up on both flanks. Sphinxes are mythical creatures with a lion's body and a human's head (sometimes a falcon). They were thought to have protective powers and were often used as guardian figures in Egyptian temples and tombs.
   The avenue of sphinxes at the Luxor Temple consists of 1,350 statues, each about 20 feet long and 6 feet high. They are made from sandstone quarried from nearby Gebel el-Silsila and depict Ramses II (who ordered their construction) with the head of a human and the body of a lion. 
2. The Great Court
   Another notable feature of the Luxor Temple is its Great Court, surrounded by a colonnade of 36 papyrus-shaped columns. This area would have been used as an open space for festivals and other public events. In front of the columns are two obelisks erected by Ramses II and Tutankhamun (during his short reign in 1332-1323 BCE). Obelisks were thought to represent rays of sunlight and were often used as sacred symbols in Egyptian temples.
3. The Sanctuary
   At the centre of the Luxor Temple is its sanctuary, which would have been reserved for Pharaohs and priests only. This area contains three shrines dedicated to Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Each shrine has four papyrus-shaped columns supporting a roof adorned with astronomical symbols such as stars and planets. Between them is an image of Ramses II making offerings to gods or goddesses. 
4. The Statues
   Many notable statues are located throughout the temple at Luxor complex, including several colossal statues of Ramses II that once guarded its entranceway (only two remain today). One imposing figure is Amenhotep III, which stands 10 meters tall and weighs over 700 tons! It is made from red granite quarried from Aswan (over 500 miles away) and was transported to Luxor on boats down the River Nile.  
5. The Wall Reliefs
   Another visitor highlight is the wall reliefs that adorn many of the temple's surfaces. These carved stone images depict scenes from ancient Egyptian life, mythology, and history, such as Pharaohs making offerings to gods or leading their armies into battle. Some reliefs show troops marching or ships sailing downriver; others show scenes from daily life, such as farmers harvesting crops or women grinding grain.

Festivals

The Theban Triad, consisting of Amun, his wife Mut, and their son Khonsu, was honoured at the Luxor Temple, constructed during the New Kingdom. Promoting the fertility of Amun-Re and the Pharaoh was the main goal of the yearly Opet Festival, during which a cult statue of Amun was paraded down the Nile from the adjacent Karnak Temple (pet-sut) to reside there for a while with his consort Mut. But additional research conducted at the temple by the Epigraphic Survey team offers a radically different perspective on Luxor and its enormous annual festival (the Feast of Opet). They have concluded that Luxor is the temple dedicated to the divine Egyptian ruler or, more precisely, to the cult of the Royal Ka.

Excavation

Professor Gaston Maspero excavated the Luxor Temple in 1884 after he had been permitted to begin operations. The excavations were carried out sporadically until 1960 due to Luxor's past city population building on top of and around the temple. Centuries of rubble had accumulated to the point where there was an artificial hill about 14.5 to 15 metres (48 to 49 ft) in height. Three-quarters of the temple, which held the courts and colonnades that served as the framework for the Arab portion of the contemporary hamlet, had been submerged over time by the accumulated trash of the years.

8 reasons why tourists love Luxor Temple

The Temple of Luxor is one of Egypt's most popular tourist destinations. Here are 10 reasons why tourists love Luxor Temple:

1. The temple is one of the most well-preserved ancient Egyptian temples.
2. The temple is located in the heart of the city of Luxor, which is a popular tourist destination.
3. The temple is an excellent example of ancient Egypt architecture. 
4. The temple has a long and rich history.
5. The temple is home to many interesting artefacts.
6. The temple offers a great view of the Nile River.
7. The temple is a popular spot for photography.
8. The temple is a popular tourist spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Luxor Temple in Egypt Safe to Visit?

Luxor Temple is located in a relatively safe area of Egypt, situated in southern Egypt. The place around Luxor is generally peaceful and isn't usually affected by disturbances that happen in other parts of the country. There is a high security presence around Luxor Temple, so tourists can rest assured that they will be safe while visiting the site. 

The Egyptian Government is continually working to improve safety for tourists. They understand that tourism is a vital part of the country's economy and are therefore continually working to improve safety conditions for visitors.

How to get to Luxor Temple?

Luxor Temple is located in the heart of Luxor town, close to the banks of the River Nile. It is within in easy walking distance from town centre and the railway station. If your hotel it located further away from the town centre, a short taxi ride is the easiest way to get to Luxor temple.

All of the cruise boats that sail between Luxor and Aswan moor close to Luxor and Karnak temples, making it just a short walk to get to them.

What is the Best Time to Visit Luxor Temple?

Luxor Temple is a must-see if you're looking to explore one of the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt. But when is the best time to visit? Here's a look at what you can expect during different times of the year.

Spring (March-May)

During the spring months, temperatures in Luxor are pleasant, with highs averaging in the low to mid-80s. Spring is one of the busiest times of year for tourism, so expect large crowds at popular attractions like Luxor Temple. However, the upside is that there are also more tour options and discount airfare deals. 

Summer (June-August)

Despite being the hottest time of year, summer is considered by many to be the best time to visit Luxor. Temperatures often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but there are plenty of ways to beat the heat. Spend your days exploring indoor attractions like the Tomb of Tutankhamun, and take a dip in your hotel pool or the Nile River to cool off in the evenings. Just be sure to drink plenty of water and use sunscreen!  

Autumn (September-November)

Autumn is a relatively good time to visit Luxor Temple. However, this is also one of the lowest tourism periods, so crowds will be smaller than usual if you visit during this time. Hotel rates tend to be lower as well.

Winter (December-February) 

Although winter is technically Egypt's high season for tourism, Luxor sees fewer visitors during this time than other popular destinations like Cairo and Sharm el Sheikh. Winter makes it a great time to visit if you're looking for a more relaxed experience. You'll also find lower prices on accommodation and tours. Remember that temperatures can get chilly at night, so pack a jacket.

Top 3 Foods to Try in Luxor Temple, Egypt 

Luxor Temple is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Egypt. Thousands of tourists visit Luxor Temple every year to learn about its history and see its beautiful architecture. For many visitors, trying the local food is one of the highlights of their trip to Luxor. If you're planning a visit to Egypt, be sure to try these three dishes!

1. Koshari is a popular dish in Egypt that is made with rice, pasta, lentils, and chickpeas. It is usually topped with a spicy tomato sauce and fried onions. Koshari is a filling dish that is perfect for a hungry tourist.
2. Ful Medames is another popular Egyptian dish that is made with fava beans. The beans are cooked in olive oil and spices and are often served with bread. Ful medames make a great breakfast or snack.
3. Molokhia is a soup that is made with chicken or beef broth, garlic, spinach, and coriander. It is a hearty soup that will warm you up on a cold day. Molokhia is often served with rice or bread. 

If you're visiting Luxor, be sure to try some of the delicious local food! Koshari, ful medames, and molokhia are all popular dishes you will want to take advantage of. Bon appetit!

Top Tips for Visiting Luxor Temple

1. Arrive early: The Luxor Temple is one of the busiest tourist sites in Egypt, so it's best to arrive as early as possible to avoid crowds. Aim to be there when the gates open at 6 am if you can. You'll have the place almost to yourself and can take your time exploring without being jostled by other visitors. 
2. Dress appropriately: There's no dress code at the temple, but it's best to dress modestly out of respect for the religious site. Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid wearing anything too revealing or tight-fitting. 
3. Bring water: It can get hot in Egypt, especially during summertime, so staying hydrated is essential when exploring the temple complex. Bring a bottle of water (or two!) to stay refreshed during your visit. 
4. Hire a guide: A guided tour is a great way to learn about the history and significance of the temple while avoiding getting lost in the complex labyrinth of rooms and corridors. There are plenty of reputable tour companies operating in Luxor, so be sure to research before booking anything.

Things to do when you visit Luxor Temple

1. Walk through the Luxor temple's massive gates - As you approach Luxor Temple, you'll be awestruck by its size. The temple is surrounded by two sets of walls, with each group having three massive gates. Walk through all six gates to appreciate the temple's grandeur.
2. Marvel at the temple's pillared hall - Once you're inside the temple, you'll see that it consists of two main areas: the Pillared Hall and the Court of Amenhotep III. The Pillared Hall is particularly impressive, as it contains 134 columns (122 still standing). 
3. See the temple's magnificent statue of Ramses II - One of the highlights of Luxor Temple is a 35-foot-tall (10.6-meter-tall) granite statue of Ramses II that once stood at the entrance to the temple's second courtyard. The figure is now inside the Grand Egyptian Luxor Museum in Cairo. Still, a replica has been placed in its original spot at Luxor Temple. 
4. Admire the temple's stunning reliefs and inscriptions. Throughout Luxor Temple, you'll see numerous reliefs and inscriptions depicting various gods and goddesses and scenes from Egyptian history and mythology. Be sure to take some time to admire these beautiful works of art.

What to wear when visiting Luxor Temple?

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt, Luxor Temple is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient history. But what should you wear to ensure you have the best possible experience? Many first-time visitors to Egypt need clarification on the dress code and wear either too revealing or too hot clothes. To help you out, we've put together a guide on what to wear when visiting Luxor Temple.

1. Avoid Wearing shorts or skirts that are too short. While there's no strict dress code at the temple, you'll be more comfortable if you avoid clothing that is too revealing 
2. Wear loose, breathable fabrics. The temperatures in Egypt can get relatively high, so it's essential to wear clothing that will keep you cool 
3. Remember to wear a hat and sunglasses. The sun can be very intense in Egypt, so make sure to protect yourself from the sun's rays 
4. Wear comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking when you visit Luxor Temple, so wear shoes that won't give you blisters!
5. Sunscreen. Be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen as the sun in lower Egypt can be quite intense.

Overall, Spending a day at the Luxor Temple is an unforgettable experience. Everyone has something to enjoy, from its fascinating history to its impressive architecture. So grab your camera and head for a memorable day in Egypt!