Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple is an ancient Egyptian temple complex in the centre of modern Luxor, primarily built during the New Kingdom. Major construction phases date to Amenhotep III and Ramesses II, with later additions from different periods.

The temple is known for its large colonnaded courtyards, monumental statues and processional way that historically connected it to the nearby Karnak Temple. Many of the visible structures and colossal statues were installed by Ramesses II and remain among the most recognisable features of the site.

Construction began in the New Kingdom era with significant building campaigns in the 14th and 13th centuries BCE; the complex was adapted in later periods and parts served as a church and then a mosque in the Roman and Islamic eras. Archaeological work has exposed multiple construction phases and later restorations.

The temple sits on the east bank of the Nile within Luxor town, close to the river corniche and about 2.7 kilometres south of the Karnak Temple Complex.

• Avenue of Sphinxes: The ceremonial route that linked this temple with the Karnak complex runs along an avenue of sphinxes approximately 2.7 kilometres long between the two sites.
• Evening visits: The site is open for evening visits when the temple is floodlit, which highlights the colonnades and statues and is a popular time for photography.

Luxor Temple is in central Luxor on the Corniche of the Nile on the East Bank. It is within easy walking distance of many downtown hotels and the Luxor train station (a short taxi or 10-25 minute walk depending on your start point). Taxis, horse-carriages (calèches) and hotel transfers are commonly used for short trips in the city.

From Luxor Airport expect a roughly 20-30 minute taxi ride into the city centre depending on traffic. The temple is clearly signposted from the Corniche and the riverfront.

• Visit Luxor Temple after dusk when the façade and columns are dramatically lit and many daytime tour groups have left-the atmosphere is far more pleasant and photogenic at night.
• If you want fewer crowds early, combine an early-morning walk along the restored Avenue of Sphinxes toward Karnak before visitors and vendors gather; the route gives useful context for the temple's alignment.
• Pay attention to the side chapels and smaller reliefs (often bypassed by quick tours); a short guided visit will point out key scenes that are easy to miss when you only view the main colonnade.