Luxor Temple

Egyptian Temples & Tombs | admin | April 6, 2010 at 7:31 am

Luxor Temple is an ancient Egyptian temple complex located in the modern day city of Luxor (ancient Thebes) on the eastern bank of River Nile (in Upper Egypt). The temple, which was founded in 1400 BC and was expanded in 1250 BC, is known as ‘ipet resyt’ in Egyptian language (meaning ‘the southern sanctuary’). Luxor Temple is dedicated to the trio of Amun, Mut, and Chons and was built during the New Kingdom.

Luxor Temple is among the most famous and popular tourist destinations in Egypt and thousands from across the world pay visit to be a glad witness to this marvel of the ancient age.

History:

Luxor Temple was built by Amenhotep III. The architect of the construction work of the temple was Amenhotep, the son of Habu. The temple was constructed on the site of a small Temple of Amon. The structure was only 190 metres long and 55 metres wide during the time of Amenhotep III. Later, Ramses II, added the front part and completed the Temple. In the 320s BC, Alexander the Great is said to have undertaken major reconstruction work of the temple.

Features:

The huge Luxor Temple has several pylons (monumental gateways) measuring about 70 yards in length. The first pylon is over 70 feet high aand it has huge statues and several obelisks in front.
Open areas, which were once used for various forms of worship but now, stand empty.
The temple entry is from the northern side and a causeway lined by Sphinxes starts. The causeway, known as Sacred Way or Avenue of Sphinxes, was an addition made during the time of Nectanebo I in the 30th Dynasty. It once led all the way to Karnak.
The proper temple starts with the First Pylon, which was built by Ramses II. The pylon was decorated with scenes of Ramses’s much acclaimed military triumphs (particularly the Battle of Qadesh over the Hittites). Similar additions were made by later pharaohs.
The main entrance to the temple was originally flanked by six colossal statues of Ramses but only two are standing today.
A 25-metre tall pink granite obelisk.
A peristyle courtyard, built by Ramses II, to accommodate three pre-existing barque shrines
Atop the columns of this courtyard was built Abu Haggag Mosque.
The inner sanctums that begin with a dark antechamber. Roman stuccoes are present here
A cache of 26 New Kingdom statues, that was found from beneath the floor in the inner sanctum

Climate:

Luxor experiences a fairly hot throughout the year.

Reaching Luxor:

By air:
Luxor International Airport is located about 6 km from the Luxor city centre. It is connected with various European cities as well as with Cairo

By rail:
Luxor’s main railway station is at El-Mahata Square. Frequent train services link Luxor with Cairo, Aswan as well as Edfu and Kom Ombo.

Opening hours of Luxor Temple:

October-April: daily between 6am to 9pm
May-September: 6am to 10pm
Ramadan: 6am-6:30pm and 8-11pm

Luxor Accommodation:

Mara House
Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa
Sheraton Luxor Resort
El Nakhil
Hotel Sheherazade
Pavillon Winter Luxor

1 Comment

vareeja says:

July 3, 2010 at 8:49 am

Luxor Temple is a large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the River Nile in the city today known as Luxor (ancient Thebes) and was founded in 1400 B.C.E

To the rear of the temple are chapels built by Tuthmosis III, and Alexander. During the Roman era, the temple and its surroundings were a legionary fortress and the home of the Roman government in the area.

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