Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple stands in the center of modern Luxor on the east bank of the Nile. Its entrance, statues and colonnade tell the story of several Egyptian rulers, while the Avenue of Sphinxes links it to Karnak Temple. Here is what to know before you visit.

Where is Luxor Temple?

Luxor Temple is in the city of Luxor, on the site of ancient Thebes. It is about three kilometers south of Karnak Temple. The two temples are separate monuments on the Nile’s east bank, connected by an ancient ceremonial route.

Who built Luxor Temple?

Luxor Temple was built and expanded by several rulers. Its oldest surviving structure dates to Hatshepsut’s reign. Amenhotep III built the temple’s main core and Great Colonnade in the 14th century BC. Tutankhamun and Horemheb completed scenes on the colonnade that depict the Opet Festival.

Ramesses II later added the massive entrance pylon, a courtyard, colossal statues and two obelisks. One obelisk still stands at Luxor Temple; the other is in the Place de la Concorde in Paris.

Why was the temple important?

The temple played a central role in the Opet Festival. During this celebration, sacred images of Amun, Mut and Khonsu traveled from Karnak to Luxor Temple in a procession. The temple’s orientation toward Karnak reflects that ceremonial connection.

What to see inside

Begin at the pylon of Ramesses II, with its colossal statues and surviving obelisk. Beyond it, walk through his courtyard and the Great Colonnade of Amenhotep III, where reliefs illustrate the Opet Festival. Look for the later Roman paintings inside the temple as well: they show how the site changed long after the New Kingdom.

The Avenue of Sphinxes

The Avenue of Sphinxes is the processional route between Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple. It extends for about 2.7 kilometers and was reopened after restoration in 2021. Seeing the avenue helps explain how the two temples were connected during the Opet Festival.

Best time to visit

Late afternoon lets you see the carvings in daylight and the temple illuminated after sunset. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities lists visiting hours of 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. Check its official Luxor Temple listing before you go for the latest hours and ticket prices.

Plan a guided visit

You can visit Luxor Temple and Karnak together on our private East Bank tour. Planning a longer journey through Upper Egypt? Browse our Nile River Cruise options, or contact Luxor and Aswan Travel for help choosing a trip.