How does it differ from Karnak?

Luxor Temple is smaller, more central and more graceful, while Karnak is vast and sprawling. They complement each other.

Where is the second obelisk?

Its twin stands in the Place de la Concorde in Paris, a gift in the 19th century.

East Bank, Luxor

Luxor Temple

Unlike most Egyptian temples, Luxor Temple sits right in the middle of the modern city, and it was dedicated not to a god but to the rejuvenation of kingship. Built largely by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II, it is compact, graceful and easy to explore.

A single obelisk still stands at the entrance; its twin is in the Place de la Concorde in Paris. The temple's later history is layered too, with a mosque built above one court and traces of a Roman chapel inside.

Gallery

Historical background

The temple dates mainly to the 14th and 13th centuries BCE. It was connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes, along which the annual Opet Festival procession once passed.

What to see there

The standing obelisk and colossal statues at the entrance
The graceful colonnade of Amenhotep III
Atmospheric evening illumination
Layers of Roman and Islamic history within the temple

Visitor tips

Visit toward sunset and stay as the illumination comes on.
It is central, so easy to combine with a walk along the corniche.
Look for the mosque of Abu al-Haggag built atop the ancient court.
Pair with Karnak for the complete East Bank experience.

Visit on a tour

Tours that include Luxor Temple

Half day

Half day / 4 hoursLuxor

Karnak & Luxor Temple Tour

A private East Bank tour of Karnak's vast hall of columns and the graceful riverside Luxor Temple, connected by the ancient Avenue of Sphinxes.

Karnak TempleLuxor Temple

4.8 (142)

View tour

Full day

Full day / 8 hoursLuxor

Luxor East & West Bank Full Day Tour

See both banks of the Nile in a single private day: the great temples of Karnak and Luxor, plus the royal tombs and mortuary temples of the West Bank.

Karnak TempleLuxor TempleValley of the Kings

4.9 (214)