Luxor Temple

Luxor, Egypt

Luxor Temple is a large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the Nile River in the city today known as Luxor (ancient Thebes) and was constructed approximately 1400 BCE. In the Egyptian language it was known as ipet resyt, 'the southern sanctuary'. It was one of the two primary temples on the east bank, the other being Karnak. Unlike the other temples in Thebes, Luxor temple is not dedicated to a cult god or a deified version of the pharaoh in death. Instead, Luxor temple is dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship; it may have been where many of the pharaohs of Egypt were crowned in reality or conceptually (as in the case of Alexander the Great, who claimed he was crowned at Luxor but may never have traveled south of Memphis, near modern Cairo).

To the rear of the temple are chapels built by Amenhotep III of the 18th Dynasty, and Alexander. Other parts of the temple were built by Tutankhamun and Ramesses II. During the Roman era, the temple and its surroundings were a legionary fortress and the home of the Roman government in the area. During the Roman period a chapel inside the Luxor Temple originally dedicated to the goddess Mut was transformed into a Tetrarchy cult chapel and later into a church.

Along with the other archeological sites in Thebes, the Luxor Temple was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979.

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Luxor, Egypt
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Founded: 1400 BCE
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Egypt

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4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

PARTHA BHATTACHARJEE (3 months ago)
An ancient Egyptian temple with elaborate history as usual with other Egyptian temples. The details of the temple is widely available in the net and I don't have adequate knowledge to describe it here. But overall one of the most important temples to visit in Luxor, Egypt. The place is located at edit just near to the Red Sea and city shopping centre which is added attraction for the tourists. Highly recommended.
Andrew Lonsdale (4 months ago)
Excellent place to see religions change through time on one spot. Recommend to get a qualified Egyptologist to guide you around. Arrive early if possible to avoid the crowds.
Andy Chan (4 months ago)
A great place to visit, especially in the evening. It’s one of the few sites open until late, offering a magnificent night ambiance and lighting. Most tourists end their day here, making it a perfect final stop. Definitely worth a visit
Mohamed Aslam (5 months ago)
A stunning temple that truly comes alive at night. The lighting adds to its beauty, and the lively atmosphere with people bustling around makes the experience even more memorable. Definitely worth a visit, especially after sunset!
Janna Rogers (6 months ago)
I braved the heat of the day to have a wonderfully quiet time here. It was nearly deserted for 2 of the,3 hours I spent there. And I'm so glad I did. What a magical, breathtaking, moving, beautiful, historic experience. The stories contained in and on those stones from so many different eras are mind blowing. Unmissable.
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