Egypt – Day 9: Karnak & Luxor Temples

After lunch, Omar picked us, and our new friends, up to visit Karnak Temple, which was a short walk away from the boat dock.    

The Karnak Temple complex, spans over 200 acres, and is made up of a collection of temples, chapels, and shrines, the most famous of which is the Great Temple of Amun. Built over a period of 1,300 years, the temple was dedicated to the god Amun, who was considered the king of the gods in ancient Egyptian religion. The temple is known for its impressive columns, including the famous Hypostyle Hall, which features 134 towering columns.  They were restoring the columns when we visited which is why you see scaffolding in the photo.

The temple also features intricate carvings and hieroglyphs that tell stories of the pharaohs and gods who once worshiped there. When you’re in Luxor, a visit to the Karnak Temple is a must!

Admission Cost:

The temple and Visitor’s Center costs E￡200 or just under $7.00 USD.

It is open daily from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

---

The Avenue of the Sphinxes is a striking display of ancient Egyptian mythology and art. The avenue connects the Karnak Temple to the Luxor Temple and is lined with over 1,000 sphinx statues, a symbol of the god Horus and the pharaohs’ power.

The Avenue of the Sphinxes is a ceremonial path that connects the Karnak Temple to the Luxor Temple in ancient Egypt. It was lined with over 1,000 sphinx statues, which were intended to symbolize the power of the god Horus and the pharaohs who were associated with him. The avenue was used for religious processions, including the annual Opet Festival, in which the pharaoh would travel the avenue to the Luxor Temple to celebrate the unity of Upper and Lower Egypt. The avenue also served as a grand entrance to the temples, impressing visitors and demonstrating the wealth and power of the pharaohs.

After visiting Karnak Temple, we once again stepped back in time to explore the majestic Luxor Temple, a stunning testament to the greatness of ancient Egyptian civilization. From the towering columns to the intricate carvings and hieroglyphics, every detail of this historic temple has been carefully crafted to pay homage to the gods and pharaohs of a bygone era. Immerse yourself in the rich history and mythology that is deeply rooted in the walls of this magnificent structure, and marvel at the timeless beauty of a culture that has captivated the world for thousands of years.

Tomorrow we visit the Valley of the Kings! So come back to read about that exciting adventure!