This temple is perhaps the best example of Luxor’s being called “the largest open-air museum in the world.” Luxor Temple is located in the city of Luxor and was built on the site of Thebes, the ancient Egyptian capital.
The temple is one of the best preserved ancient buildings, with many structures, statues and carvings in relief places. This makes it one of the unique places in Luxor and all of Egypt, and the contrast between it and its surroundings makes it all the more interesting. On the one hand, the New City begins, and on the other, the Nile flows. Egypt has a very long history, but there are few places where you can see and feel this history so clearly.
When was it built, and who did it?
During his reign as king of the New Kingdom, from 1390 to 1352 BC, Amenhotep III, one of Egypt’s best builders, built the temple. As it stands now, the temple looks like one of many things that Ramesses II worked on during his long reign. As a professional builder, Ramesses also used many ancient monuments in new ways to further his fame—most statues and sculptures now adorn the temple show Ramesses II.
Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple Complex are located on the eastern bank of the Nile. Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple Complex are among the most famous temples in the Luxor region. In the past, the two sites were connected by a 3-kilometre path lined with sphinxes. This street is being excavated, but the part closest to Luxor Temple has already been repaired.
Luxor Temple is easy to access as it is located in the centre of Luxor. You can go there almost any time of the day. The temple is not open to the public, but you can see it walking along the Nile Corniche or through downtown Luxor. We suggest going to the temple around sunset. When the sun goes down, the complex is beautifully illuminated to show off the relief sculptures, and the columns against the evening sky make for great photo opportunities.