Luxor Temple: The Heart of Ancient Thebes
A guide to Luxor Temple, the great riverside sanctuary in the middle of the city, especially magical when it glows after dark.
Right in the centre of modern Luxor stands one of Egypt's most graceful temples, built by the pharaohs of the New Kingdom at the heart of ancient Thebes. Unlike the tombs across the river, Luxor Temple is woven into the living city.
What makes it special
Built largely by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II, Luxor Temple was the setting for the Opet Festival, when the gods journeyed here from Karnak. A single towering obelisk still stands at the entrance; its twin is in Paris.
The Avenue of Sphinxes
Luxor Temple is now reconnected to Karnak by the newly restored Avenue of Sphinxes, a nearly three-kilometre processional road lined with hundreds of statues, one of the great sights of the Nile.
Pair it with Karnak
See our guide to Karnak Temple to plan both together.
Explore Luxor with a licensed Egyptologist.
See our Nile journeysFrequently Asked Questions
What is Luxor Temple?
A great riverside temple in the centre of Luxor, built mainly by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II at the heart of ancient Thebes, and connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes.
Is Luxor Temple better at night?
Many travelers think so. It is beautifully floodlit after dark and far less crowded, making it one of Egypt's most atmospheric evening visits.