Luxor Temple

The Luxor Temple is a large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the Nile River in the city of Luxor and was constructed around 1400 BC. In Egyptian 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.

Its historical story is also significant: to the rear of the temple are chapels built by Amenhotep III of the 18th Dynasty, and Alexander.

Among its defining features, it was one of the two primary temples on the east bank, the other being Karnak. Among its defining features, unlike the other temples in Thebes, Luxor temple is not dedicated to a cult god or a deified version of the pharaoh in death. Among its defining features, 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). Among its defining features, other parts of the temple were built by Tutankhamun and Ramesses II. Among its defining features, during the Roman era, the temple and its surroundings were a legionary fortress and the home of the Roman government in the area.

Typical visits include guided tours, quiet viewing, photography where permitted and learning from on-site interpreters or community guides.

Check opening hours, entry fees, dress expectations and photography rules before arrival. Some sites limit access during ceremonies or maintenance.