The Luxor Temple is one of the largest temples from ancient Egypt, dating as far back as approximately 140 BCE. This temple is located on the eastern bank of the River Nile in Luxor city (a city that was known as Thebes). Aside from being a temple dedicated to the god Amun, Luxor Temple is a temple devoted to the revolution of kingship. It is believed to be where most of the Egyptian Pharaohs were crowned kings. There was also a chapel within the temple that was dedicated to the goddess Mut which was later converted into a Tetrarchy cult chapel, and subsequently into a church. 

If you are considering a place to visit for your tour, you definitely should think of visiting the Luxor temple. You’ll discover different archaeological finds from different eras in Egyptian history. Make sure you read this article to the end as it contains everything you need to know about Luxor Temple, which will also help you plan your trip (should you want to visit Egypt). 

In this article, you’ll discover: 

• Those Who Built the Temple
• What the Temple Looks Like
• Facts About the Temple You Should Know
• What to Know When Visiting the Temple
• Opening Hours
• Where to Stay Around Luxor Temple

Those who Built the Temple

According to most commentators, this temple was built by different kings in different eras. For instance, the temple chapels were built by Amenhotep III of the 18^th Dynasty, and Alexander. While the other parts of the temple were constructed by Tutankhamun and Ramses II. 

What the Temple Looks Like

The initially has a huge colonnade with fourteen columns (19 meters high), confined on the east and west by a wall adorned with reliefs motivated by moments of the Opet festival.  

The temple has an epic pylon at the entrance which was built by Ramses II. In the pylon, you’ll find a sculpted basso-relievo depicting the military campaign of Ramses II against the Hittites. There, you’ll also find the famous Poem of the Pentaur showing the exploits made by the pharaoh. 

Before the pylon, there used to be two columns of Ramses II that is as high as 25 meters, believed to attract the celestial powers to the temple, and dispel harmful forces. Unfortunately, only one of those obelisks remains today. 

Around the entrance to the temple, you’ll find two statues of the Pharaoh sitting on his throne. The statues were made of red granite, and 15.5 meters high on a 1-meter stand. 

The external part of the temple has walls provided with numerous side chapels whose walls bare scenes of religious ceremonies, and scenes of the battle against the Syriac-Haitite coalition. 

There is more to this description, which of course, you stand to discover more personalized in-depth facts when you visit the temple in person. 

Facts About the Temple You Should Know

Luxor Temple has a mosque called Abu’l Haggag which was completely buried for many centuries. Once you enter the interior of the temple, you’ll find a mosque on top of one of the walls. 

The temple is also known for being a multi-religious center judging from the different artistic monuments that are found in the temple. Christians prayed in the chapel while Muslims prayed in the mosque, apart from the Egyptian gods being worshipped there too. 

Speaking about multi-religious centers in the temple, you’ll find some poorly preserved frescoes of the Christian church also known as the Corinthian capitals just at the end of the temple. 

Another amazing fact from the Luxor Temple is Alexander the Great was represented in the reliefs of the temple due to the respect and care he showed toward ancient Egypt. He was immortalized, being represented as the son of the god Amun. 

What to Know When Visiting the Temple

Just like every other tourist center, you have to get a ticket that allows you entry into the temple for your expedition. The entry fee costs 140EGP which is around $8.60. If you stay in Luxor city, you can simply stroll your way down to the temple. You can also hire a tour guide considering how vast the temple is, you need someone who knows the history of the temple and can help explain to you the significance of each monument and the artwork you may find there. 

Opening Hours at the Luxor Museum

The opening hours at the Luxor Museum vary, depending on the season you are visiting. During the summer, the museum opens at 9 am and closes at 4 pm, and later reopens from 5 pm until 10 pm. During the winter season, the museum spends a total number of 12 hours opening each day beginning from 9 am to 9 pm. 

Where to Stay Around Luxor Temple

Accommodation is probably one of the top things you should consider as you make plans on visiting the Luxor Temple. Depending on how long you plan on staying; a few days, a week, a month, etc., you need a place to lay your head as you navigate through your stay in Luxor.

In Luxor, you have a variety of options to choose from—apartments, hotels, hostels, villas—where you can stay as you spend your days on the vacation. 

We’ll look at a few of the places to choose from as you plan on visiting the Luxor Museum. 

Check Susanna Hotel Luxor

Susanna Hotel Luxor  is one of the most recognized hotels around the Luxor Museum, half a mile away. Aside from its close proximity to the Museum, the hotel has comfortable rooms, along with some amazing freebies such as free Wi-Fi, and free parking. They also offer 24/7 services, along with an airport shuttle (you might want to consider this too). 

Aracan Eatabe Luxor Hotel

With a 0.2 miles distance from Luxor Museum, you might want to check Aracan Eatabe Luxor Hotel out. It offers different kinds of room accommodations (single, double and triple rooms), along with basic hotel facilities such as a Garden, free Wi-Fi, a pool, a bar, and a 24/7 check-in.

Venus Hotel and Hostel Luxor

Venus Hotel and Hostel Luxor is barely 0.4 miles from Luxor Museum, and consists of private rooms; free Wi-Fi, free parking, an airport shuttle, a restaurant and bar, board games, etc. You might visit their website, learn more about their services, and see reviews from customers. 

Emilio Hotel Luxor

This is another option to choose from. It is 0.3 miles from the Luxor Museum. Emilio Hotel Luxor is merely a five minutes’ walk from Corniche. It is also interesting to note that this hotel is also close to the Luxor Temple. 

Conclusion  

Are you still pondering about visiting the Luxor Temple? Well, at this point, you probably should have had enough info to get you prepared for your trip. A visit to this temple gives you the opportunity to discover numerous historical facts you probably only heard about or read in books. Why not add it to your travel list? 

Have any questions? Get in touch with us now.