LUXOR TEMPLE

What will strike you first about Luxor Temple is that it lies at the very heart of the city, which bustles around it in seeming disregard for such hallowed ground. Whilst you don’t exactly get that lost temple vibe, the juxtaposition of ancient temple and modern city is quite interesting in itself and Luxor, unlike Cairo is a far less imposing city.

The entrance to the temple is lined by a series of sphinxes which in ancient times stretched for many miles, all the way to Karnak. As far as the entrance itself goes, it was built by Egypt’s most famous Pharaoh, Ramesses II, and it’s carvings depict his many triumphs (notably the Battle of Kadesh) during his long reign.

Inside the temple complex you will find some of the most impressive statues of the rulers of Egypt from any site including Ramesses II, Amenhotep III and the boy king Tutankhamun.

One of the most eerie areas of the temple is within the inner sanctum of Amenhotep III. The dark chambers, some of which were used in the process of mummification may lack colourful decoration, but as the sun pierces through cracks in the ceiling, illuminating the darkness you are left with the distinct impression that where you stand, there were once kings.

An interesting aspect to the temple is some early Christian paintings, from a time when it was used as a makeshift church. Although not alone in it’s Christian heritage, Luxor Temple does have some of the best preserved decorations from this period. It is a stark reminder of Egypt’s close proximity to the birthplace of Christ and it’s continuing importance throughout history.

Being so central to the city, the Temple is tastefully illuminated as night sets in and these lighting effects can add an enormous amount of atmosphere to an already stunning temple.

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