Luxor Temple

The Luxor Temple is an ancient Egyptian temple complex located to the east of the Nile. It is famous for its arcades, statues, elaborate columns, images, and statues of Amenhotep III and Ramses II. It is considered one of the two primary temples on the East Bank. It is best visited after sunset when the lights are turned on, making Luxor temple seem even more magical.

It was constructed in 1400 BCE and unlike other temples, Luxor Temple is not dedicated to a god but to the rejuvenation of kingship. Therefore, it is a site where many kings may have been crowned, including Alexander The Great. At the entrance is a 75-foot obelisk dedicated to Pharoah Ramses II. To the rear of the temple are chapels and the Abu Haggag Mosque. The Romans initially built the mosque in 395 CE. This makes Luxor temple the oldest building in the world that is active other than for tourist or archaeological purposes. It is connected to the Karnak temple by Sphinx Avenue. One of the tall granite obelisks that once stood at the entrance of Luxor Temple has been relocated to Paris. Today, it proudly stands tall at the Place de la Concorde.