Continuing our series of posts about the sites you will visit on your Nile Cruise today we will be describing Luxor Temple.
Luxor Temple
Although it is situated in Luxor as are the Temples of Karnak, Luxor Temple itself is smaller than its’ near-neighbour.
Very close to the city centre these awe-inspiring ruins will still take you several hours to appreciate their full splendour.
Built mainly by Amenhotep III (1417-1379BC) and Ramesses II (1304-1237BC), the temple is – like Karnak Temples – dedicated in the main to the Theban Triad which consists of the Creator God Amun, his wife Mut, the Mistress of Heaven, and the Moon God Son Khonsu.
Highlights you should look out for are the 82ft high pink granite obelisk – the twin of which can be found in the Place de la Concorde, Paris – and the two seated colossal statues acting as guards to a 100 yard processional colonnade bordered by 14 giant columns. This is a really a magnificent sight.
The front of the Temple’s entrance pylon is carved with the story of Ramesses II’s battle with the Hittites. The Temple site also includes a well-preserved mosque, built on the then-ruined temple grounds by famous 12th century mystic Abul Haggag.
Luxor Temple holds a very dominant position on the Corniche which is where your Nile Cruise ship will be berthed and as you leave and return to Luxor you will see Luxor Temple on the skyline of this mysterious Egyptian city.
You can read the other posts in this series here:
