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Colossi of Memnon: Guardians of Ancient Thebes

Towering statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, guarding the gateway to ancient Egypt's glorious past on Luxor's West Bank. A must-see landmark!

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The Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, standing tall on the West Bank of Luxor. These iconic monuments, dating back to 1350 BCE, once guarded the entrance to Amenhotep III's mortuary temple, a complex that has mostly vanished over time.

A brief summary to Colossi of Memnon

  • مدينة طيبة القديمة، ومقبرتها, Luxor, Al Qarnah, Luxor Governorate, 85954, EG
  • +201000584300
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
  • Wear sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes, as there is little shade.
  • Bring water to stay hydrated, especially during the hotter months.
  • Combine your visit with other West Bank attractions like the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut.
  • Take plenty of photos to capture the grandeur of these ancient monuments.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Luxor city center on the East Bank, a taxi is a convenient way to reach the Colossi of Memnon. Taxis are readily available throughout Luxor. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A typical taxi ride from Luxor city center to the Colossi of Memnon takes approximately 15-35 minutes and costs around 50-100 EGP. Be aware that prices can vary, so bargaining is essential.

  • Ferry and Taxi

    For a more local experience, take the public ferry from the East Bank to the West Bank. The ferry dock is near the Luxor Temple. The ferry costs approximately 5 EGP per person and the journey takes 5-10 minutes. Upon arrival on the West Bank, hire a taxi to the Colossi of Memnon. Negotiate the taxi fare in advance, which should be around 50-100 EGP. This option combines a scenic river crossing with a short taxi ride to the site.

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Discover more about Colossi of Memnon

The Colossi of Memnon are imposing twin statues that have stood for over 3,400 years as silent witnesses to the rise and fall of ancient Thebes. Carved from single blocks of quartzite sandstone, the statues depict Pharaoh Amenhotep III seated on his throne. Each colossus rises to a height of 18 meters (60 feet) and weighs approximately 720 tons. Originally, the Colossi flanked the entrance to Amenhotep III's mortuary temple, a vast complex dedicated to his worship as a living god and after his death. The temple, known as the "House of Millions of Years," was once one of the largest and most opulent in Egypt, rivaling even the Temple of Karnak. However, centuries of Nile floods, earthquakes, and the practice of using stones from older monuments for new construction led to the temple's decline, leaving the Colossi as its most prominent remains. The statues acquired their Greek name from their association with Memnon, a hero of the Trojan War. According to legend, Memnon was the son of Eos, the goddess of dawn, and was slain by Achilles. In 27 BCE, an earthquake caused the northern statue to crack, and it began to emit a mysterious, melodious sound at sunrise. The Greeks believed this was Memnon greeting his mother, Eos, each morning. Although the sound eventually ceased after Roman repairs in the 2nd century CE, the name Colossi of Memnon stuck, and the site became a popular destination for travelers throughout history. Today, the Colossi of Memnon remain a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who come to marvel at their size, history, and enduring presence. They offer a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Egypt and serve as a reminder of the powerful pharaohs who once ruled this land.

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