The Karnak Temple complex in Luxor is the largest religious site of ancient Egypt, and possibly the largest ever built. For almost 2,000 years, from the Middle Kingdom to the Ptolemaic period, pharaohs added temples, halls, obelisks and gateways here to honor the god Amun. Walking through Karnak is like walking through the whole history of ancient Egypt in one place.
History of Karnak Temple
Karnak was the main religious center of Thebes, the capital of Egypt during the New Kingdom. Every king wanted to leave his mark, so the complex grew outward from its oldest core with each new pylon. The result is a huge area of temples dedicated mainly to the Theban triad: Amun, his wife Mut and their son Khonsu, the moon god.
Highlights of Karnak
The Great Hypostyle Hall
The most famous part of Karnak is the Great Hypostyle Hall, begun under Seti I and completed by Ramesses II. It contains 134 massive sandstone columns; the 12 central ones are about 21 meters high. Many still show traces of their original paint, and the carved walls tell the story of the kings' battles and offerings to the gods.
The Obelisks
Queen Hatshepsut's obelisk is one of the tallest ancient obelisks still standing in Egypt. Nearby stands the obelisk of her father, Thutmose I.
The Sacred Lake
Priests purified themselves in this rectangular lake before rituals. Next to it is a giant granite scarab, which local tradition says brings luck if you walk around it.
The Temple of Khonsu
In the southwest corner of the complex stands the well-preserved Temple of Khonsu, dedicated to the moon god and traveler who gave our company its name.
The Open-Air Museum
Often overlooked, this area holds reconstructed chapels such as the elegant White Chapel of Senusret I, one of the finest examples of Middle Kingdom relief carving.
Tips for Visiting Karnak
- Plan at least two to three hours.
- Arrive at opening time to enjoy the hypostyle hall before tour groups arrive and before the midday heat.
- Wear a hat and comfortable shoes; the site is large and has little shade.
- In the evening, the sound and light show brings the temple to life.
Karnak was once linked to Luxor Temple by the Avenue of Sphinxes, so the two are easy to combine.
How to Visit Karnak
Karnak is included in our day trip from Cairo to Luxor by plane, the Merit Dahabiya Nile cruise and the 8-day Classic Egypt package.
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