Luxor Temple

King Ramesses II

Constructed by King Amenhotep III who reigned 1390-1353 BC, the Temple of Luxor was dedicated to the gods Amun-Re, Mut, and Khons. Additions and completions were made by Ramesses II, Tutankhamun, and Horemheb. Used continuously as a place of worship, even for the Christian church at one time, the temple was eventually buried beneath the city for thousands of years. During this time, a Muslim mosque was built on top of the structure and when the Luxor Temple was finally uncovered, the mosque was left in place where it still remains today.

Nana, our tour guide the previous day, highly recommended we save the Luxor Temple for after dark when it comes to life under hundreds of spotlights. She was right. It was magnificent...

Outer entrance constructed by King Ramesses II and flanked with his statues.

photo by Andrea

My favorite area, the Sun Court of Amenhotep III, is an enchanting room bordered by huge romantic columns.

photo by Andrea

The avenue of sphinxes, still being uncovered, link the Luxor Temple with the Karnak Temple.

Now, I know the song I used for the video below isn't what you might initially think of, but the beauty of the lit-up temple cast a spell on me.