Luxor Temple (Ipet-resyt)

Located in the heart of the modern city, Luxor Temple was known to the ancients as Ipet-resyt ("The Southern Sanctuary"). Unlike other temples dedicated to gods, this temple was dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship. It is a stunning fusion of eras, featuring Pharaonic reliefs, a Roman sanctuary, and an active Islamic mosque built atop its ancient ruins. [1]

Quick facts Encyclopedic guide FAQ
Luxor (City Center) Focused Design Connected to Karnak

Quick facts

A fast snapshot of Luxor Temple—its purpose, builders, and practical details for your visit.

Location

Directly on the Nile Corniche in downtown Luxor. It is the most accessible temple in Egypt, surrounded by the modern city. [1]

Dedicated to

The rejuvenation of kingship and the Theban Triad (Amun, Mut, and Khonsu) in their "Opet" forms. It was the "Southern Harem" of Amun. [2]

Construction

Primarily built by Amenhotep III (18th Dynasty) and expanded by Ramses II (19th Dynasty). [1]

Unique feature

It is one of the few places where you can see Pharaonic, Roman (Christian), and Islamic worship sites all in one compound. [3]

Highlights

The Great Colonnade of Amenhotep III, the Sun Court, the Mosque of Abu Haggag, and the illuminated night visits. [1]

Opening hours

Open daily from 06:00 AM to 09:00 PM (often extended in summer). It is especially popular for night visits. [1]

Encyclopedic guide

A deep dive into Luxor Temple—from the grand Avenue of Sphinxes to the mysterious inner sanctuaries of the Opet Festival.

The Heart of Luxor

Luxor Temple sits parallel to the Nile River. Unlike most temples which are laid out on an East-West axis, Luxor Temple is oriented North-South to face Karnak Temple, to which it was ritually connected by the Avenue of Sphinxes. It served as the "Southern Sanctuary" (Ipet-resyt) where Amun, his wife Mut, and their son Khonsu visited annually during the Opet Festival. [1][3]

Luxor Temple illuminated at night
Luxor Temple comes alive at night. The lighting emphasizes the scale of the Colonnade of Amenhotep III (left) and the Pylon of Ramses II (right).

Key Features

  • The Avenue of Sphinxes: A 2.7 km path lined with human-headed sphinxes connecting Luxor Temple to Karnak. [1]
  • Mosque of Abu Haggag: A 13th-century mosque built into the structure of the Pharaonic temple court, still active today. [3]
  • The Missing Obelisk: One obelisk stands guard; the other was gifted to France in 1830 and now stands in Place de la Concorde, Paris. [3]

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to common questions about visiting Luxor Temple.

The right-hand obelisk was gifted to France by Muhammad Ali Pasha in 1830. It now stands in the Place de la Concorde in Paris. In return, France gave Egypt a clock tower (which is located at the Citadel in Cairo and reportedly never worked properly). [3]
The Mosque of Abu Haggag was built in the 13th century on top of the ruins of the temple, which were then buried under centuries of sand and debris. When the temple was excavated, the mosque was preserved, leaving it suspended high above the ancient ground level. [1]
Yes, the full 2.7 km path connecting Luxor Temple to Karnak was reopened in 2021. You can walk the entire length, though it takes about 45-60 minutes. [1]
Yes! Luxor Temple is famous for being open late (usually until 9:00 or 10:00 PM). The complex is illuminated with floodlights, creating a magical atmosphere. [1]

Sources & further reading

References supporting the historical data, architectural details, and dates presented in this guide.

  1. Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities (Egypt), Luxor Temple (Official Monument Page). View
  2. UNESCO World Heritage Convention, Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis (Official Inscription). View
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica, Luxor (Egypt). View
  4. Wikimedia Commons (Images used on this page; see file pages for license details). View

Note on visiting: Opening hours and ticket prices are subject to change by the Ministry of Tourism. Please check official sources prior to your visit.

Last updated: February 17, 2026