Ancient site · Luxor
Karnak Temple
One of the ancient world's largest religious complexes, Karnak was the heart of Amun's worship in Thebes, on the Nile's east bank at Luxor.
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The story
The oldest known monument at Karnak dates to around 2100 BC, while the first major temple to Amun is credited to Senusret I (about 1971–1926 BC) in the Middle Kingdom. Rulers kept adding to it for some two thousand years, into the Ptolemaic period, and most of what stands today dates from the New Kingdom. The ancient Egyptians called the place Ipet-isut, "the Most Select of Places", and it was the centre of worship of the Theban Triad: Amun, his consort Mut and their son Khonsu. Together with Luxor Temple, Karnak is part of "Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis", inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979.
Good to know
- The Great Hypostyle Hall holds 134 columns in 16 rows over roughly 5,000 square metres; the twelve central columns rise to about 21 metres.
- Hatshepsut's standing obelisk at Karnak is almost 30 metres tall and weighs over 300 tonnes.
- The roughly 2.7 km Avenue of Sphinxes links Karnak with Luxor Temple; it was formally reopened on 25 November 2021 after long restoration work.
- Many kings left their mark on Karnak, among them Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, Amenhotep III, Seti I and Ramesses II.
- Karnak has a sacred lake used by the priests for ritual purification.
Visiting tips
Per the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities website: open daily 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the foreign adult ticket listed at 600 EGP at the time of review. Aim for early morning or late afternoon, dress modestly in light clothing, and bring a hat and sun protection; October to April is the most comfortable season. Hours and prices can change, so please check before visiting.