Karnak Temple Complex

The Temple of Karnak is the largest religious complex ever created by human hands. Over a period of almost 2,000 years (from the 12th Dynasty to the Ptolemaic period), over 30 pharaohs built, expanded, and beautified this complex. It covers an area of 100 hectares — larger than many European old towns.

The Great Hypostyle Hall

The absolute highlight is the Great Hypostyle Hall — a forest of 134 massive columns covering an area of 5,000 m². The 12 central columns are 23 m high and have a diameter of 3.5 m — so thick that 6 adults are needed to encircle one column. The columns once supported a roof, and the walls are still covered with detailed reliefs depicting battle scenes, worship of gods, and offering rituals. In the morning, when the first light falls obliquely through the columns, it is overwhelming.

Avenue of Sphinxes

The recently restored Avenue of Sphinxes connects the Karnak Temple with the Luxor Temple — a 2.7 km long processional road, lined with over 1,350 sphinxes (partly ram-headed, partly human-headed). The avenue was completed under Nectanebo I. (380–362 BC) and served the annual Opet Festival, during which the statues of the gods were carried from Karnak to Luxor.

Sound and Light Show

Every evening, a sound and light show takes place in German, English, French, and Arabic. You wander through the illuminated temple at night while a voice narrates the 3,000-year history. Touristy, but the lighting of the columns is indeed atmospheric. 350 LE, starts after sunset.