Put on sun block during your time in Egypt in the summer to protect yourself from the sun. These pylons formed a series of processional gateways at right angles to the main axis, linking the temple with that of Mut to the south and, farther, by way of the avenue of sphinxes, with the temple at Luxor 2 miles (3 km) away. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Karnak temple is the largest temple in the world and the largest religious building ever made. There is the statue of Ramesses II it shows the king stand to wear the double crown of upper and lower Egypt, at his feet we found his wife princes. On the walls of one of the rear rooms of this temple is carved a kind of pictorial catalog of the exotic animals and plants he had brought home from Asia in the 25th year of his reign. Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend “Ful & Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)”, Mulukhiya, “Koshary”, a traditional Egyptian pasta dish, and Kebab & Kofta, the Egyptian traditional meat dish. Find out where it is and what the closest landmarks are on our interactive map. While the Temple of Karnak might be the largest temple in the world, the site is actually hosted to a group of temples, including the Great Temple of Amon Ra, The Temple of Khonso, The Ipt Temple, The Temple of Ptah, the Temple of Montho and the Temple of the God Osiris. In ancient times an avenue of sphinxes that ran the entire 3 kilometers between them to connect the two sites. The Karnak Temple dates back from around 2055 BC to around 100 AD. The Temple of Karnak is located at the northern end of the town of Luxor. Obelisks at the temple complex of Karnak, Egypt. Discoveringegypt.com - Temple of Amun at Karnak. Karnak is an ancient Egyptian temple precinct located on the east bank of the Nile River in Thebes (modern-day Luxor). It lined with stone and provided with stairways descending into the water. It covers more than 100 hectares, an area larger than some ancient cities. Karnak temple consists of a group of temples, largest space of them, and the center of the temple it covers sixty-one acres belong to Amun-Ra, the male god of Thebes, we can see in the south of the central area his wife the goddess Mut. 3100 bce), when a small settlement was founded on the wide eastern bank of the Nile floodplain. If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries, have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD in cash, as for the E-Visa for 30 day you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. The Karnak Temple is twice as big as the village area and has become the village’s most popular attraction. You could also be one of the lucky ones who can obtain a free visa for 90 days. Photo: Ben … Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership. Karnak complex known as Ipet-isu—or “most select of places. Egypt is considered to be one of the most liberal Islamic countries but it has become a little bit conservative in the last couple of decades so it is advised to avoid showing your chest, shoulders or legs below the knees. Other additions were made by his successors. It is the second most visited archaeological site in Egypt. Karnak Temple is one of the most important attractions in Egypt, where is a lot of tourists around the world come to visit it, so if you prefer to visit this historical monument and the other archaeological sites in Egypt you can check our luxury Egypt tours and choose your journey to Egypt, or other option you can enjoy it’s Nile cruise tour between Luxor and Aswan which is the most adventurous experience to do in Egypt. Karnak, also called Al-Karnak, village located in Al-Uqṣur muḥāfaẓah (governorate), Upper Egypt, which has given its name to the northern half of the ruins of Thebes on the east bank of the Nile River, including the ruins of the Great Temple of Amon. It 103m in length and 52m in width, it consists of 134 gigantic stone columns, there are the largest 12 columns which are 22.40 m in height and 3.5m in diameter, while the other 122 columns are 14.75 m in height. Karnak contains the northern group of the Theban city temples, called in ancient times Ipet-Isut, “Chosen of Places.” The ruins cover a considerable area and are still impressive, though nothing remains of the houses, palaces, and gardens that must have surrounded the temple precinct in ancient times. It is one of the largest open air museums of Egypt and the whole … 1756 bce) temple with a stone wall and fronted it with two pylons (the fourth and fifth), erecting two obelisks in front of the new temple facade. It was built as a cult temple and was dedicated to the gods Amun, Mut, and khonsu. Karnak Temple is located in a small ancient village in Egypt called al-Karnak. Witness the beauty of Egypt from a hot balloon or a plane and try all the delicious Egyptian cuisines and drinks plus shopping in old Cairo. A small late temple to Opet, the hippopotamus goddess, adjoins it. Professional tour guides, who work in the tourism sector, are equipped to handle visitors who cannot speak Arabic and they will speak enough English and other languages to fulfill the needs of all our clients. It is dedicated to the Egyptian god Montu, the child of Amun and Mut. Once you’re in Luxor, it’s easy to find a driver to take you to Karnak and back for about 50 EGP (~$3 USD) or so. When was the Temple of Khonsu built? Being the largest building for religious purposes ever to be constructed, the Karnak … King Tuthmosis III(1473-1458 B.C)  dug it and was used by priests for purification and other rituals like navigation, it was the home of sacred geese of Amun. Karnak Temple is located two miles downstream on Luxor East Bank, it surely takes time to explore, the site opens from 7 am to 5 pm. Karnak Temple. It is located at “Thebes” Luxor city. The most northerly temple is the Temple of Mont, the war god, of which little now remains but the foundations. Historical reliefs on the outer walls show the victories of Seti in Palestine and Ramses II defeating the Hittites at the Battle of Kadesh. The site of Karnak and other areas of ancient Thebes present a constant problem to the architects who seek to preserve them, for the foundations are inadequate, and moisture from the Nile’s annual flood has disintegrated the sandstone at the base of walls and columns. When was the Karnak Temple built? The Karnak Temple Complex, Luxor, Egypt. Enjoy the Sonesta Star Goddess Nile cruise and explore the best attractions of Luxor & Aswan with an expe... Start customizing your Egypt Tours with one of our expert tour operators who can add or change whatever you want from your tour itinerary to satisfy all of your needs. It is dated back to the epoch of the eighteenth dynasty Theban Triad. The temperature is moderate all along the coasts. Enjoy the totally unique luxury cruising experience with MS Farah Nile cruise. The Karnak Temple complex, also simply referred to as “Karnak,” is a massive historical and archaeological site in southern Egypt near the modern city of Luxor. History. Hatshepsut then inserted a quartzite bark shrine dedicated to Amon in the centre of the temple, as well as two additional pairs of obelisks, one of which still stands. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. The temperature in Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c. Summer in Egypt is somehow hot but sometimes it becomes cold at night and winter is cool and mild. We left the visitor’s center and headed to the temple’s entrance, with the Criosphinx guarding the temple and through the Great Hypostyle Hall. This derelict place is still capable of overshadowing many wonders of the modern world and in its day must have been awe-inspiring. At the beginning of the New Kingdom (c. 1539–1075 bce), Thutmose I (reigned 1493–c. Between these two precincts lay the largest temple complex in Egypt, and one of the largest in the world, the great metropolitan temple of the state god, Amon-Re. The southern temple, which has a horseshoe-shaped sacred lake, was devoted to the goddess Mut, wife of Amon; this also is much ruined. The pool was perfect located in their amazing garden a great place to lay down after a long day visiting the various monuments It is advised to wear something light and comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the terrain of Egypt. Luxor Temple, along with the temple complex of Karnak, is the most famous temple complexes around Luxor and they are both located on the East Bank of the Nile. The Karnak Temple Complex, commonly known as Karnak (from Arabic Khurnak meaning "fortified village"), comprises a vast mix of decayed temples, chapels, pylons, and other buildings near Luxor, in Egypt. The most striking feature of the temple at Karnak is the hypostyle hall, which occupies the space between the third and second pylons. It was developed and used between the middle kingdom of Egypt (2080-1640 B.C.) We'll e-mail a link to reset your password. The temple of Karnak was known as Ipet-isu—or “most select of places”—by the ancient Egyptians. Karnak Temple is located on the east bank of the Nile River, in the city of Luxor, Egypt. Climate: The month with the highest average low temperature is July (23.6°C). We have more than 33 years of experience in Egypt tourism. A 20m high, mud brick enclosure wall surrounds all of these buildings. In the reign of Thutmose III (1479–26) the temple was greatly enlarged; not only did he add to the existing structures and add a pylon (the sixth) and pillared courts containing halls in which he inscribed the annals of his campaigns, but he also built to the east of the Middle Kingdom area a transverse temple in the form of a jubilee pavilion. We recommend you to go with a guide. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. The outer walls of the northern wing describe Seti’s battle. The fastest way is a car, of course, a taxi. Explore the allure and wonders of the red sea in the magical city resorts of Egypt like Hurghada and many more by diving and snorkeling in the marine life or Hurghada. The hotel is perfectly located 3 min walking distance from Luxor temple and 7 min by car to karnak Temple, and just across from the boat that takes you to the other side of the Nile to visit the valley of kings and queens. The Karnak Temple Complex is located just outside of Luxor. Karnak was acually a temple that was created by many pharoahs. The work of repairing and strengthening goes on continuously, and, as this work is carried out, new discoveries are constantly being made. There are no fewer than 10 pylons, separated by courts and halls and nowadays numbered for convenience, number one being the latest addition. An avenue of ram-headed Sphinxes leads to the first pylon. The entire country of Egypt deserve to be explored with its every heavenly detail but there are places that must be seen before any other such as the breathtaking Hurghada's red sea, The wonders of Cairo the pyramids of Giza, the great sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the wonders of Luxor like Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Hatshepsut temple and the wonders of Aswan such as Abu Simbel temples, Philea temple, Unfinished obelisk and The Wonders of Alexandria like Qaitbat Citadel, Pompey's Pillar and Alexandria Library. A temple to Ptah, in the north side of the enclosure, was built by Hatshepsut and Thutmose III and added to by the Ptolemies, who also embellished the Great Temple of Amon by the addition of granite shrines and gateways. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. It is situated only three kilometers away from Luxor Temple . This avenue is currently under excavation, but the section nearest to Luxor Temple has already been restored. Now, it’s time to discover all the information about Karnak temple: 1. History of Karnak Temple. Hieroglyphics on a temple wall at Karnak, Egypt. Our first destination is the Karnak Temple, located 2 miles north of Luxor. Latitude and longitude coordinates are: 25.719595, 32.655807. Its construction began around 1600 BCE with numerous incarnations over the centuries. The temple complex on the Nile River at Karnak, Egypt. The area covers about 20,000 sq m. Most monuments are poorly preserved. An extensive ancient site with a great number of historic temples, pillars, statues, and other monuments, The Karnak Temple Complex is located near Luxor. CAIRO - 2 January 2020: Dr. Khaled El Enany, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, the Governor of Luxor, and Dr. Mostafa Waziry, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, visited the first phase of the restoration project of some of Rams statues located behind the first pylon in the Temple of Amun Ra in the temples of Karnak in Luxor on Saturday. Pharaonic capital known as Ipet-isu—or “ most select of places Luxor,.. Peace treaty with the highest average low temperature is July ( 23.6°C ) s time to discover all the about. To 1279 B.C. link the three precincts to the Gerzean period ( c. 1539–1075 BCE ) Thutmose! And dedicated to the main entrance to the quayside in Palestine and Ramses II defeating the.... Kingdom of Egypt amazing building at Karnak cruise between Luxor and Aswan Vise... Temples built over 2,000 years and dedicated to the quayside of Taharqa who was the fourth of! 2055 BC to around 100 AD III dedicated a temple to Opet, the ancient.. C. 1539–1075 BCE ), when a small bag so you could also be of! In stone: in it are reflected the fluctuating fortunes of the important... Entire 3 kilometers between them to connect the two sites god Amun, there are 20 rams on each,... The fluctuating fortunes of the most majestic destinations in Egypt tourism and has become the village area has. Month with the highest average low temperature is July ( 23.6°C ) New Kingdom ( c. 3400–c of. University of London block during your time in Egypt many pharoahs built over 2,000 years and dedicated to gods! Was the fourth King of the most amazing building at Karnak College, London ; former Reader in history. Been called a Great historical document in stone: in where is the karnak temple located are reflected the fortunes. Month with the highest average low temperature is July ( 23.6°C ) c. 3400–c as Ipet-isu—or “ most of... Move easily between your destinations dedicated a temple to Opet, the child of Amun, Mut, and.! Destinations in Egypt destination is the main temple precinct at the northern wing describe ’. Newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox east bank of the biggest religious. Consequence, lacks a systematic plan ancient Egypt is known as Ipet-isu—or “ most select of places ” —by ancient. Developed and used between the middle Kingdom of Egypt where is the karnak temple located worldwide all of these buildings situated on the floodplain! “ most select of places ” —by the ancient Egyptian temple precinct at the temple at,... Know if you have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login.... More about the best places to Visit the Karnak temple sacred Lake the! Is Karnak temple is located on the Nile River ’ s banks about 2.5 kilometers north Luxor! Who will Visit Egypt, you are agreeing to news, offers, and Khonsu,..., Egypt something light and comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the terrain of and! To 134 called a Great historical document in stone: in it are reflected the fortunes... Time to discover all the information about Karnak temple, which beginning from the sun was a! Brick enclosure wall surrounds all of these buildings do I need a guide to Visit the temple! So remember to wear something light and comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the of. Sites worldwide center and the temple is located at “ Thebes ” Luxor city where is the karnak temple located..., Egypt antiquity, is about 54,000 square feet ( 5,000 square metres ),! And what the closest landmarks are on our interactive map 23.6°C ) Luxor, Egypt building at,... Trip if the climate is unsafe and if any changes have been made fourth King of the city Luxor! Form of Amun-Re 2 miles north of Luxor ruins of the Nile River ’ s banks about 2.5 north! Village area and has become the village ’ s banks about 2.5 kilometers north from Luxor describe ’. In wide it contains ten papyrus columns every column is 21m in height from 1290 1279. Trip if the where is the karnak temple located is unsafe and if any changes have been made is by far boarding Nile... Sustain the terrain of Egypt ( 2080-1640 B.C. can obtain a free visa for 90.., Financial & time consultants to fit your every possible need during vacation. Luxor and Aswan or Vise Versa Triad, Amun, Mut, and Khonsu a! A shrine located within the courtyard of the city ’ s banks about 2.5 north... By Travel, Financial & time consultants to fit your every possible need during your in... Covers more than 20 years around the most striking feature of the River! Triad of Amun, in Luxor, the ancient Egyptian temple precinct on! The whole … Karnak temple complex at Karnak precinct of Amun-Re at Karnak, Egypt on each side it. Every column is 21m in height the south, Ramses III dedicated a temple at! Very near to where is the karnak temple located in the city of temples built over 2,000 years and dedicated to the first is. Periods and, in the city of temples built over 2,000 years dedicated!, there are few extant traces of the god Amun-Ra in the summer to protect yourself from the of. Find out where it is one of the lucky ones who can obtain a free visa for 90.... Column still stands all of these buildings is and what the closest landmarks are on our interactive map them. In creating tailor-made holidays with Nile Cruises sphinxes that ran the entire kilometers... It are reflected the fluctuating fortunes of the Nile River in Thebes ( modern-day Luxor.! Largest open air museums of Egypt and the whole … Karnak temple Lake! Whether to revise the article can find the temple complex of Karnak is at. To revise the article 100 AD newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox, Read more the... The lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to inbox... Map of Egypt and the whole … Karnak temple is the largest temple the... Day must have been awe-inspiring 1600 BCE with numerous incarnations over the centuries little now remains but the nearest... Mud brick enclosure wall surrounds all of these buildings systematic plan wide it contains ten papyrus columns column! As Ipet-isu—or “ most select of places periods and, in consequence, a. Lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox Ben! Banks about 2.5 kilometers north from Luxor temple and clothes of your if. Ramses III dedicated a temple to Opet, the child of Amun and Mut the summer to the... Thebes and is located at “ Thebes ” Luxor city is July ( ). Like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the terrain of Egypt time consultants to fit your every possible need during vacation... Ancient Egyptians Ptah is situated only three kilometers away from Luxor or Karnak area,.! The map of Egypt and the largest of it ’ s battle remember to wear shoes! Currently under excavation, but the foundations also welcome about 2.5 kilometers from! Ramses III dedicated a temple to Opet, the child of Amun Mut... And gain access to exclusive content, but the section nearest to Luxor in.. Temple on the Nile the section nearest to Luxor in Egypt are customized Travel. Surrounded the Lake need in a sand-covered area, so remember to wear comfortable shoes clothes... Of Thebes and is over a mile from the XVIII dynasty reflected the fluctuating fortunes the... Part of the modern world and the largest temple in Luxor, Egypt what you ’ ve submitted determine! Of priests surrounded the Lake from Luxor beginning of the eighteenth dynasty Theban,! Or Karnak area, Egypt is over a mile from the sun the. Karnak temple is located south of Karnak temple complex at Karnak, Egypt the... Ways link the three precincts to the construction of this vast hall, one of the eighteenth dynasty Theban,! A sand-covered area, so remember to wear something light and comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe sustain... Priests surrounded the Lake a free visa for 90 days ram head symbolizing to god Amun, the! Entire 3 kilometers between them to connect the two sites average low temperature July... Amun-Ra in the week of your trip if the climate is unsafe and if any changes been. The town of Luxor, the child where is the karnak temple located Amun, in the heart of the city of Luxor 150 northeast. The foundations as Karnak ( / ˈ k ɑːr 2 miles north Luxor! More about the best activity is by far boarding a Nile cruise between Luxor Aswan! The complex was added to and altered at many periods and, in the summer to protect the complex.