Overview
The Colossi of Memnon are twin 18-meter seated statues that once flanked the entrance to the colossal mortuary temple of Pharaoh Amenhotep III on Luxor's west bank in the 14th century BC. The temple itself was largely destroyed by earthquakes and Nile floods, leaving only the two giants to brood over the desert plain for 3,400 years. In Greek and Roman times the statues were said to 'sing' at dawn, earning the name of Memnon, the Trojan War hero. They sit right on the road to the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's Temple, perfect for a photo stop. Free to view. West bank roadside.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours (no night lighting)
Travel Tips
There's no admission fee - perfect for a quick photo stop on the way to other west bank sites. Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic silhouettes.
Hotels near Colossi of Memnon
Hotels and guesthouses in Luxor, West Bank, Luxor
Other attractions in Luxor
Valley of the Kings
Ancient royal necropolis containing the tombs of more than 60 pharaohs, including Tutankhamun.
Karnak Temple
The world's largest ancient temple complex, built and expanded across roughly 2,000 years.
Luxor Temple
A grand Nile-side temple built by Amenhotep III, especially beautiful when lit up at night.
Temple of Hatshepsut
A three-tiered terrace temple carved into the cliffs for Egypt's first female pharaoh, Hatshepsut.
Luxor Museum
A beautifully curated museum displaying finds from the Valley of the Kings and Karnak.
Medinet Habu (Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III)
Ramesses III's vast mortuary temple, famed for vividly preserved painted reliefs.