must-visit in LuxorHistoric Ruins & Heritage

Colossi of Memnon

📍 Colossi of Memnon, West Bank, Luxor, Egypt

1 photos

4.1/ 5.0

★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location: Egypt, Luxor
Category: Historic Ruins & Heritage
Duration: 30 min - 1 hour
Opening Hours: All day
Ticket Price: Adult: Free · Free
Address: Colossi of Memnon, West Bank, Luxor, Egypt
Coordinates: 25.7200, 32.6020

Introduction

The Colossi of Memnon are Luxor's most striking West Bank landmark: two seated quartzite statues of Amenhotep III, each about 18 meters tall and weighing roughly 720 tons, once guarding the entrance of his vast mortuary temple. That temple vanished long ago, quarried away over centuries, leaving the pair standing alone facing the Nile. After an earthquake in 27 BC cracked the northern colossus, it famously emitted a haunting sound at dawn — the 'Vocal Memnon' that drew Roman tourists until repairs silenced it. Today the site is free, roadside, and utterly photogenic at sunrise.

✨ Highlights

Twin Giants

Two ~18 m seated statues of Amenhotep III, each around 720 tons, facing the Nile.

Vanished Temple

The pharaoh's enormous mortuary temple was quarried away, leaving the guardians alone.

Vocal Memnon

The cracked northern colossus once 'sang' at dawn, drawing Roman-era pilgrims.

Free Sunrise

Roadside, ticketless, and at its best in the first hour of morning light.

🛈 Practical Info

→Location：On the main West Bank road at the entrance to the monument zone, minutes from the ferry landing.

→Timing：Sunrise casts warm side light on the statues before the heat builds.

→Combi：Most taxis and tours stop here en route to the Valley of the Kings.

→Opening Hours：All day

→Transportation：Taxi / by car (Luxor West Bank)

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
Adult	Free

Free

💡 Tips

• Sunrise is the magic hour — soft light, zero crowds, and the statues nearly to yourself.

• You only need 20-30 minutes here; it fits neatly at the start of a West Bank loop.

• Stand across the irrigation canal for the full reflection shot with palm trees.

• Vendors cluster at the parking area; a polite 'la shukran' keeps things moving.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Colossi of Memnon?

All day

How much is the admission for Colossi of Memnon?

Adult: Free; Free

Any practical tips for visiting Colossi of Memnon?

Sunrise is the magic hour — soft light, zero crowds, and the statues nearly to yourself. You only need 20-30 minutes here; it fits neatly at the start of a West Bank loop.