Colossi of Memnon in Luxor: visit, ticket and day trip from Hurghada
The Colossi of Memnon are two statues of Amenhotep III, about 18 m high, seated facing the Nile on Luxor's west bank. They guarded the entrance of his mortuary temple, which has vanished. The stop lasts ten to twenty minutes: it is the first photo of the day on the west bank, before the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's temple. From Hurghada expect about four hours' drive each way; almost every Luxor day trip stops here, see Luxor from Hurghada: which tour.
Highlights
The two colossi
Each carved from a single block of sandstone, they are badly worn: the earthquake of 27 BC cracked the northern one, which "sang" at dawn and drew Greek and Roman visitors.
Hatshepsut's temple next door
A few minutes away by minibus, the Deir el-Bahari terraces complete the stop (see Hatshepsut's temple).
Practical info
Tips
- As far as we know the colossi can be seen from the roadside without a ticket, but we found no official source: check with your guide. There is no point lingering; keep your time for the Valley of the Kings (see the Valley of the Kings). Vendors are insistent: a firm "no thank you" is enough.
How to get there
The colossi stand on the west-bank road, about 10 minutes by car from the Luxor bridge or ferry. From Hurghada it is roughly 290 to 320 km (four to five hours): go on a day tour, or read Hurghada to Luxor: bus or transfer.
Opening hours
Nearby
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