Location: Luxor Governorate Map
Open: 6am- 5:30pm Oct- Apr
6am- 9pm May- Sep
Karnak Archaeological Site religious complex is situated in the
Luxor Governorate in Egypt. The size and complexity of Karnak
Temple with its countless courtyards, halls and colossi and huge
sacred lake is just mind-boggling. Karnak Archaeological Site
started with a modest building constructed by pharaoh Sesostris
I during the Middle Kingdom, but every subsequent Pharaoh attach
something of their own and reworked existing, trying to keep the
memory of himself in the main religious complex of the country.
Excavations in Karnak complex began only in the 19th century and
are currently still go on. The first thing that will probably
encounter is a long avenue of sphinxes with rams' heads. Behind
the first pylon is the chapel of the Seti II, dedicated to the
Theban triad - the gods Amun, Mut and Khonsu. In the right
corner is the Temple of Ramses III, and in the center - the
ruins of Pharaoh Taharqa pavilion.
The Colossus of
Ramses II, which is shown at the foot of one of his daughters,
standing in front of the hypostyle hall of the Great Seti I.
This hall, arches which support of 134 columns - the most famous
landmark of Karnak. All columns and walls are decorated with
bas-reliefs of the hall, telling about the life and exploits of
the pharaoh. Massive columns were constructed in a simple and
ingenious way. At first they would stack round slabs of stone.
Then they would fill up the space between with sand. Once they
reached the desired height and completed the roof, Egyptians
craftsmen would simply work from the top down, clearing the sand
between the columns until they would reach the bottom of the
temple.
Then you can go to the Temple of gaudy, built by Thutmose III. In the Early Medieval period it was converted to a Christian church. However the pillars keep traces of ancient frescoes. Another popular location is a Botanical Garden which is an open courtyard, whose walls are decorated with reliefs of exotic plants and animals. Between the third and fourth pylons courtyard of Amenhotep III is located. Unfortunately much of the former splendor was looted over the centuries. Only one obelisk remains today from the former four that once stood here. Next room is the Pantry, where it was discovered more than 10 thousand stone and bronze statues. Between the fourth and fifth pylon Queen Hatshepsut established a two obelisks of pink Aswan granite, but only one survived. The left of the southern extension is a sacred lake, whose waters washed the priests before proceeding with rituals. On its banks stands a giant stone scarab Khepri constructed here by Amenhotep III. Every evening at Karnak temple there is presentation of show of "The Sound and Light."