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Pillar Hall: A Forest of Columns at Karnak

Explore the awe-inspiring Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak Temple, a colossal forest of intricately decorated columns showcasing ancient Egyptian grandeur.

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The Pillar Hall, also known as the Great Hypostyle Hall, is a breathtaking structure within the Karnak Temple Complex in Luxor, Egypt. This immense hall, filled with towering columns, is one of the most impressive and iconic features of Karnak, offering visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture and religious practices.

A brief summary to Pillar Hall in Karnak Temple

  • PM95+953، الشيخ موسى، الكرنك، الأقصر،, Luxor, Karnak, Luxor Governorate, EG

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces.
  • Bring water to stay hydrated, especially during the hotter months.
  • Take your time to admire the intricate carvings and hieroglyphs on the columns and walls.
  • Consider hiring a guide or using an audio guide to fully appreciate the history and significance of the hall.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From within the Karnak Temple complex, the Pillar Hall is centrally located and easily accessible on foot. Follow the main pathways leading from the First Pylon towards the heart of the complex. The hall is well-signposted and a major point of interest within the temple grounds.

  • Taxi

    If arriving by taxi from Luxor or surrounding areas, instruct the driver to take you to the entrance of Karnak Temple. From the entrance, proceed through the complex towards the main temple area; the Pillar Hall will be a prominent feature within a short walk. Taxis are readily available throughout Luxor, with short trips within the city costing around 30-150 Egyptian pounds.

  • Public Transport

    Local microbuses or 'pick-up taxis' run fixed routes between Luxor and Karnak Temple. These can be caught from Luxor station or behind Luxor Temple. The fare is typically very low, around 0.5-1 Egyptian pound. From the drop-off point, follow the signs to the Karnak Temple entrance and proceed on foot to the Pillar Hall.

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Discover more about Pillar Hall in Karnak Temple

The Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak is more than just a hall; it's an experience. Covering an area of 50,000 square feet (5,000 sq meters), the hall is packed with 134 gigantic stone columns. The central aisle boasts 12 colossal columns, each soaring to a height of 80 feet (24 meters) and having a circumference of approximately 33 feet. These are adorned with open papyrus capitals, while the 122 columns in the side aisles, standing at 43 feet tall with a 27.5-foot circumference, feature closed papyrus-bud capitals. Construction of the hall began during the reign of Seti I (c. 1290-1279 B.C.E.) and was completed by Ramesses II (c. 1279-1213 B.C.E.). Seti I inscribed the northern wing, depicting his battles, while Ramesses II finished the southern wing, even usurping some of his father's decorations along the main walkways. Later pharaohs, including Ramesses III, IV, and VI, added their own inscriptions to the walls and columns. The south wall notably features a record of Ramesses II's peace treaty with the Hittites. Imagine this vast space roofed with stone slabs, creating a dim, awe-inspiring atmosphere. The columns, though structural, are heavily decorated with horizontal bands of relief sculpture and painting, showcasing historical and religious scenes accompanied by hieroglyphs. The sheer scale of the hall, with its meticulously decorated columns, leaves visitors feeling dwarfed by the ingenuity and artistry of the ancient Egyptians.

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