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Avenue of the Rams: Luxor's Majestic Processional Way

Walk the path of pharaohs on Luxor's Avenue of the Rams, a majestic ancient processional route connecting Karnak and Luxor Temples.

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The Avenue of the Rams, also known as the Sphinx Avenue, is an ancient 2.7 km long road in Luxor, Egypt, connecting the Karnak and Luxor Temples. Lined with hundreds of ram-headed and human-headed sphinxes, it offers a glimpse into ancient Egyptian processions and religious practices.

A brief summary to Avenue of the Rams

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and experience the avenue in the golden light.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the avenue stretches for 2.7 kilometers and requires a fair amount of walking.
  • Bring water, especially during the warmer months, to stay hydrated while exploring the site.
  • Hire a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the Avenue of the Rams.
  • Combine your visit with trips to Karnak and Luxor Temples to fully appreciate the ancient Theban landscape.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Luxor Temple, exit and head north along the Corniche El Nile road. Continue for about 1.5 kilometers until you reach the Karnak Temple entrance. The Avenue of the Rams is located within the Karnak Temple complex and is well signposted. Allow 20-30 minutes for the walk.

  • Public Transport

    Take a local bus from Luxor city center towards Karnak Temple. Alight near Karnak Temple, and walk towards the entrance. Follow the signs to the Avenue of the Rams within the temple complex. Bus fare is approximately 5-10 EGP.

  • Taxi

    Hail a taxi from anywhere in Luxor to Karnak Temple. Upon arrival at Karnak Temple, enter the complex and follow the signs for the Avenue of the Rams. A taxi ride from Luxor city center to Karnak Temple typically costs 20-30 EGP.

  • Horse-drawn Carriage

    Hire a horse-drawn carriage (calèche) from Luxor Temple or along the Corniche. Negotiate the fare beforehand, typically around 50-100 EGP. Ask the driver to take you to Karnak Temple, where the Avenue of the Rams is located.

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Discover more about Avenue of the Rams

The Avenue of the Rams, also called the King's Festivities Road, is an ancient avenue stretching 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) and linking Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple. This path, once buried under sand, has been restored and is lined with over 1,000 statues, mainly sphinxes with ram or human heads. Built during the reign of King Amenhotep III, the avenue was meant to connect the Luxor Temple with the Karnak temple complex. It served as a venue for feasts, royal processions, and celebrations. The ram symbolizes the deity Amun, a significant god worshipped in Luxor. The ancient Egyptians called this road “Wat Nathr”, meaning the path of God. Excavations and restoration have been ongoing since the discovery of the first traces in 1949. The grand reopening occurred on November 25, 2021, with a recreation of the ancient Opet Festival. Today, visitors can walk the avenue, experiencing the grandeur of ancient Egypt. The statues come in three shapes: a lion's body with a ram's head, a full ram statue, and the most common, a sphinx with a human head. The human-headed sphinxes are found closer to Luxor Temple, while the ram-headed sphinxes, symbolizing Amun-Ra, are located in the northern sections.

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