Background

The Remaining Luxor Obelisk: A Testament to Ancient Grandeur

Witness the grandeur of ancient Egypt at the Remaining Luxor Obelisk, a towering monument adorned with hieroglyphs, steeped in history and mystery.

4.6

The Remaining Luxor Obelisk stands as a solitary sentinel, a red granite obelisk adorned with hieroglyphs, marking the entrance to the Luxor Temple. Once part of a pair, it offers a glimpse into the power and artistry of the Ramesses II era, with its twin now gracing the Place de la Concorde in Paris.

A brief summary to Remaining Luxor Obelisk

  • PJ2Q+4WG, Luxor, Luxor City, Luxor Governorate, EG

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and to capture the best lighting for photographs.
  • Consider taking a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the obelisk.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Karnak Temple for a comprehensive historical experience.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    The Remaining Luxor Obelisk is located near the Luxor Temple. From the Luxor Museum, walk straight for about 10 minutes until you reach the intersection with the Corniche El Nil. Turn right at the intersection to follow the river. Continue walking for another 5 minutes; the Remaining Luxor Obelisk will be on your left side, near the statue of Ramses II. Walking is the cheapest way to get around Luxor. Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. A short taxi trip across town may cost around 30 Egyptian pounds.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are a readily available mode of transport in Luxor. You can find them outside hotels or flag one down on the street. Agree on a price before you get in. A short trip around town should cost between EGP 50-100. A 5km ride in Luxor costs about 43 EGP.

Unlock the Best of Remaining Luxor Obelisk

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Remaining Luxor Obelisk

Standing tall in Luxor City, the Remaining Luxor Obelisk is a remarkable testament to ancient Egyptian civilization. Carved from a single piece of red granite, this obelisk is adorned with exquisite hieroglyphs that narrate the stories of pharaohs and their divine connections, offering a glimpse into the spiritual and political significance of these structures. Originally, two obelisks stood at the entrance of the Luxor Temple, erected during the reign of Ramesses II around 1250 BC. In the 1830s, the right-hand (western) obelisk was gifted to France and now stands in the Place de la Concorde in Paris. In return, King Louis Philippe gave Pasha Muhammed Ali a large clock, which is still in the clock tower of the mosque at the Citadel of Cairo. The remaining obelisk in Luxor is slightly taller than its counterpart that is in Paris. The hieroglyphs that are carved into the obelisk in sunken relief on all four sides include coded references to Ramses II's divine power. The obelisk symbolizes the sun god Ra, with many believing that the god existed within the structure. The four baboons that are visible on the pedestal of the obelisk are carved raising their front paws. Ancient Egyptians observed baboons making such a gesture at dawn and interpreted this as the animals 'adoring' the sun.

Popular Experiences near Remaining Luxor Obelisk

Popular Hotels near Remaining Luxor Obelisk

Select Currency