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The Remaining Luxor Obelisk

A towering testament to ancient Egyptian artistry, the Remaining Luxor Obelisk stands as a solitary sentinel at the entrance to Luxor Temple.

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Standing tall at the entrance of Luxor Temple, the Remaining Luxor Obelisk is a striking testament to ancient Egyptian craftsmanship. Once one of a pair, its twin now graces the Place de la Concorde in Paris, leaving this single obelisk to mark the grandeur of Ramses II's reign and the enduring legacy of Thebes.

A brief summary to Remaining Luxor Obelisk

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

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
  • Hire a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of the obelisk and Luxor Temple.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From most hotels or the Luxor train station, the Remaining Luxor Obelisk is easily accessible on foot. Head towards the Luxor Temple, which is centrally located along the Corniche. The obelisk stands prominently at the temple's entrance.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Luxor. A short taxi ride from Luxor Museum or any East Bank hotel to the Luxor Temple will cost approximately 30-50 EGP, but negotiate the fare before you get in. The driver will drop you off near the temple entrance, where the obelisk is located.

  • Public Transport

    Microbuses (service taxis) operate on fixed routes around Luxor. You can catch one heading towards Luxor Temple from Luxor train station or other points in the city. The fare is around 1.75 EGP. Ask the driver to drop you off near the temple.

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Discover more about Remaining Luxor Obelisk

The Remaining Luxor Obelisk, a towering monolith of red granite, stands as a solitary sentinel at the entrance to Luxor Temple. For over 3,000 years, it has borne witness to the rise and fall of empires, the ebb and flow of the Nile, and the countless pilgrims who have passed through the temple's gates. Originally, this obelisk was one of a pair, erected during the reign of Ramses II (c. 1250 BC) to adorn the temple dedicated to the Theban triad of gods: Amun-Ra, Mut, and Khonsu. Carved from a single piece of granite quarried in Aswan, nearly 160 kilometers south of Luxor, the obelisk is a marvel of ancient engineering. Its surface is covered in hieroglyphic inscriptions, celebrating the military victories and divine connections of Ramses II. These inscriptions served as both a testament to the pharaoh's power and a hymn to the sun god Ra, whose presence was believed to reside within the obelisk. In the 1830s, the right-hand (western) obelisk was gifted to France by Egypt and transported to Paris, where it now stands in the Place de la Concorde. The remaining obelisk, slightly taller than its Parisian twin, leans slightly, a testament to the passage of time and the forces of nature. Despite this, it remains a powerful symbol of Luxor and ancient Egypt, drawing visitors from around the globe to marvel at its size, its history, and its enduring beauty. The top of the obelisk may have originally been covered in a pyramidion, but historians believe it was stolen sometime in the 6th century. Standing before the Remaining Luxor Obelisk, one can't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the ingenuity and artistry of the ancient Egyptians. It is a tangible link to a civilization that shaped the course of human history, and a reminder of the enduring power of art and architecture to transcend time and culture.

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