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The Sphinx Avenue: A Walk Through Time

Walk the path of pharaohs on Luxor's Sphinx Avenue, connecting Karnak and Luxor Temples through a stunning display of ancient artistry.

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The Sphinx Avenue, also known as the King's Festivities Road or Rams Road, is an ancient 2.7-kilometer avenue in Luxor, Egypt, connecting the Karnak and Luxor Temples. Lined with hundreds of sphinxes and ram-headed statues, it offers a journey through the heart of ancient Thebes.

A brief summary to The Sphinx Avenue

  • طريق معبد الكرنك الي، معبد الأقصر, Luxor, Karnak, Luxor Governorate, EG

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler months (October to April) to avoid the scorching summer heat.
  • Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the intense midday sun.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the avenue is 2.7 km long.
  • Bring water and sunscreen, as there is limited shade along the path.
  • Consider visiting at night to experience the avenue illuminated with lights and sound shows.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Luxor Temple, the Avenue of Sphinxes is directly accessible via the temple's main entrance. Simply exit the temple and follow the paved avenue north towards Karnak Temple. The walk is approximately 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) and takes about 30-45 minutes at a leisurely pace. There are no additional costs involved.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Luxor and can take you to either the Luxor Temple or Karnak Temple entrance of the Avenue of Sphinxes. A short taxi ride from downtown Luxor to either temple should cost approximately 20-30 EGP. Agree on the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about The Sphinx Avenue

The Avenue of Sphinxes, a historic pathway in Luxor, Egypt, stretches 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) between the grand Karnak Temple and the elegant Luxor Temple. This ancient road, also known as the King's Festivities Road or Rams Road, was once a sacred route used for ceremonial processions, most notably during the annual Opet Festival. During this event, statues of the Theban Triad – Amun, Mut, and Khonsu – were paraded between the two temples. Originally constructed during the New Kingdom era and completed by Nectanebo I (380–362 B.C.) , the avenue was lost under layers of sand for centuries. Rediscovery began in 1949 with Egyptian archaeologist Mohammed Zakaria Ghoneim, and after decades of excavation and restoration, the avenue was reopened to the public in a grand ceremony on November 25, 2021. Today, visitors can walk the same path once trod by pharaohs and priests, flanked by over 1,000 statues. The avenue features three types of statues: sphinxes with a lion's body and a ram's head, full ram statues, and traditional sphinxes with a lion's body and a human head. The ram symbolizes the god Amun. Along the avenue, visitors will find benches, rest areas, and even cafeterias to enhance their experience. The Avenue of Sphinxes offers a tangible connection to the spiritual and cultural heart of ancient Egypt.

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