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Remaining Luxor Obelisk

Witness the grandeur of ancient Egypt at the Remaining Luxor Obelisk, a towering monument adorned with hieroglyphs at 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. Carved over 3,000 years ago during the reign of Ramesses II, it once formed a pair with its twin, which now graces the Place de la Concorde in Paris. This towering monolith, adorned with hieroglyphs, offers a glimpse into the power and artistry of the New Kingdom period.

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 harsh midday sun.
  • Take your time to examine the hieroglyphs carved into the obelisk, which tell stories of Ramesses II's reign.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of Luxor Temple to fully appreciate the obelisk's historical context.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From anywhere within Luxor Temple, the Remaining Luxor Obelisk is easily accessible on foot. As you explore the temple complex, the obelisk will be visible near the first pylon entrance. No additional costs are associated with reaching the obelisk once inside the temple.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving in Luxor by train or bus, take a local taxi or microbus to Luxor Temple. Microbuses to Luxor Temple from Luxor station or behind Luxor Temple cost around 0.50 EGP. Taxis are plentiful and cheap, but agree on a fare before starting your ride. From the temple entrance, the obelisk is a short walk away.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Luxor. A short taxi ride from most hotels in Luxor to Luxor Temple should cost around 50 EGP, but agree on the price beforehand. From the taxi drop-off point near the temple entrance, the Remaining Luxor Obelisk is a short walk within the complex.

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Discover more about Remaining Luxor Obelisk

The Remaining Luxor Obelisk is one of a pair of ancient Egyptian obelisks that once stood proudly at the entrance to Luxor Temple. Carved during the reign of Ramesses II (c. 1250 BC), these obelisks served as potent symbols of royal power and divine connection. The obelisks were crafted from single blocks of red granite, quarried in Aswan, roughly 160 kilometers south of Luxor, and transported north via the Nile. Originally, both obelisks stood flanking the entrance pylon of Luxor Temple. Each was inscribed with hieroglyphs commemorating Ramesses II's military victories and his relationship with the gods. In the 1830s, the Egyptian government gifted the western obelisk to France. It was transported to Paris and erected in the Place de la Concorde, where it remains today. The eastern obelisk, the subject of this guide, still stands in its original location at Luxor Temple. Standing at 25 meters high, the remaining obelisk is slightly taller than its Parisian twin. Over the centuries, it has become a defining feature of Luxor Temple, attracting visitors from around the globe. The obelisk serves as a powerful reminder of ancient Egypt's architectural and religious heritage.

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