See the Colossi of Memnon, two enormous stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III standing on Luxor's West Bank. Discover their history and role as guardians of an ancient mortuary temple.
The Giant Statues of Amenhotep III
Your final major stop is the Colossi of Memnon, two enormous seated statues located on Luxor's West Bank.
The statues depict Amenhotep III, a powerful pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty.
Each statue originally stood in front of the pharaoh's enormous mortuary temple.
Although much of the temple has disappeared, the two monumental statues remain.
Why Are They Called the Colossi of Memnon?The name "Colossi of Memnon" comes from the association made by ancient Greek and Roman travelers between the northern statue and Memnon, a legendary figure from Greek mythology.
The statues were actually built for Amenhotep III.
The name nevertheless became widely established and continues to be used today.
The Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep IIIThe Colossi originally stood at the entrance to a vast mortuary temple dedicated to Amenhotep III.
The temple was once one of the largest religious complexes in ancient Egypt.
Over time, however, the structure was heavily damaged and much of it disappeared.
Archaeological excavations continue to reveal information about the original monument.
The Colossi and Ancient TravelersThe statues became famous during the Greco-Roman period.
Ancient travelers reported unusual sounds associated with one of the statues after an earthquake damaged it.
The phenomenon became known throughout the ancient Mediterranean world.
Today, the statues stand silently as one of Luxor's most recognizable archaeological landmarks.
The Three West Bank Highlights TogetherThe three attractions tell different parts of the story of ancient Egypt.
Valley of the Kings
The Royal Afterlife Explore the hidden tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs and learn about Egyptian beliefs concerning death and resurrection.
Temple of Hatshepsut
The Power of the Pharaoh Discover the monumental temple of one of Egypt's most remarkable female rulers.
Colossi of Memnon
The Monumental KingStand before the enormous statues of Amenhotep III and discover the remains of his once-great mortuary temple.
Together, they create an excellent introduction to the history and archaeology of Luxor's West Bank.
Recommended Private Tour Itinerary[teal]Pickup from Your Luxor Hotel[/orange]
Your private Egyptologist and air-conditioned vehicle will collect you from your hotel in Luxor.
Cross the Nile toward the West Bank and begin your archaeological adventure.
Stop 1 – Valley of the Kings
Explore the royal necropolis.
Visit the tombs included with your standard entrance ticket and learn about:
• New Kingdom pharaohs
• Royal burial traditions
• Ancient Egyptian gods
• The afterlife
• Funerary texts
• Tomb decoration
Optional: Add the separately ticketed tomb of Tutankhamun or other special tombs when available.
Stop 2 – Temple of Hatshepsut
Continue to Deir el-Bahari.
Explore the terraces and colonnades of Hatshepsut's temple and learn about:
• Queen Hatshepsut
• Her reign
• The expedition to Punt
• Divine kingship
• Amun
• New Kingdom architecture
Stop 3 – Colossi of Memnon
Stop at the two enormous statues of Amenhotep III.
Your Egyptologist will explain:
• Who Amenhotep III was
• The original mortuary temple
• Why the statues are called "Memnon"
• The famous ancient stories surrounding the statues
This is also an excellent location for photographs.
Return to Luxor
After completing the tour, your private vehicle will return you to your hotel or another agreed location in Luxor.
The tour can also be incorporated into a Nile cruise itinerary, airport transfer or wider Egypt private tour.
What Can You See at the Colossi of Memnon?• Two enormous seated statues
• Representations of Amenhotep III
• Remains of the ancient mortuary temple
• Hieroglyphic and royal inscriptions
• Archaeological excavation areas
the Colossi of Memnon Tour Highlights• Explore the legendary Valley of the Kings
• Enter ancient royal tombs
• Learn about Tutankhamun
• See New Kingdom funerary art
• Visit Hatshepsut's magnificent temple
• Discover the story of Egypt's famous female pharaoh
• See reliefs depicting the expedition to Punt
• Visit the Colossi of Memnon
• See the monumental statues of Amenhotep III
• Learn about the ancient Theban necropolis
• Travel with a private Egyptologist
• Enjoy private air-conditioned transportation
• Customize the sightseeing pace
Practical InformationLocation All three attractions are located on Luxor's West Bank, making them ideal to visit together.
Duration Allow approximately 5–7 hours, depending on the number of tombs visited, site access and your preferred pace.
Transportation Private air-conditioned transportation is provided throughout the tour.
Guide An English-speaking Egyptologist can accompany the tour. Other languages can be arranged upon request and may involve an additional charge.
Entrance Tickets Entrance fees depend on the current official ticket structure.
The standard Valley of the Kings ticket generally covers a specified number of tombs. Tutankhamun's tomb and certain special tombs require additional tickets.
Best Time to VisitAn early morning start is highly recommended.
The West Bank can become very hot, especially during the summer months.
An early visit provides more comfortable temperatures and can make walking between the archaeological areas much more enjoyable.
What to Bring• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Drinking water
• Camera
• Light clothing
• Small amount of cash
• Passport or identification if required for ticketing
Combine Your West Bank Tour with Other Luxor AttractionsFor travelers with additional time, this experience can be extended with:
• Ramesseum
• Medinet Habu
• Valley of the Queens
• Deir al-Medina
• Tombs of the Nobles
• Karnak Temple
• Luxor Temple
• Dendera Temple
• Abydos Temple
You can also combine the West Bank sightseeing with a Luxor hot air balloon experience for a memorable sunrise view over the Nile Valley.
Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut & Colossi of Memnon with Explore Plus HolidaysWalk through the ancient royal necropolis of Thebes and discover the tombs where New Kingdom pharaohs prepared for eternity.
Stand beneath the dramatic cliffs of Deir el-Bahari at the magnificent Temple of Hatshepsut, then finish your West Bank adventure in front of the enormous Colossi of Memnon.
With a private Egyptologist, uncover the stories of Tutankhamun, Hatshepsut, Amenhotep III and the great pharaohs of the New Kingdom.
Book Your Private Luxor West Bank TourDiscover the Tombs, Temples and Giants of Ancient Thebes
Explore three of Luxor's most important archaeological treasures in one private experience.
Book your private Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon tour with Explore Plus Holidays and experience the legendary West Bank of Luxor.
Good To Know
What are the Colossi of Memnon?+
The Colossi of Memnon are two enormous stone statues representing Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
Where are the Colossi of Memnon?+
They stand on Luxor''s West Bank along the main route toward the Valley of the Kings and other archaeological sites.
How old are the Colossi of Memnon?+
They date to the reign of Amenhotep III during Egypt''s 18th Dynasty.
How long does a visit take?+
Most travelers spend approximately 20-40 minutes at the statues.
Are the Colossi of Memnon free to visit?+
Access arrangements can change, so travelers should check the current ticketing rules when planning their visit.
Can I visit the Colossi during a Luxor West Bank tour?+
Yes. They are conveniently located and are commonly visited on the way to other West Bank attractions.
Pick a tour, choose your date, pay a 20% deposit.