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Colossi of Memnon tour in Luxor reveals two towering 18-meter quartzite statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that once guarded his vast mortuary temple. Travelers visit for their immense scale, vivid royal iconography, and the ancient legend of the “singing statue,” which made the site one of Egypt’s earliest tourist attractions, an ideal starting point for a tour of the Colossi of Memnon. These monumental figures continue to captivate visitors with both their imposing presence and the myths that surround them.
Rising on Luxor’s West Bank, the Colossi weigh around 800 tons each and stand beside the road leading to the Theban necropolis. Created in the 14th century BCE, they originally flanked the entrance to Amenhotep III’s huge mortuary temple, destroyed by an earthquake in 1220 BCE. The pharaoh is shown seated with hands on his knees, wearing the shendyt, nemes, and ureus. The statues’ detailed craftsmanship speaks to the artistic and engineering mastery of ancient Egypt, adding depth to any journey through Colossi of Memnon Luxor.
The reliefs on the thrones display the sema tawy scene symbolizing the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. Alongside the ruler’s calves appear figures of his family: his mother Mutemwiya, his wife Tiye, and a third unidentified woman. These depictions emphasize royal lineage and divine legitimacy. Such artistic detail, preserved across millennia, is part of what makes the site unforgettable and historically rich for modern travelers.
Ancient Greek visitors were equally fascinated, leaving over 150 inscriptions on one statue. After a 27 BCE earthquake created cracks, the northern colossus produced dawn sounds that travelers associated with Memnon, the Trojan War hero. Emperor Septimius Severus restored the statue in 199 CE, ending the phenomenon, though its legendary name endured. Today, those wishing to Visit the Colossi of Memnon can still sense this blend of myth, history, and archaeology. All Inside Egypt luxury tour packages include a visit to this iconic site.
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The Colossi of Memnon are two monumental Amenhotep III statues standing on Luxor’s West Bank, masterpieces of Ancient Egyptian architecture. Each statue measures height: 18 m, weighs 800 tons, and was built around 1350 BCE as guardians of the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III (builder: Amenhotep III). Their location: Theban Necropolis, Luxor.
Carved from red quartzite transported over 600 km, the statues depict the pharaoh seated on a throne decorated with symbols of Egypt’s unification. Their significance lies in their scale, craftsmanship, and role as the last visible remains of one of Egypt’s grandest temples.
In antiquity, the northern statue gained fame as the “Vocal Memnon.” After an earthquake in 27 BCE caused cracks, it emitted soft tones at sunrise. Greek and Roman travelers believed this was Memnon, the mythical son of the goddess Dawn, greeting his mother. Emperor Septimius Severus repaired the statue in 199 CE, ending the sounds but preserving the legend.
The Colossi of Memnon are located on Luxor’s West Bank, standing prominently along the main road that leads into the Theban Necropolis. They sit at the entrance to the former mortuary temple of Amenhotep III, positioned between fertile fields and the desert edge.
The site lies about 30 minutes by car from central Luxor via the Nile bridge. From the Colossi, it’s a short drive to major West Bank monuments: roughly 10 minutes to the Valley of the Kings, 8–10 minutes to Hatshepsut’s Temple at Deir el-Bahari, and 5 minutes to Medinet Habu.
Their strategic placement made them the traditional gateway to the royal burial landscape, and today they remain an easy first stop on any West Bank itinerary.
Built around 1350 BCE, the Colossi were carved from massive quartzite blocks to guard the entrance of Amenhotep III’s grand mortuary temple. Their scale and craftsmanship reflect the height of his reign, offering key Colossi of Memnon facts and history tied to royal power and Ancient Egyptian innovation.
A major earthquake in 1220 BCE shattered much of the temple and damaged the statues, leaving the northern colossus cracked. These fractures later produced eerie dawn sounds, sparking the myth of the “Vocal Memnon,” believed by ancient travelers to be a hero calling to his divine mother.
During the Roman period, Emperor Septimius Severus restored the damaged statue in 199 CE. His repairs stopped the mysterious sounds forever, but the legend endured, adding another layer of intrigue to the long history behind the Colossi.
An Inside Egypt Colossi of Memnon tour is a short but atmospheric stop featured in most Luxor day tours and excursions. The experience usually lasts 20–30 minutes, giving travelers time to walk around the 18-meter statues, admire their scale, and hear expert commentary that brings their ancient world to life.
During your visit, you can expect:
Guides explain how the statues once flanked the entrance to one of Egypt’s largest temples and reveal stories behind the “Vocal Memnon” legend.
The open landscape provides dramatic views of desert cliffs, lush fields, and the Theban hills - perfect for wide-angle shots.
The Colossi sit along the route to major West Bank highlights, making them an ideal first stop before exploring the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple, and Medinet Habu.
Expect a blend of storytelling, archaeology, and sweeping scenery that sets the tone for the wonders that follow.
Yes, the Colossi are perfectly placed to combine with several major West Bank Luxor attractions, making them an ideal starting point for a full day of exploration. Their position on the main archaeological route means you can easily continue to some of the most iconic Egyptian monuments in Thebes.
Here are the top Things to see near the Colossi of Memnon:
Nearby attractions
Just 10 minutes away, home to the richly decorated tombs of pharaohs, queens, and nobles.
An 8–10-minute drive; a stunning terraced temple dedicated to Egypt’s powerful female pharaoh.
About 5 minutes south; the mortuary temple of Ramesses III, famed for its vivid battle reliefs.
Another nearby stop, showcasing colossal statues and inscriptions honoring Ramesses II.
Together, these sites create a seamless and rewarding itinerary, letting you experience the depth and diversity of ancient Thebes in a single excursion.
The best time to visit the Colossi of Memnon is early morning, when temperatures are cooler and the soft light creates ideal photography conditions. Cooler months - October through April - offer the most comfortable weather. Arriving around sunrise also avoids crowds and provides the most dramatic shadows on the statues.
An Inside Egypt Colossi of Memnon tour offers expert Egyptologist guides, luxury air-conditioned transport, and impeccably planned logistics. Inside Egypt handles every detail: timing, tickets, and comfort, so you enjoy a seamless, insightful visit. Our curated experience adds depth, context, and convenience you won’t get on a standard group tour.
Yes, you can visit the Colossi of Memnon from a Nile cruise. Most itineraries include it during West Bank excursions, or your cruise manager can easily add it. Transfers from the dock in Luxor take about 20–30 minutes, usually scheduled in the morning before exploring nearby temples and tombs.
The Colossi of Memnon require no tickets, as the site is free to view. This makes logistics simple - Inside Egypt includes the stop effortlessly within your tour. We handle timing, transport, and guiding at the Colossi of Memnon location, ensuring a smooth, well-organized visit without extra fees.
All our small-group Egypt tour packages include an unforgettable visit to the Colossi of Memnon in Luxor, one of the most iconic landmarks of ancient Egypt. It’s a perfect opportunity to admire these monumental statues up close and learn their fascinating history from an expert Egyptologist guide.
With a maximum of 20 guests per group and a guaranteed departure with just 6 participants, you enjoy comfort, personal attention, and a friendly, intimate travel atmosphere.
Our carefully curated itineraries combine excellent organization, comfort, and rich sightseeing:
If you dream of a perfectly planned, comfortable, and inspiring journey, choose one of our small-group tours and reserve your spot today - places fill up quickly!