Avenue of Sphinxes

The Avenue of Sphinxes is a stunning tourist attraction situated in Luxor, Egypt. This long stretch of road lined with massive limestone Sphinx statues is a sight to behold, attracting thousands of tourists every year.

The avenue is the main route that connects the Karnak temple complex to the Luxor temple, which is standing over two-and-a-half kilometers long. It is said that the avenue dates back to the reign of Nectanebo I, during the 30th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt, and work on it continued under the pharaohs of the New Kingdom.

As you approach the avenue, you are greeted with an imposing view of numerous Sphinx statues lining the road, each with the head of a human and the body of a lion. These Sphinxes stand guard along the entire stretch of the avenue, making any visitor feel as though they have stepped back in time.

Walking down the avenue, you will be dwarfed by the sheer size of these incredible structures. Along both sides of the road, the Sphinxes stand tall and linked in a uniform arrangement, making it impossible to miss their significance. As you approach Luxor temple or the Karnak temple complex, the Sphinxes become more densely packed, giving a sense of grandeur and majesty to these ancient ruins.

The architecture of the Sphinxes:

The Sphinxes themselves are carved from a uniform slab of limestone, standing at an impressive two meters tall and four meters long, each identical to the next. They wear the pharaoh's Nemes headdress, which features a serpent-like figure on the brow denoting kingship, and a Uraeus cobra on the front to represent the goddess Wadjet. The facial features of the Sphinxes are meticulously carved to exhibit calmness and dignity, making them a true masterpiece of ancient art.

The Avenue of Sphinxes is a treasure of ancient Egypt that must be seen to be truly appreciated. The grandeur of this magnificent road is a testament to the wealth and power of the pharaohs of the New Kingdom, providing an insight into the ancient world that has captivated our imagination for centuries. A visit to Luxor would not be complete without taking the time to stroll down this impressive avenue to witness firsthand a true masterpiece of ancient art.