Egypt Discovery
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Attraction Luxor

Colossi of Memnon, Luxor West Bank

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Colossi of Memnon Entry Ticket is a 1-day attraction admission covering the seated statues of Amenhotep III on Luxor’s West Bank, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations
Luxor

Best time to go

The most comfortable months are usually October to April, when daytime temperatures in Luxor are lower and outdoor sightseeing is easier. In summer, morning visits are preferable because midday heat can be intense; during Ramadan and public holidays, opening hours and visitor flow may differ, so checking ahead is recommended.

02 Overview

A first look

Two colossal seated statues represent Pharaoh Amenhotep III on Luxor’s West Bank. They mark the remains of his mortuary temple and stand approximately 18 metres tall.

Background

The facts

The Colossi of Memnon are two seated quartzite statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III on Luxor’s West Bank, opposite modern Luxor. They originally stood at the entrance to his mortuary temple, built during the 18th Dynasty in the 14th century BCE; most of the temple complex is now lost, with only foundations and scattered remains surviving around the site.

The statues are approximately 17 metres tall and are among the best-known monuments in the Theban Necropolis. They were repaired in Roman times after earthquake damage, and their weathered surfaces preserve traces of ancient inscriptions and later restorations. The monument is a standalone stop and is often combined with nearby West Bank sites, but it can also be visited independently.

This entry ticket grants access to the monument platform and immediate surrounding area. Opening hours can vary seasonally, and site procedures may change on holidays or during busy periods, so visitors should check the latest schedule before arrival and allow extra time for the security check and ticket window.

The site is easy to reach from central Luxor by taxi or local transport, with the West Bank ferry area and the Theban Necropolis serving as common reference points for navigation. Because this is an open-air monument, the visit usually takes less time than a major tomb complex, but timing still matters because heat and light conditions affect comfort and photography.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This is suitable for independent travelers who want a short West Bank stop without a full-day schedule, especially adults interested in New Kingdom history and monumental sculpture. It also suits visitors with moderate mobility who can manage uneven ground and standing outdoors in warm weather.

What lingers

  • 01 Two seated statues of Amenhotep III on Luxor's West Bank; each approximately 18 metres high, originally flanking his mortuary temple.
  • 02 Unlike quick roadside photo stops, we allow 15–30 minutes to approach the Colossi and inspect surviving inscriptions.
  • 03 Antiquity writers reported the northern colossus 'singing' after earthquakes; later restorations repaired the crack and the sound ceased.
  • 04 Entrance fee to the Colossi site is included; we schedule visits to avoid the hottest midday sun where possible.
  • 05 Combine with Hatshepsut's Temple and the Valley of the Kings for a single West Bank morning; short transfers only.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Colossi of Memnon entry ticket (site admission)

Not included

  • Transport to or from the site
  • Professional Egyptologist guide (book separately if required)
  • Audio guide unless explicitly listed
  • Photography permits if required by the venue
  • Printed ticket, if the venue requires a paper copy; tickets are sent by email as a PDF after booking

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01 Where are the Colossi of Memnon?
    The Colossi of Memnon are two 18-metre-high seated statues of Amenhotep III on Luxor's West Bank, by his mortuary temple remains. They stand on the Theban Necropolis, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis'. The statues face the Nile floodplain and are a short drive from Luxor city; most visitors see them en route to Medinet Habu or the Valley of the Kings.
  2. 02 How long should I allow to visit the Colossi of Memnon?
    Most visitors spend 20–40 minutes at the Colossi of Memnon. That allows time for photography, a short walk around the statues and reading the onsite panels. If you plan to include Medinet Habu and the Ramesseum the same morning, allow a half-day; there is limited shade and little seating at the Colossi.
  3. 03 Are the Colossi of Memnon a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
    The Colossi of Memnon lie within the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis'. The inscription covers the wider Theban necropolis which includes the Valley of the Kings and surrounding mortuary temples. Being inside the UNESCO zone means conservation rules apply and occasional temporary closures for restoration can occur.
  4. 04 Are the Colossi of Memnon accessible for wheelchair users?
    Access is on uneven, compacted ground with low curbs and sand; full wheelchair access is limited. There are no permanent ramps across the immediate site and some approaches involve loose stone and slight slopes. If you need assistance we can arrange a private car drop at the nearest vehicular point and a helper from our team, but independent wheelchair users should expect to require support.
  5. 05 Can visitors climb inside or on the Colossi of Memnon?
    No – the Colossi are solid funerary statues and there is no public interior or authorised climbing. The statues suffered earthquake damage in antiquity and are now subject to conservation measures and barriers in places. Photography is permitted from the public areas; please respect any fenced zones and staff instructions during restoration work.
  6. 06 Can I combine a visit to the Colossi of Memnon with other West Bank sites?
    Yes – the Colossi are commonly visited together with Medinet Habu, the Ramesseum and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor's West Bank. We recommend an early start to avoid midday heat and the busiest periods; combine timing so you have at least an hour at larger sites like Medinet Habu. Unlike coach-group schedules, we prefer private Egyptologist-led visits and can add a guide on request for context.

Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: TKT-LUX-275653

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