Why Karnak
is special

The Temple of Karnak in Luxor was the spiritual center of the Egyptians. It is enormous - the world's three largest cathedrals combined would fit into it.

Karnak
tips and insights

Construction

It took millennia to build and enhance the massive Karnak Temple. However, most of the work on Karnak Temple was done by the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (1570-1100 BC).

The Great Hypostyle
room is Karnak's most
imposing element

The 3,000-plus-year-old venue inside the Temple of Amon-Ra amazed me. Consider:

Size

The Great Hypostyle room is larger than a football field and is easily one of the grandest spaces ever erected.

Columns

The Great Hypostyle's forest of 134 rocket-size columns (many still stand) dwarf Karnak Temple visitors.

Ambiance

These columns once supported a high stone-slab roof that kept light out, creating a darkish ambiance that added to the mystique of the ceremonial processions of pharaohs and high priests.

Another Karnak jewel

The Second Pylon served as a pageantry gate leading to the Great Hypostyle Hall (see photo) - and as a barricade to unauthorized mortals (only the elite could enter).

Location in Egypt

 

Read about each of Egypt's top 7

Pyramids of Egypt at Giza
Karnak Temple
Nile River Cruise
Egyptian Museum
Valley of the Kings
Abu Simbel
Luxor Temple

 

Photo by Blalonde

 

Egyptian Tourist Authority

 

World's Top 100 Wonders
World's Top 1000 Wonders

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