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Overview
The Avenue of Sphinxes
The Avenue of Sphinxes is a 2.7-kilometer processional road that once connected the temples of Karnak and Luxor along the east bank of the Nile. Lined on both sides with sphinx statues — ram-headed criosphinxes near Karnak and human-headed sphinxes near Luxor — the avenue served as the ceremonial route for the annual Opet Festival, during which the sacred barque of Amun was carried in procession between the two temple complexes.
After decades of excavation and an ambitious restoration project, Egypt reopened the full avenue in November 2021 in a celebrated ceremony attended by the head of state. Today visitors can walk the entire route on a paved promenade alongside the sphinx statues, most of which stand on restored stone plinths. Many sphinxes still show damage from centuries of occupation and construction over the ancient road, adding archaeological texture to the walk.
The avenue is particularly striking after dark, when the sphinxes and flanking monuments are lit up along the full length of the road. Walking from Luxor Temple toward Karnak at dusk, with the illuminated pylons visible in the distance, gives a sense of the processional grandeur that ancient Egyptians experienced during the Opet Festival.
Photo Gallery
Interesting Facts
The avenue stretches 2.7 km and originally held approximately 1,350 sphinx statues along its full length
Construction began under Hatshepsut around 1473 BCE and was completed in its final form under Nectanebo I around 380 BCE
Sphinxes near Karnak Temple are criosphinxes — ram-headed — representing Amun, while those near Luxor Temple are human-headed
The full avenue was reopened in November 2021 after a restoration project spanning more than 70 years
During the Opet Festival, priests carried the sacred barques of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu along this road in annual procession
History & Significance
The Avenue of Sphinxes was first laid out during the New Kingdom period, with early sections constructed under Hatshepsut and Amenhotep III (c. 1473–1353 BCE). Nectanebo I of the 30th Dynasty (c. 380–362 BCE) later extended and formalized the full 2.7 km length, adding the human-headed sphinxes that now line the Luxor Temple end of the route.
The Opet Festival, which took place annually during the inundation season, was one of the most important religious events in the Egyptian calendar. The procession transported the divine statues of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu from Karnak to Luxor Temple, where rituals were performed to renew the king’s divine power and the fertility of the land. Tens of thousands of people would have lined the avenue to witness the event.
Over the centuries, the avenue was buried under medieval and modern Luxor. Systematic excavation began in the 1940s and continued in phases for over 70 years. The final restoration, completed in 2021, involved relocating hundreds of residents and businesses, recovering over 1,000 sphinx statues, and reconstructing the stone paving of the original road surface.
What to See
Ram-Headed Criosphinxes at Karnak
Each sphinx cradles a small figure of Ramesses II between its paws, symbolizing the king under the protection of Amun.
Human-Headed Sphinxes at Luxor
The southern end features Nectanebo I-era sphinxes with idealized human faces, several still remarkably intact.
Evening Illuminated Walk
After sunset the avenue is lit along its full length, making an evening walk between the temples a distinctive experience.
Waystations and Chapels
Three resting chapels built by Hatshepsut along the route once sheltered the divine barques during procession stops.
Avenue of Sphinxes Tickets
The two ends of the avenue are inside the temple sites: you see them with your Luxor Temple and Karnak tickets (Karnak: EGP 600 for foreign adults, EGP 300 for students, as published by the Ministry). Which sections are open for walking changes, so check on the day.
What to See
The Avenue of Sphinxes is the ceremonial road, about 2.7 km long, that linked Karnak and Luxor Temple. Once lined on both sides with sphinxes, it was used for the great Opet festival, when the statues of the gods were carried between the two temples. Long buried under the modern city, it was excavated over decades and opened to visitors in a grand ceremony in 2021.
- Human-headed sphinxes near Luxor Temple, many from the reign of Nectanebo I.
- Ram-headed sphinxes at the Karnak end, a symbol of the god Amun.
- The evening lighting, when the avenue is lit up beside Luxor Temple.
The Best Time to Visit
Late afternoon into the evening, when it is cooler and the lights come on, especially at the Luxor Temple end.
How to Get There and How Long You Need
The avenue runs through the centre of Luxor on the East Bank, from Luxor Temple north to Karnak. Allow 30 minutes to see the Luxor Temple end, or 1–2 hours to walk the open sections.
| How | Best for |
|---|---|
| Luxor East Bank tour | Karnak and Luxor Temple, both ends of the avenue. |
| Luxor East and West Banks tour | The temples and the Valley of the Kings in one day. |
Avenue of Sphinxes: Common Questions
How long is the Avenue of Sphinxes?
About 2.7 km, from Luxor Temple to Karnak.
When did it open?
It was opened to visitors in a large ceremony in November 2021, after decades of excavation.
Is there a separate ticket?
The ends are seen with the Luxor Temple and Karnak tickets; check on the day which other sections are open.
Tours Including Avenue of Sphinxes
These packages visit this site as part of the itinerary.
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Day tours & Nile cruises visiting Avenue of Sphinxes
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