Colossi of Memnon Guide
Giants of the West Bank: Witness Ancient Majesty Guide
The Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III, standing guard on the west bank of the Nile, near Luxor. These imposing figures, carved from quartzite sandstone, once flanked the entrance to Amenhotep III's mortuary temple, a vast complex that has largely disappeared over time. Visiting these colossal statues is a must-do for any traveler exploring the wonders of ancient Egypt. Dating back to around 1350 BC, the Colossi have witnessed millennia of history. The temple they guarded was once the largest and most opulent in Egypt, but centuries of Nile floods and stone quarrying have taken their toll. The statues themselves suffered damage, notably from an earthquake in 27 BC, which caused one of the statues to emit a whistling sound at dawn. This phenomenon, attributed to the mythical hero Memnon by the Greeks, gave the statues their current name. Today, tourists can visit the Colossi of Memnon and marvel at their sheer size and enduring presence. While the mortuary temple is mostly gone, the statues remain a powerful reminder of the grandeur of ancient Egypt. There are no specific culinary traditions directly associated with the Colossi themselves, but nearby Luxor offers a variety of Egyptian cuisine, including ful medames (fava bean stew), koshari (a mix of pasta, rice, lentils, and tomato sauce), and ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel).
Transportation
The Colossi of Memnon are located on the West Bank of Luxor. The easiest way to reach them is by taxi or private car. Many tour operators also include the Colossi as part of their West Bank tours. You can also take a local bus heading towards the West Bank, but be prepared for a longer journey and potential transfers.