Standing as lonely sentinels on the West Bank of the Nile, the Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues that have captivated travelers for over 3,400 years. These 18-meter-high giants depict Pharaoh Amenhotep III and were originally built to guard the entrance to his mortuary temple—a complex that was once the largest and most opulent in all of Egypt, even surpassing the Temple of Karnak in its prime.
When you book your West Bank adventure with TourzStore.com, these iconic figures serve as your grand introduction to the secrets of ancient Thebes. We ensure you don't just see two statues from a car window; we help you understand the incredible engineering, the Roman legends of the "Singing Statue," and the modern archaeological efforts to uncover the lost temple buried behind them.
The Colossi of Memnon are a popular stop, but TourzStore.com adds the premium touch that makes the visit truly memorable:
Unlike many other sites in Luxor, the Colossi of Memnon are currently free to view from the designated visitor area. When you book a West Bank tour through TourzStore.com, we include this as a key historical stop on your journey at no extra ticket cost.
They are located on the West Bank of the Nile, along the main road leading to the Valley of the Kings. They are usually the first major monument you see when arriving from the Nile crossing.
The name comes from the Greek hero Memnon. After an earthquake cracked the northern statue, it began to make a whistling sound at sunrise due to rising temperatures. The Greeks believed it was Memnon crying out to his mother. Your TourzStore.com guide will tell you how a Roman Emperor eventually "silenced" the statue forever!
A typical stop lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. This is the perfect amount of time to admire the statues, take photos, and hear the historical briefing from your private guide.
To protect these ancient monuments, there is a low perimeter fence. However, you can get close enough to see the incredible detail of the carvings on the sides of the thrones and the smaller figures of the Pharaoh's mother and wife.
The best way is to visit TourzStore.com and book our "Full West Bank Private Tour." This ensures you have a private guide and driver to take you to the Colossi, the Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Hatshepsut in one seamless, high-end trip.