Colossi of Memnon Tours
The Colossi of Memnon: Sentinels of Ancient Thebes
Welcome to Colossi of Memnon Tours, your introduction to one of the most awe-inspiring and recognizable sights on the West Bank of Luxor. Standing sentinel for over 3,400 years, the Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues of the pharaoh Amenhotep III. While they are all that remains of his magnificent mortuary temple, their immense scale and imposing presence still capture the imagination of every visitor. Our expert-led tours are designed to help you appreciate the grandeur of these statues and learn the fascinating stories and myths that surround them.
Why Choose Our Colossi of Memnon Tours?
Choosing our Colossi of Memnon Tours means you get to experience more than just a photo opportunity. Our tours are led by knowledgeable Egyptologists who will explain the history behind these colossal statues, from their construction to their famous “singing” in antiquity. We provide a comfortable and insightful experience, handling all transportation and logistics so you can focus on the breathtaking sight before you.
Our Diverse Tour Offerings
Our Colossi of Memnon Tours packages are crafted to give you the best possible experience, often combined with other essential West Bank sites.
The Colossi & West Bank Highlights Tour: This tour is a perfect introduction to the West Bank. We will stop at the Colossi of Memnon, providing ample time for photos and historical context before moving on to other major sites like the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut.
The Mortuary Temple Discovery Tour: For a deeper historical dive, this tour focuses on the former mortuary temple complex of Amenhotep III. We will explore the colossi and other archaeological remains of the site, which are still undergoing excavation and restoration.
Full-Day Luxor West Bank Tour: Experience the full grandeur of the West Bank. This comprehensive tour includes the Colossi of Memnon as a first stop before a full day of exploration in the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, and the Temple of Hatshepsut. It’s the ultimate way to see the West Bank’s most important monuments.
Begin Your Journey with Colossi of Memnon Tours
The Colossi of Memnon are a powerful symbol of Egypt’s incredible past. Let Colossi of Memnon Tours guide you to these majestic statues and beyond. Book your tour today and prepare to be amazed by the ancient world.
There is no entry fee to visit the Colossi of Memnon. They are located on the roadside on the way to the other major sites of the West Bank and are freely accessible to the public. Our Colossi of Memnon Tours include a planned stop at the statues, allowing you to take photos and receive a full historical explanation from your expert guide without any additional cost.
The Colossi of Memnon are highly significant as the last standing remnants of the Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III, which was once the largest and most magnificent temple in Egypt. The two statues served as immense guardians at the temple’s entrance, symbolizing the pharaoh’s power and his connection to the gods. Our Colossi of Memnon Tours focus on the fascinating history behind these sentinels and the incredible temple they once protected.
The Colossi of Memnon are located on the West Bank of the Nile, a short drive from the city of Luxor. While you can take a taxi, the most convenient way to visit them is as part of a guided tour. Our Colossi of Memnon Tours include comfortable, air-conditioned transportation directly from your hotel or cruise ship, making the journey easy and stress-free.
No, the Colossi of Memnon no longer “sing.” The famous sound, which was described by Greek and Roman travelers, was likely caused by a combination of wind and the rapid temperature changes at dawn, causing the stone to vibrate. After the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus attempted to repair one of the statues in the 3rd century AD, the crack that created the sound was sealed, and the “singing” stopped forever. Our expert guides on our tours will share this incredible story with you.
The Colossi of Memnon are located at the very beginning of the road leading to the other major sites on the West Bank, such as the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut. As such, they are almost always the first stop on a tour of the West Bank. Our Colossi of Memnon Tours are structured to be the perfect starting point for your exploration of ancient Thebes.
The main mystery surrounding the Colossi is the ancient “singing” phenomenon that made them legendary in the Greco-Roman world. The statues were mistakenly identified with the Greek hero Memnon, who was said to “sing” at dawn to greet his mother, Eos. This historical confusion and the scientific explanation for the sound are fascinating parts of the story, which our guides on our Colossi of Memnon Tours will explain in detail.
The name “Memnon” is Greek and refers to a legendary hero of the Trojan War. The Greeks and Romans who visited Egypt associated the statues with him, leading to the name we still use today. The pharaoh depicted by the statues is actually Amenhotep III, whose name and titles are inscribed on the monuments. Our Colossi of Memnon Tours will clarify this historical mix-up and give you the true story of their creation.
The Colossi of Memnon are located in their original position on the West Bank of the Nile River, just west of the city of Luxor. They stand in an open field, marking the entrance to what was once the massive mortuary temple complex of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Our Colossi of Memnon Tours will take you directly to this location, allowing you to see these magnificent statues in their historical context.