Avenue of the Sphinxes

The Avenue of the Sphinxes was a 3 km long stretch, which connected Karnak and Luxor temples in early times. At present, it is just 2 km in length. This avenue is bordered by majestic sphinxes on both sides. Built during the reign of King Nectanebo I, this impressive avenue had 2,000 sphinxes all together.

Till date, archaeologists have excavated only 34 sphinxes on the western side and 38 on the eastern. Remaining human-headed sphinxes are still buried under the houses of modern Luxor.

Sitting on a high pedestal, each sphinx has a human face, resembling that of King Nectanebo I. The first sphinx unlike others, wears a Nemes headdress topped by cobra. On all sides of the base of the sphinx, a line of hieroglyphic inscription is written as a dedication to the king. Spread across the entire region, from Luxor Temple to Karnak Temple, this striking avenue imparts grandeur to Luxor.