How tall are the Colossi of Memnon?

Each Colossus stands about 18 meters (59 feet) high. They are monumental seated statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that marked his mortuary temple on Luxor’s West Bank. The pair has survived millennia of damage and restoration; you view them from ground level only.

Where are the Colossi of Memnon located?

They stand on Luxor’s West Bank, beside the remains of Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple. The site lies within the UNESCO World Heritage listing “Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis.” Compared with Valley of the Kings visits, the Colossi are an outdoor, low‑walk site and usually require less stair negotiation.

Are tickets required to visit the Colossi of Memnon?

Yes – standard archaeological site entrance fees apply and a ticket is required to access the area. Our Colossi of Memnon attraction ticket includes the standard site entrance fee; check your booking confirmation for inclusions. We do not bundle the Colossi into rushed multi‑site stops–our tickets allow time to photograph and walk the immediate area.

Can you climb or touch the Colossi of Memnon?

Climbing or sitting on the statues is prohibited for conservation and safety reasons. Visitors may approach the statues within designated areas but must follow onsite signage and officials’ instructions. Physical barriers and guards can be present during busy periods.

When is the best time to visit the Colossi of Memnon?

Early morning or late afternoon provides cooler temperatures and more defined photographic light. The site has limited shade at midday and can be hottest and brightest between 11:00 and 15:00; crowds from cruises often arrive mid‑day. Unlike typical cruise stop timetables, we schedule West Bank visits to avoid peak heat and peak crowds when operationally possible.

What should I bring to visit the Colossi of Memnon?

Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen), a refillable water bottle, and sturdy shoes for uneven sand and stone. The area has limited shade and few facilities; modest dress is advised if you plan to visit nearby temples. We can arrange transfers, a guide, or shaded transport on request.

Attraction Luxor

Colossi of Memnon (Luxor West Bank)

At a glance

Departs: Daily

The short answer

Colossi of Memnon Entry Ticket is a 1-day attraction admission covering the seated statues of Amenhotep III on Luxor’s West Bank, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations: Luxor

Best time to go

The most comfortable months are usually October to April, when daytime temperatures in Luxor are lower and outdoor sightseeing is easier. In summer, morning visits are preferable because midday heat can be intense; during Ramadan and public holidays, opening hours and visitor flow may differ, so checking ahead is recommended.

02 Overview

A first look

Two 18‑meter statues known as the Colossi of Memnon stand on Luxor’s West Bank, representing Amenhotep III. They originally flanked the approach to his funerary temple and face the Nile.

Background

The facts

The Colossi of Memnon are two seated quartzite statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III on Luxor’s West Bank, opposite modern Luxor. They originally stood at the entrance to his mortuary temple, built during the 18th Dynasty in the 14th century BCE; most of the temple complex is now lost, with only foundations and scattered remains surviving around the site.

The statues are approximately 17 metres tall and are among the best-known monuments in the Theban Necropolis. They were repaired in Roman times after earthquake damage, and their weathered surfaces preserve traces of ancient inscriptions and later restorations. The monument is a standalone stop and is often combined with nearby West Bank sites, but it can also be visited independently.

This entry ticket grants access to the monument platform and immediate surrounding area. Opening hours can vary seasonally, and site procedures may change on holidays or during busy periods, so visitors should check the latest schedule before arrival and allow extra time for the security check and ticket window.

The site is easy to reach from central Luxor by taxi or local transport, with the West Bank ferry area and the Theban Necropolis serving as common reference points for navigation. Because this is an open-air monument, the visit usually takes less time than a major tomb complex, but timing still matters because heat and light conditions affect comfort and photography.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

This is suitable for independent travelers who want a short West Bank stop without a full-day schedule, especially adults interested in New Kingdom history and monumental sculpture. It also suits visitors with moderate mobility who can manage uneven ground and standing outdoors in warm weather.

What lingers

01 Two 18‑meter sandstone statues of Amenhotep III on Luxor West Bank; visible remains of the mortuary temple.
02 Part of UNESCO’s 'Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis' listing; archaeological context links to the Valley of the Kings.
03 Best visited at sunrise or late afternoon – limited shade and significant heat at midday on the West Bank.
04 The so‑called 'singing' northern statue's acoustic cracks date to an 18th‑century seismic restoration; modern sound no longer occurs.
05 Quick site: typical visit 15–30 minutes; combine with nearby Ramesseum or Medinet Habu for a full West Bank afternoon.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

Colossi of Memnon entry ticket (site admission)

Not included

Transport to or from the site
Professional Egyptologist guide (book separately if required)
Audio guide unless explicitly listed
Photography permits if required by the venue
Printed ticket, if the venue requires a paper copy; tickets are sent by email as a PDF after booking

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

01 How tall are the Colossi of Memnon?

Each Colossus stands about 18 meters (59 feet) high. They are monumental seated statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that marked his mortuary temple on Luxor’s West Bank. The pair has survived millennia of damage and restoration; you view them from ground level only.
02 Where are the Colossi of Memnon located?

They stand on Luxor’s West Bank, beside the remains of Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple. The site lies within the UNESCO World Heritage listing “Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis.” Compared with Valley of the Kings visits, the Colossi are an outdoor, low‑walk site and usually require less stair negotiation.
03 Are tickets required to visit the Colossi of Memnon?

Yes – standard archaeological site entrance fees apply and a ticket is required to access the area. Our Colossi of Memnon attraction ticket includes the standard site entrance fee; check your booking confirmation for inclusions. We do not bundle the Colossi into rushed multi‑site stops–our tickets allow time to photograph and walk the immediate area.
04 Can you climb or touch the Colossi of Memnon?

Climbing or sitting on the statues is prohibited for conservation and safety reasons. Visitors may approach the statues within designated areas but must follow onsite signage and officials’ instructions. Physical barriers and guards can be present during busy periods.
05 When is the best time to visit the Colossi of Memnon?

Early morning or late afternoon provides cooler temperatures and more defined photographic light. The site has limited shade at midday and can be hottest and brightest between 11:00 and 15:00; crowds from cruises often arrive mid‑day. Unlike typical cruise stop timetables, we schedule West Bank visits to avoid peak heat and peak crowds when operationally possible.
06 What should I bring to visit the Colossi of Memnon?

Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen), a refillable water bottle, and sturdy shoes for uneven sand and stone. The area has limited shade and few facilities; modest dress is advised if you plan to visit nearby temples. We can arrange transfers, a guide, or shaded transport on request.

Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: TKT-LUX-275653

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