Colossi of Memnon

The Colossi of Memnon are twin quartzite statues depicting Pharaoh Amenhotep III, seated and facing east toward the Nile. They originally guarded the entrance to his vast mortuary temple, which was once the largest in Egypt but now lies largely in ruins. Each statue weighs about 720 tons and was carved from single blocks of stone. In antiquity, one statue was said to 'sing' at dawn, a phenomenon caused by temperature changes, which attracted Greek and Roman tourists. Today, visitors can walk around the statues and see remnants of the temple complex, including fallen columns and scattered stone fragments.

Don't miss

• Stand beside the 18-meter-tall statues and appreciate their massive scale
• Listen for the 'singing' legend that made the statue famous in ancient times
• Explore the scattered ruins of Amenhotep III's once-great mortuary temple

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Colossi of Memnon

Cheapest way inLuxor Half-day Valley of the King &Hatshpsut and Memnon4.7★ · 84 travelers4–5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$8 per personSee dates →Most bookedHalf-Day Luxor West Bank: Valley of Kings, Hatshepsut & Memnon5★ · 436 travelers4–5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$40 per personSee dates →Private & flexiblePrivate luxor Tour: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut & Memnon5★ · 18 travelers4–5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$14 per personSee dates →