Today we started early to visit the Karnak Temple, the biggest temple in the world, covering 200 acres. Actually it is a “city of temples.” In true Tarek style, we were the first group there. The temple was built to mark the birthplace of Amon and took 1,800 years to build. It was begun during the reign of Intef III about 2055 B.C.E. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The complex comprises three main temples dedicated to Amun, Mut, and Montu, as well as several smaller temples and two obelisks of Hatshepsut. Going into the temple we walked along the “sacred way” between two rows of sphynxes with rams’ heads.
One of the most amazing parts of the complex is the Hypostyle Hall, which is 50,000 sq. ft. with 134 massive columns arranged in 16 rows and many smaller columns. It is the largest religious hall ever built and is dedicated to the god Amen-Re. Some of the high points of the temple are the Clerestory windows, the sacred lake, the Temple to the Goddess Mut—wife of Amun Ra, evidence of ramps made to build the temple, the tallest obelisk, the Unfinished Calendar, and the largest Scarab. Interestingly, women who want to become pregnant come to this scarab and walk around it seven time. Then they are supposed to give birth.
We were able to spend most of the day here at Karnak. It is such a hugh complex. While some of it is in ruins, I am amazed at how much is preserved. It is truly a marvel.
After exploring this temples, we took a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of Luxor. The most amazing part was the passage through blocks of the Market. The Luxor market is famous. Everything was for sale along the street. Clothes, next to cheese, next to meat, next to refrigerators, and on and on. Tonight we stayed at the Steigenberger Nile Palace, another lovely hotel on the Nile.
