Colossi of Memnon

The Colossi of Memnon: The Silent Sentinels of Thebes Standing over 18 meters tall, the Colossi of Memnon are two massive quartzite sandstone statues that have dominated the Luxor landscape since 1350 BC. They originally guarded the entrance to the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III—which was once the largest and most opulent temple complex in ancient Egypt. Why Every Traveler Stops Here: The Legend of the 'Singing' Statue: Discover the fascinating Greek legend of Memnon. After an earthquake in 27 BC, one of the statues was famous for "singing" at dawn—a phenomenon that attracted Roman Emperors and ancient travelers from across the world. Incredible Ancient Engineering: Each statue weighs an estimated 720 tons. Marvel at how the ancient Egyptians transported these massive blocks from Cairo to Luxor over 3,000 years ago. The Lost Temple: While the statues are all that remain today, they offer a haunting and beautiful look into the scale of the vanished mortuary temple that once stood behind them. Perfect Photography Spot: Located right by the main road, the Colossi offer a perfect, dramatic backdrop for photos, especially during the golden hour of sunrise or sunset. At Etro Tours, we ensure your visit to the Colossi of Memnon is more than just a quick photo stop. Our guides will share the myths, the history, and the scientific mysteries of these massive icons that have survived the test of time.