karnak temple

Why Karnak is special
The Temple of Karnak in Luxor was the spiritual center of the Egyptians. It is enormous - the world's three largest cathedrals combined would fit into it.

Karnak tips and insights
Construction
It took millennia to build and enhance the massive Karnak Temple. However, most of the work on Karnak Temple was done by the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (1570-1100 BC).

The Great Hypostyle room is Karnak's most imposing element
The 3,000-plus-year-old venue inside the Temple of Amon-Ra amazed me. Consider:

• Size
  The Great Hypostyle room is larger than a football field and is easily one of the grandest spaces ever erected.
  
• Columns
  The Great Hypostyle's forest of 134 rocket-size columns (many still stand) dwarf Karnak Temple visitors.
  
• Ambiance
  These columns once supported a high stone-slab roof that kept light out, creating a darkish ambiance that added to the mystique of the ceremonial processions of pharaohs and high priests.
  

Another Karnak jewel
The Second Pylon served as a pageantry gate leading to the Great Hypostyle Hall (see photo) - and as a barricade to unauthorized mortals (only the elite could enter).

Location in Egypt