One of the longest avenues in the whole world in the sphinx avenue in Luxor, it was constructed for more than 3000 years to bind between both great temples in Luxor and Karnak temple.
It was constructed during the reign of king Amenophis the third and later was reconstructed during the reign of king Nektanebu.
Many artisans in ancient times during the reign of king Nectanebo Egypt from various provinces, reconstructed the sphinx avenue; that is why they are not similar to each other.
The length of the avenue is around 2700 meters long and 67 meters wide, containing originally around 1350 sphinxes on both sides.
It was used during the Opet “feast” during the annual visit of god Amun from Karnak temple to Luxor temple.
The sphinx avenue in Luxor suffered many years from invading inhabitants in Luxor very close to its location, and destroying many sphinxes of this avenue, by considering ignorance about their value, and belief of people that it was paganism signs.
Recently the supreme council of antiquities, together with the Egyptians represented through Luxor’s governor, adapted a new project to convert Luxor to an open-air museum.
According to their plan, one of the main steps in achieving this project is to rescue the sphinx avenue in Luxor.
Local inhabitants threatened the avenue: built houses close to the avenue and damaged some of the sphinxes to somehow use it’s stones.
The government started to reconstruct the avenue and erase the nearby buildings, and prepare the path in this avenue for the tourists to be able to take a walk between both temples, making couches and stations for rest through this avenue and the lighting system which increases the enjoyment of this walk especially in the evening.
A few days ago, the supreme council of antiquities announced finishing 98% of archeological work in this spot and soon ready to visit tourists.
Meanwhile, many preparations in Luxor for this event of sphinx avenue inauguration will be on the 4th of November.
it will be a great ceremony under the supervision and attendance of Egypt’s president “el sisy.” It will be like the last ceremony in April for mummies, during their transfer from the Egyptian museum to a new museum, the “civilization museum.”
It will be very crucial advertising for Egyptian tourism and a sign of stability and Egypt’s readiness to welcome tourists back to enjoy their travels on its lands.
