Grand Opening: Avenue of the Sphinxes

July 12, 2011 - The five year restoration project of the Avenue of the Sphinxes is nearing a close. This 120 million LE project has focused on the excavation and conservation of the site, and of course, presentation and accessability for tourists. The Sound and Light Company of Egypt is charged with creating a sophisticated lighting system that will enhance the beauty and wonder of the sight.A festival will be organized in Luxor for October 2011 to open the project and will bring together various government sectors such as the Ministries of Tourism and Culture.

The Avenue of the Sphinxes is the path that connects the two great Temples of Luxor and Karnak. The avenue was religiously significant for many of the great pharohs. Queen Hatshepsut, Akhenaten, Tutankhamun and Horemheb are all said to have initiated contruction or restoration work along this road during their reign but it wasn't until King Nactanebo I that the Avenue of the Sphinxes was actually constructed along this important road.