Hypostyle Hall — Attraction in Old Karnak

The Hypostyle Hall is one of the landmarks of the Karnak Temple Complex. It is awesome in it's grandeur! It was supposed to have been planned by Pharaoh Ramses1 and constructed by Seti1 and Ramses2. It is gigantic and there are 134 pillars, each carved in intricate detail. The paintings on the inner walls were built for the priests and members of the Royal Family and have religious significance. While the outer walls are adorned with scenes of battle, where the Pharaoh is depicted as being powerful and strong as he wins over his enemies. The pillars are in the shape of papyrus, as the ancient Egyptians believed that they were associated with the beginning of Life itself. During the annual flooding of the Nile, this Hall would get filled with water, we can still see the marks made by water, on them. Being in the open has naturally affected the pillars. The ravages of water, wind and desert sand is evident here. The pillars would have been painted in vivid colors, obviously not much of this remains, though you will catch a glimpse of it in the ceiling where the pillars form arches. It is really hot in Karnak, under the Sun, so please carry water, wear lots of sunscreen and a hat is a must. Avoid bringing children with you. We saw a number of families with children hiding in the shade of trees. Everyone was miserable, parents and children! The washrooms are in the entrance complex and are reasonably clean. You will find water and other cold beverages in small kiosks out...

The Hypostyle Hall is a distinctive architectural feature found in many ancient Egyptian temples, notably in the Karnak Temple complex in Luxor, Egypt. Characterized by a dense forest of columns supporting a flat roof, the Hypostyle Hall served as a monumental ceremonial space for religious rituals, gatherings, and offerings to the gods.

These halls were typically constructed with rows of tall, closely spaced columns, creating a sense of grandeur and awe-inspiring scale. The columns were often elaborately decorated with intricate carvings and hieroglyphs, depicting scenes from mythology, historical events, and religious ceremonies.

One of the most famous examples of a Hypostyle Hall is the Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak Temple. This colossal hall covers an area of over 50,000 square feet and contains 134 massive columns, some reaching heights of over 20 meters. The hall was built over several centuries by various pharaohs, including Seti I and his son Ramesses II, and is considered one of the most impressive architectural achievements of ancient Egypt.

The Hypostyle Hall served not only as a religious space but also as a symbol of the pharaoh's power and authority. Its vast size and elaborate decoration were intended to inspire awe and reverence among worshippers and visitors alike, underscoring the importance of the temple as the earthly residence...

There is a lot of heat in Karnak due to the Sun, so be prepared by carrying water, wearing sunscreen, and wearing a hat. It is not a good idea to bring children with you. A number of families with children hid in the shade of trees. It was miserable for everyone, parents and children alike! The washrooms are located in the entrance complex and are reasonably clean. Small kiosks also sell water and other cold beverages.

This temple is perhaps the most majestic and fantastic among all the temples in Karnak. It is amazing how large the columns are and how complex the design is. Such a structure could not be constructed without the use of complex technical devices, In ancient times as well.

The Hypostyle Hall is one of the landmarks of the Karnak Temple Complex. It is awesome in it's grandeur! It was supposed to have been planned by Pharaoh Ramses1 and constructed by Seti1 and Ramses2.

There is a lot of heat in Karnak due to the Sun, so be prepared by carrying water, wearing sunscreen, and wearing a hat. It is not a good idea to bring children with you. A number of families with children hid in the shade of trees. It was miserable for everyone, parents and children alike! The washrooms are located in the entrance complex and are reasonably clean. Small kiosks also sell water and other...