Photos of the Great Hypostyle Hall, Karnak, Egypt

The Great Hypostyle Hall of Columns, in the Temple of Amun at the Karnak Temple Complex in ancient Thebes (modern-day Luxor), is one of the most spectacular settings in all of Egypt. Covering an area large enough to contain all of Notre Dame Cathedral, hundreds of enormous columns tower above the temple grounds. The tallest columns, flanking both sides of a long passageway through the center of the hall, are 122′ feet high. The Hypostyle Hall was completed primarily by Seti I with some additions at the boundaries of the hall by Ramses II. The columns assume the shape of papyrus, and virtually every bit of the surface of each column is covered with hieroglyphics or battle scenes.

Hypostyle Hall of Columns, Karnak Temple complex, Luxor, Egypt

Hypostyle Hall of Columns, Karnak Temple complex.
Image ID: 18482
Location: Luxor, Egypt

Hypostyle hall, Karnak Temple, Luxor, Eqypt

Hypostyle hall, Karnak Temple, Luxor, Eqypt.
Image ID: 02584
Location: Luxor, Egypt

Hypostyle hall, Karnak Temple, Luxor, Egypt

Hypostyle hall, Karnak Temple.
Image ID: 02592
Location: Luxor, Egypt

Hypostyle Hall of Columns, Karnak Temple complex, Luxor, Egypt

Hypostyle Hall of Columns, Karnak Temple complex.
Image ID: 18477
Location: Luxor, Egypt

About Phil Colla

I am a natural history photographer. I enjoy making compelling images in the ocean, on land, and in the air. I have maintained the Natural History Photography blog since 2005 and my searchable Natural History Photography Library since 1997. Here are some tear sheets and behind the scenes views. Thanks for looking!