Begun by Horemheb, continued by Rameses I and Rameses II, and finally added to in the Ptolemaic Period, the Second Pylon was built partly of blocks taken from earlier structures built east of the Temple of Amen by Amenhetep IV/Akhenaten. The pylon was called Illuminating Waset, or, less commonly, Amen Rejoices. Large holes cut into the lower part of the pylon were made by archaeologists looking for earlier re-used blocks in its interior.

 A red granite statue of Rameses II, usurped by several later kings, stands infront of the north (left) side of the Second Pylon’s gateway. His daughter Bintanta is shown at much smaller scale standing between his feet. Two other statues of Rameses II, one now destroyed, flanked the gateway. The gateway itself is thirty meters (ninetyeight feet) tall and was restored by Ptolemy VIII.

Before the gateway proper, a small vestibule was begun in Dynasty 18 by King Horemheb and completed by Rameses II.

Scenes in the vestibule show Rameses II before Amen smiting the enemies of Egypt. On the south wall, sacred barks of the Theban Triad bear cartouches of Rameses II and III. On the doorjambs, Rameses II offers to the gods. At this point in the tour you have two choices of itinerary. If you wish to visit the Open-Air Museum (which deserves a visit), walk northward (to your left as you face the Second Pylon) and exit the First Court through the door in its north wall.

The museum entrance lies directly in front of you, a few meters along a paved pathway. (Toilets are located nearby.) If you chose not to visit the museum, then proceed eastward through the Second Pylon and enter the Hypostyle Hall.

From" The Illustrated Guide to Luxor" by kent R.Weeks ,published by the American University in Cairo Press. Copyright © 2005 White Star S.p.a