By Dina Yehia
Egypt has begun restoring the First Pylon of the Ramesseum Temple in Luxor, marking a major step in its wider strategy to preserve national heritage and enhance cultural tourism.
Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, announced that the initiative aligns with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ plan to upgrade key archaeological sites and improve visitor experiences across the country.
The restoration is being undertaken by a joint Egyptian-Korean archaeological mission comprising experts from the Supreme Council’s conservation and registration department and the Korea National University of Cultural Heritage. The project is funded by the Korea Heritage Service.
Khaled made the announcement during an inspection tour of the site, which also included a visit to the recently discovered tomb of King Thutmose II. The tomb was unearthed in February by an Egyptian-British mission working in the Western Valleys on the West Bank of Luxor.
During the tour, he reviewed excavation efforts focused on salvaging stone blocks from the original pylon, which was largely destroyed by a powerful earthquake in 27 BC. He also inspected storage and restoration facilities where the ancient blocks are being relocated and preserved.
Praising the team’s progress, Khaled underscored the importance of meticulously documenting and registering every recovered piece to ensure historical accuracy. Once reconstructed, the pylon is expected to reclaim its role as the temple’s main entrance, replacing the modern northern gate currently used by visitors.
The project underscores Egypt’s commitment to reviving its ancient monuments while positioning Luxor as a premier global destination for cultural tourism.
