Question

"I will not try to describe the impression that the temple, and in particular its portico, made on us," Champollion wrote. "The separate dimensions of the structure can be measured, but it is quite impossible to give an idea of the whole. We stayed there two hours, filled with ecstasy. Led by our native guide, we wandered through the halls and tried to read the inscriptions on the outside in the glittering moonlight."

Answer 1

Answer:

Most likely a porch or walkway attached to a building.

EXPLANATION:

A portico is in fact an extension of a building that leads to its entrance.

The way this is indicated in-text is by describing how the speaker got impressed by the sight of the temple. Usually the first impression is what captures glances of curious people; if the portico is mentioned as a particularly impressive part of the temple, then it must be located at its entrance - that which a viewer contemplates before entering a building.