Are you looking for help in planning your trip to Egypt and are unsure where to go for your expedition? Well, you’re at the right spot where you get the right info you need to get things in place.

You’ve probably not taught about going to Medinat Habu—one of the phenomenal tourist sites in the country of Egypt. 

It doesn’t matter whether you are preparing for a romantic trip, a family trip, a solo trip, a group trip, or a trip with friends, this guide contains everything you need to know about the Medinat Habu.

You’ll also get to know the relevant things you should put in place, as you prepare yourself to visit this historic tourist center.

In this article, you’ll learn about: 

  • The Brief Historical Background of Medinat Habu
  • A Glance into the City of Medinat Habu
  • The Temple of Medinat Habu
  • Reasons the Temple of Medinat Habu was Built
  • Facts about Medinat Habu Temple
  • Places to Stay in Medinat Habu
  • Entrance Fee into the Temple Of Medinat Habu

The Brief Historical Background of Medinat Habu

Medinat Habu is considered to harbor the largest ancient Egyptian temple which was commissioned by the last among the greatest Pharaohs of Egypt (Ramsess III; reign 1184—1153BC). History holds that Hapo, the son of King Thutmose III was the royal architect of this famous temple.  

After his reign, the Kingdom experienced a large decline which resulted in it being ruled by foreign powers. King Ramsess III, while in power, used the Medinat Habu as a walled city to protect the people in the area during hard times. As history progresses, Medinat Habu became a walled town for Coptic Christians living in the vicinity.

A Glance into the City of Medinat Habu

The city of Medinat Habu (also known as the funerary city) is situated south of Thebes, on the west bank of the Nile. It occupies a land mass of 400 x 200 square meters which is 10 acres.

One of the phenomenal things about the city is its architectural design. The execution of this design was made possible by King Ramses III who picked the design from an ancient fortified Syrian city during one of his wars. He ordered that the city be built in the same style.

In the city, you’ll also find a collection of ancient monuments attributed to the Egyptian Pharaohs such as the Hypostyle Hall, the Holy of Holies, etc. It is a city you don’t want to miss out on.

The Temple of Medinat Habu

This historic edifice has its origin way back in the time of the 20th dynasty of the Egyptian Pharaohs. It is believed that the temple is as old as 3200 years. This temple has its significance tied to the belief that the city of Habu, particularly the area where the temple is situated is a holy area where the goddess of creation did inhabit.

Reasons the Temple of Medinat Habu was Built

One of the famous reasons was that the temple was built for the worship of the Egyptian god Amun, Sekhmet (who’s believed to be the goddess of war), and Osiris (the god of the afterlife).

Also, the temple served as a place of record for certain historic events that took place during King Ramses III’s reign. On the temple walls, you’ll find the records of the wars and victories won by King Ramses III.

Facts about Medinat Habu Temple

It will interest you to know that the temple comprises of five huge statues of King Ramses III and his wives. The temple also holds 16 ruined statues which are hardly recognized.

This Temple is not just considered by many visitors as one of the most impressive, well-preserved sights to behold, but also, one of the largest Pharaonic funeral temples ever built during the New Kingdom civilization.

The temple has a land mass of 320 x 220 meters, while the outer wall of the temple is heightened by 18 meters. On the walls of the temple, you’ll see the records of the battles and conquests by King Ramses III.

Medinat Habu is sometimes called the Temple of Ramses III. This is because of the temple was believed to have been built by him.

While this is an ancient temple, it has phenomenal architectural designs with features such as a river port, an outer wall, and an inner wall. It also has a huge postern-shaped two-Syrian fortress tower styles serving as an entrance to the royal castle.

The temple once served as a place of worship during the Coptic times, where the second court was transformed into a church, and then existed a renowned Coptic monk known as Habo or Hapo.

Again, the temple has three entrances in the large Hypostyle Hall; one leading to the temple’s main chapel solely dedicated to Amon’s worship. The second passage takes the way to the chapel dedicated to the god Khonsu. While the third entrance takes you to the chapel of the goddess Mut.

In the temple, there’s a place called the “Holy Triad of Thebes” or the “Holy of Holies.” This portion of the temple was constructed to serve King Ramses III during his sacred passage to eternity. It is enclosed by a set of rooms and is also used for the worship of the Egyptian gods. It has a chamber where the ritual utensils are kept.


Places to Stay in Medinat Habu

While planning your visit to Medinat Habu, accommodation should be part of your plans especially if you are coming from outside the city or even the country, and you plan on staying for a long time. Here is a list of some of our recommended hotels you may want to consider:

  • Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor (2.68 miles away).
  • Sonesta St George Hotel Luxor (2.86 miles away).
  •  Iberotel Luxor (2.72 miles away).
  • Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor Hotel (2.85 miles away).
  • Sunset Hotel (2.87 miles away).
  •  Pyramisa Isis Hotel & Suites Luxor (2.93 miles away).
  • Gaddis Hotel (2.95 miles away).

Entrance Fee into the Temple Of Medinat Habu

To have access to the temple, you need to have a ticket. There are two categories of tickets for entry—tickets for foreign tourists and tickets for locals.

Foreign Tourists: Are to obtain a ticket at 100 Egyptian Pounds (EGP).

Foreign Students: Pay 50 Egyptian Pounds (EGP).

Egyptians: Tickets for the locals cost 10 Egyptian Pounds (EGP).

Egyptian Students: Are to get a ticket a 5 Egyptian Pounds (EGP).

Conclusion

Medinat Habu is an interesting place to visit. You definitely should include it in your list of places to travel to. It doesn’t matter whether you are preparing for a romantic trip, a family trip, a solo trip, a group trip, or a trip with friends, this guide has shown you all you need to know about to plan your trip.