Ramesseum, one of the most expensively largest mortuary temples in the history of ancient Egypt was built during the reign of Ramses II (1279-1213 BC). Ramses II, the last great Pharaoh of Egypt who ruled during the height of ancient Egyptian power and splendor (during the 13^th century BC), spent 20 years building this magnificent edifice. 

This grandiose mortuary temple is one among the many tourist centers worth paying a visit considering the many historical facts it harbors and the many discoveries you stand to uncover in your course of the visit. 

Take time to read through this article till the end, as you’ll discover different information such as the location, facts about the temple, how to get there, and much more. 

In this article, you’ll discover:

• What You Need to Know About Ramesseum
• Ramesseum’s Architectural Design
• Where is the Ramesseum Located? 
• How to Access the Ramesseum 
• Accommodation around Ramesseum 

What You Need to Know about Ramesseum

There are certain facts you must know about the Ramesseum. These facts help you stay informed about this phenomenal edifice. Note that:

• It has a 57-foot high statue of Ramses II, though, in ruins, there are fragments left behind. It is believed that the statue was conveyed 170 miles to the Ramesseum over land.
• Inside the temple, you’ll find historic scenes and reliefs such as Ramesses II being crowned by Sekhmet, Amon-Ra, and Khonsu. You’ll also see the Battle of Kadesh, the Seige of Dapur and Tunip, etc.
• The Ramesseum also contains the funeral temple of Ramses II.
• At the north of the Hypostyle Hall, you’ll also see a temple specifically dedicated to Ramesses II’s mother, Tuya, and Nefertari, his beloved chief wife. 
• The Ramesseum encloses the earliest arches in history. These were barrel-shaped and used for keeping funeral materials. The arches also were used as massive storerooms for grain and corn. Grains were considered expensive commodities and had the value of gold. The granaries served as Pharaoh’s enormous wealth. 

Ramesseum’s Architectural Design

In the New Kingdom, a standard criterion was created for temple architecture which was strictly adhered to. Building the Ramesseum was not exempted from this architectural design. The design is measured 600 ft. (183m) by 220ft (67m). Even though the temple is presently in ruins, it still has the statue of Ramses II (57 ft. high). It has the inscription: “My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings: Look upon my works, ye Mighty, and despair.”

In the Ramesseum, you’ll find a Hypostyle Hall which has about 29 columns and pillars holding up the roof. The columns at the center are shorter than the outside edge columns. This is to allow light into the temple. The columns also have additional scenes of the Battle of Kadesh depicted. 

The pylon at the eastern part of the Ramesseum serves as the entrance. It was beautifully adorned with reliefs and scenes from the Festival of Min, the Syrian Wars, and the Battle of Kadesh. You’ll also see depictions of the cities conquered by Ramses II during his popular reign, along with depictions of prisoners being taken to the king, just at the right wing of the pylon. On the left arm of the pylon, Ramses II was depicted fighting the Hittites. However, only one colonnade is left in the enclosure. 

In the second courtyard which is smaller and in better condition than the first, there you find the best-preserved statues, along with two rows of Osiris columns that represent Ramses II. At the south of the second courtyard, you’ll find another Hypostyle Hall, smaller than the first one where Ramses II is depicted on the western wall. He was drawn demonstrating how his name was recorded on the Tree of Life by the god Thoth and goddess Seshat as a symbol of everlasting life. 

Where is the Ramesseum Located? 

You’ll find the Ramesseum in the Theban Necropolis, an area widely known for harboring mortuary temples for Pharaohs in the New Kingdom. You’ll find the Theban Necropolis in Upper Egypt which is across the Nile from Luxor, the contemporary city. The Ramesseum is specifically dedicated to the Egyptian god Amon Ra, and to the memory of Ramses II.

How to Access the Ramesseum 

Just like every other tourist center in Egypt, the Ramesseum has schedules for visitation and expeditions. Even though the funerary temple is opened daily, there is, however, a slight difference in the opening hours during the summer and winter.

Opening Hours:

Summer: 6 am –6 pm

Winter: 6 am –5 pm

The cost for tickets varies from Egyptians to foreigners. Normally, Egyptians pay lesser fees than the foreigners. Note that the fee isn’t constant, you might want to put in some extra cash just so you get caught unprepared. 

Are Pictures Allowed?

While other tourist centers in Luxor allow you to take pictures with cell phones (only), you might want to be sure if other electronic gadgets such as cameras are allowed in there. Other centers take a fee that allows you to use gadgets for pictures and video purposes. Ask questions so you can know what actions to take.

Accommodation around Ramesseum 

If you are coming from outside Egypt and you have intentions to stay a couple of days or weeks, you might want to plan your accommodation. Luxor is a popular city in Egypt that has amazing and luxurious hotels you can book. Depending on your budget, visit the website for some of our list of recommended hotels we recommend, and do diligent research to know which one best fits your budget and comfort. 

Check the following hotels:

• Al Hambra Hotel: 2.9 miles from the Tomb.
• El Nakhil Hotel: 3.1 miles from the Tomb.
• Hotel Sheherazade: 3.1 miles far from the Tomb.
• Nile Valley Hotel & Restaurant: 3.2 miles from the Tomb.
• Al Hambra Hotel: 2.9 miles from the Tomb.
• El Nakhil Hotel: 3.1 miles from the Tomb.

Don’t limit your search to the ones listed above. There are many more options you can choose from. Explore and discover which works for you. You may also want to consider using the help of a tour guide if your budget isn’t too tight.

Conclusion 

Ramesseum is definitely a site you should visit if you’ve chosen or are considering Egypt for your tour. This magnificent mortuary temple is one among the many tourist centers worth paying a visit bearing in mind the many historical facts it harbors and the many discoveries you stand to uncover in your expedition. 

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