Ramesseum (Mortuary Temple of Ramses II)
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Ruin - Ancient,
Temple
While not as well preserved as nearby Medinet Habu, this mortuary temple dedicated to Ramses II, dating to 1258 BC, still has more than enough to interest the visitor. In the inner sanctuary, for example, the majority of the columns in the hypostyle hall are still standing, as are a number of osirid statues standing sentinel at the entrance, albeit mostly without heads.
As is typical with such structures, giant wall reliefs trumpet the pharaoh’s military accomplishments and proclaim his immortality. But also on view are parts of the fallen Colossus of Ramses, which in Shelley’s poem Ozymandias (“Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!”) became a powerful warning against hubris.
Latest Reviews
Review by Michael W, April 2012
Doing what: Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Luxor West Bank and Nile River
Absolutely fantastic. A must see to view the Valley of the nobles from the air. Awesome
Review by Prabhu Kannan, India, January 2012
Doing what: Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Luxor West Bank and Nile River
It is a lovely thing to do...
Review by Paula Andrea A, August 2011
Doing what: Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Luxor West Bank and Nile River
Subleme! Must do.
Practical Info
The Ramesseum is on the western bank of the Nile, and is best visited in conjunction with the nearby Medinet Habu.
