Visiting Medinet Habu Temple in Luxor, Egypt.
Just as I thought our West Bank tour was over.. we pulled into a car park which unveiled a giant temple.
Medinet Habu Temple quickly became my favourite West Bank treasure.
Luxor is abundant with fascinating temples, so it is no surprise that Medinet Habu can be overlooked.
It doesn’t have the famous reputation of the Giza Pyramids, or Karnak Temple in Egypt.
However, it is just as impressive, with vibrantly coloured hieroglyphics, and deep carvings depicting ancient battles covering the various highlights which make up the Temple Complex.
This blog has all the information you need to enjoy a visit to this underrated gem, following my trip there after coming face-to-face with King Tut’s mummy earlier in the day!
Medinet Habu may not be on the common tourist route, but it should be on yours!
There are some awesome battle scenes inscribed on the front of the temple.
An introduction to Medinet Habu Temple in Luxor.
Ramses III built his mortuary temple at Medinet Habu in ‘1187–56 BCE’, and it is only one of the many impressive areas of the temple complex.
Medinet Habu is famous for its well preserved paintings, hieroglyphics and carvings which can be found throughout the complex.
It shares a similar architecture style to the Edfu and Philae Temples further south in Egypt.
The giant Pylons protected the temple thousands of years ago, and still to this day, they stand strong.
A unique aspect of Medinet is that it’s decorated in its entirety, including the underside of the ceilings. I didn’t notice this is any of the other temples I visited.
Medinet Habu remained an important religious site in ancient times until it was abandoned in around 700 BCE, before it became part of the Coptic Christian monasteries.
Sea Peoples inscriptions.
Sea Peoples inscriptions on the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III.
An iconic aspect of the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III are the battle inscriptions detailed throughout.
Reliefs depicting scenes from Ramses III’ military operations show his victories, against different opponents, and the most famous were the Sea Peoples.
The seafaring fighters were known as the Sea Peoples, and they invaded Egypt while Ramses III was still the pharaoh. It was a struggle throughout the country as the invaders, who are thought to have been of Greek origin attacked.
He did eventually defeat them, which went down as one of his greatest victories, hence why he wanted it showcased in his mortuary temple!
The inscriptions are on the interior and exterior of both Pylons in the Medinet Habu complex.
The hieroglyphics on the columns are some of the most colourful ones I saw in Egypt.
Entrance information for Medinet Habu Temple.
Opening hours:
6am - 5pm (4pm in winter).
Entrance fees:
Adults - 100 EGP (£2.50).
Students 50 EGP (£1.25), Identification is required.
A Luxor Pass does include Medinet Habu, alongside other famous West Bank sites.
The entrance.
How to get to Medinet Habu Temple.
Medinet Habu is located on the West Bank of Luxor, which is a city that is located centrally within Egypt.
It can be reached by train, boat, domestic flights, or road.
Egypt is a very big country, so planning in advance is recommended for a shorter itinerary.
Once you arrive into Luxor, there are a few options to reach Medinet Habu:
Public buses.
An option for budget travellers, however, this option can be cramped, and the stops may be tricky to find for a first timer in the city.
Taxis.
A more comfortable option, however, ‘tourist prices’ may be implemented, which can reach high prices, unless you negotiate a fixed rate before entering the vehicle.
You can ask the driver to hang around and take you back to the East Bank, for a premium price.
Official tours.
Official tours will usually pick you up and drop you back off at your accommodation and include multiple landmarks, so you can make a day of it.
Rental car.
Private cars are available to rent in Luxor, if you want to drive to the different sites. I would not recommend a foreigner driving in Egypt, as there are no rules and it is dangerous for inexperienced drivers.
Bicycle.
If you are staying on the West Bank, many of the hotels offer bicycle rental services, so you can cycle to the famous temples and tombs. This may not be a viable option in summer months due to the temperatures.
When is the best time to visit Medinet Habu?
Due to its location inland in Egypt, the temperatures in Luxor are much warmer than what many western tourists are used to. This can make exploring the temples and other ancient landmarks a task if you visit in the wrong month.
The best time to visit Luxor:
October - April.
Temperatures are more pleasant, but can still reach highs of 30°C.
The downside are the crowds at the famous landmarks, which can disrupt your learning from the tour guides. You will also be photo bombed in the iconic locations.
The hottest time to visit Luxor:
May - September.
Crowds are non-existent, but so is the fresh air. When I visited in September, temperatures exceeded 40°C.
Accommodation is cheaper in these months, however, some visitors have to cut short excursions due to the heat.
It is all down to preference, however, Medinet Habu Temple never gets too crowded, so whichever time you visit, you will have an awesome time exploring the complex.
The statues consist of different levels of damage.
Another temple, another selfie.
Is it safe to visit Medinet Habu Temple?
The first thing I noticed as we pulled up to the temple complex was heavy armed security, which is no surprise with the quite recent history at Egypt’s archaeological sites in Luxor.
I actually noticed a heavy armed presence throughout all of the Egyptian cities I visited on my solo adventure down the Nile.
This level of security put my mind at ease to an extent, although paradoxically, it created slight paranoia, as if they were waiting for something to happen.
My hour at Medinet Habu couldn’t have gone any smoother though.
No queues, no crowds, and most importantly, no problems!
Heavy security outside the temple.
The best option - an official tour.
For the best experience, secure your spot on one of these West Bank tours which are a popular draw to the Egyptian city:
Luxor: Medinat Habu & Valley of the Queens Private Day Tour.
This tour option visits more of the ‘off the beaten' track’ West Bank sites. It is suited to travellers spending longer in Luxor, who want to spend longer at each site over multiple days.
Luxor: Dendera and Medinet Habu Private Guided Day Tour.
This is a more detailed exploration of the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III at Medinet Habu, along with ‘Dendera’ which is a small town featuring ancient relics, located around 90 minutes North of Luxor.
My tour experience.
On my solo trip to Egypt, I booked on several official tours to meet fellow travellers and to learn more about Ancient Egypt.
On the West Bank tour that my hotel owner organised, Medinet Habu was included, although not advertised.
It was the last stop on our tour before crossing the Nile and heading back to the East Bank, so we visited around 4pm, after a long day exploring. It is fair to say I was not fully in the mood by this point, however, this quickly changed when the impressive Medinet Habu came into view.
It is huge.. and I would say it has the most aesthetic entrance!
Some palm trees, a desert landscape and an intricately carved first pylon makes Medinet Habu picturesque, and only just behind Philae Temple for my favourite setting.
There was no other tourists in the complex, so it was ideal to capture some great photos and take out time to explore.
We got half an hour to explore on our own, and then the other half an hour was the tour guide taking us through the different areas and explaining the history behind the complex in simple terms, so we could fully understand it.
We then proceeded to the cafe on the other side of the road to grab some snacks for the final leg of the journey!
Insider tip - don’t book a full West Bank Day Tour for the day you arrive if you are travelling by sleeper train from Cairo.
Explore the East Bank on your first day, while you are tired after a sleepless night.
Admiring the temple with my tour group.
More interesting hieroglyphics.
Some awesome hieroglyphics.
As I wandered around the complex during the free time of our tour, I spent a lot of time trying to decipher the different hieroglyphics.
I noticed the carvings covered a variety of themes, emotions and daily life in Ancient Egypt.
Iconic battle scenes are what the temple is famous for, which I have described in more detail above, however, I also noticed what appeared to be a joyous celebration as the art depicted what looked like high level Egyptians placing offerings to god.
The scene was displayed as a happy interaction, and it is apparently the ‘Festival of Opet’, which has helped the modern world understand the religious practices of yesteryear.
Hieroglyphics cover the walls, ceilings and columns throughout Medinet Habu.
The columns are similar to the ones in the Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak but at a smaller scale, however, they are much more vibrant with deeper carvings.
As the local tour guides understand the meaning behind the ancient language as a result of centuries of research, they can explain the meaning behind the carvings in simple terms.
My favourite area of the temple.
Notable areas of the ancient complex.
During my tour of the complex, I was shown the best sights of Medinet Habu, all of which played a vital role in ancient times.
Here are the notable sights:
First Pylon.
The First Pylon is the first aspect of the complex which captured my attention as we walked to the entrance.
The carved reliefs which decorate the front of the building display Ramses III in a battle victory over the Libyans.
Pharaoh’s Palace.
As you walk through the first court when you enter the Temple of Ramses III, you will find the Pharaoh’s palace to the south.
There are several rooms, although they are now empty, in antiquity, they were designated for royalty!
Window of Appearances.
This area is where Royalty and common people came together, as the pharaoh would appear through the window to communicate to the masses.
Second Pylon.
More reliefs on this pylon, which depicts Ramses III offering prisoners of war to Amun.
Medinet Habu Temple facts.
The temples throughout Luxor were thriving places and we have found many of the ancient Egyptian facts in these landmarks.
Here are some facts about Medinet Habu Temple:
Medinet Habu was built to serve a purpose beyond a funerary temple, as it included a palace, workshops and administrative offices.
Ramses III’s most important battles are carved into the temple walls, so they are remembered forever.
Although initially dedicated to Ramses III, Medinet Habu later transformed into a Coptic Christian settlement, and remnants of this transformation can be found throughout the complex.
Medinet Habu also offered a burial place for sacred animals such as cats, ibises, and baboons in its animal necropolis. The Mummification Museum in Luxor also shows the importance of animals in Ancient Egypt.
Medinet Habu features chapels dedicated to two of Ramses III's Great Royal Wives, Tiye and Nebet. Each queen held considerable power and influence, reflected in the grandeur of their chapels.
More wall carvings on the Second Pylon.
Five reasons why you should visit Medinet Habu on your Luxor trip.
As I mentioned above, Medinet Habu is often overlooked as a result of Luxor’s abundance of ancient treasures.
It is often overlooked by tourists visiting the West Bank, as they opt for the Temple of Hatshepsut, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, all of which are contributing factors towards why they choose Luxor as a destination.
However, if you give this enormous temple a chance, it will surprise you..
Here are five reasons to visit Medinet Habu:
1 - A tranquil temple.
As the temple is off the beaten track on Luxor’s West Bank, it is less crowded, therefore offers some tranquillity in a chaotic city.
Our tour group had the temple complex to ourselves - bliss!
2 - Colourful hieroglyphics.
Of all of the temples I visited in Luxor and Southern Aswan, I found the colours in Medinet Habu to be the most vibrant. Some of the columns are picture-perfect, despite being thousands of years old.
3. A history lesson through art.
If you are observant as you explore the temple complex, you can learn the history of the place, along with Ramses III’s reign through the Pylon carvings.
Using an official tour guide will enhance this further, as you match the stories with the art.
4. A well preserved temple.
Medinet Habu is one of the better preserved temples in Egypt - I found it to have much less damage than areas of Karnak temple.
5. It’s on route to the other West Bank sites.
As with the Colossi of Memnon, this temple can be included on route to the more famous West Bank landmarks. It is worth an extra hour to explore the beauty of Ramses III’s Mortuary temple.
Some official West Bank tours include it, so make sure you choose the best tour.
A close up shot of the hieroglyphics.
Where to stay in Luxor?
Luxor is a city which is spread across both banks of the Nile. You will have a different experience during your travels, depending on your choice of accommodation.
East Bank - The heartbeat of the city.
The East Bank is where the action is, although I found it slightly chaotic. Many of the highly rated restaurants, shops, and Luxor Market are all within walking distance though.
Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple are also both on the East Bank side.
The owner was very helpful and helped to organise my tours. The rooms are air conditioned and comfortable.
Located strategically near Luxor Temple, with a wonderful terrace and complimentary breakfast.
Overlooking the Nile, this budget friendly hotel includes a rooftop swimming pool and sun terrace.
Jolie Ville Hotel & Spa Kings Island Luxor.
A luxurious 5 star option situated on a private island with private gardens and 3 swimming pools.
West Bank - Rest alongside the pharaohs.
Staying on the West Bank is much quieter, however, there are more resort style hotel options.
You will be on the same side of the Nile as many of the famous pharaohs from ancient Egypt also, who are laid to rest at the Valley of Kings and Valley of the Queens.
A very helpful hotel owner, who knows his stuff about the archaeological treasures of Luxor.
Located on the front of the river Nile, means that you can enjoy an extra special Nile sunset.
House of Dreams apartments Luxor.
Air conditioned apartments located close to the West Bank sites.
Panoramic views of the Nile, and the hotel sits opposite Luxor Temple.
My choice was Bob Marley Hotel.
The hotel is a budget friendly option on the East Bank side of the Nile.
Prefer pyramids?
Egyptian Temples are impressive, however, to some tourists, they just don’t have the same allure as the pyramids in Egypt.
The stone structures are one of Egypt’s biggest draws, and you are spoilt for choice!
The Pyramids of Giza are very popular and the perfect spot for a camel ride with spectacular views, however, they do get very busy, and there are many scam artists there.
For a quieter, but just as rewarding Egyptian pyramid experience, you should consider Saqqara Necropolis, which is home to the oldest pyramid in the world.
The Step Pyramid of Djoser is over 4000 years old!
Both Pyramid sites can be combined in a popular Cairo day trip.
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