Ramesseum Temple
The Ramesseum is the mortuary temple Pharaoh Ramses II built on Luxor’s West Bank during Egypt’s 19th Dynasty, around 1279–1213 BCE, to honor himself and the god Amun. Its ruins include a hypostyle hall, wall reliefs depicting the Battle of Kadesh, and the fallen colossal statue of Ramses II, once nearly 17 meters tall.
Key Takeaways
- Built by Ramses II during the 19th Dynasty (c. 1279–1213 BCE) as his mortuary temple, honoring himself and the god Amun.
- Also known as the “Temple of Millions of Years of Usermaatre Setepenre.”
- The fallen colossal statue of Ramses II once stood nearly 17 meters tall.
- Wall reliefs depict the Battle of Kadesh alongside other military and religious scenes.
- Located on Luxor’s West Bank near the Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon, and Medinet Habu.
Location and Purpose
For travelers checking off major sites, the Ramesseum belongs on any Egypt bucket list. It stands near Luxor City, built during the 19th Dynasty, around 1279–1213 BCE. Often called the “Temple of Millions of Years of Usermaatre Setepenre,” it was designed to honor both Ramses II and the god Amun, and once served as a political and spiritual hub symbolizing the pharaoh’s divine rule.
The ruins’ scale is immediate: towering pylons, colossal statues, and reliefs recording ancient battles, including the Battle of Kadesh. Among the most striking remnants is the fallen colossal Statue of Ramses II, which once stood nearly 17 meters tall.
Architecture and Art
The temple combines religious function with monumental art: two large courtyards, a hypostyle hall with papyrus-shaped columns, and several sanctuaries dedicated to different gods. Its walls carry detailed inscriptions chronicling Ramses II’s military campaigns and divine blessings. The site also holds remnants of ancient granaries and storerooms, showing it functioned as both a religious and economic center — comparable in scale to the Karnak Temple or the Luxor Temple.
Nearby Sites on Luxor’s West Bank
The Ramesseum is typically quieter than busier sites like the Valley of the Kings or the Temple of Hatshepsut. Many travelers combine a visit with the Colossi of Memnon and Habu Temple, which together form a picture of Thebes’ scale. Further west, the Dandara Temple shows the artistic style of Greco-Roman Egypt, the Tomb of Nefertari holds preserved wall paintings, and the Luxor Museum displays artifacts found near the Ramesseum.
Best Time to Visit and How to Get There
The Ramesseum is on Luxor’s West Bank, across the Nile from the main city. The best time to visit is between October and April, when temperatures are cooler and sunlight brings out the sandstone’s golden hues; a dawn or dusk visit shows the reliefs in more detail than midday sun. The visit pairs easily with the Avenue of Sphinxes or one of the Best Nile River Cruises.
Tour Options
The 6 day Egypt tour covers Luxor’s ancient sites, including the Ramesseum, at a manageable pace, while the 14 day Egypt tour extends across Egypt from Luxor to Aswan and beyond. Combined river-and-city itineraries such as the Egypt tour with Nile cruise or the 8 day Cairo and Nile cruise tour include Luxor’s temples while sailing the Nile. A luxury Egypt tour package can include Egyptologist-led visits and access to areas not typically open to the public, families can use the Egypt family tour holidays, and independent travelers can book a private Egypt trip through Egypt Tour Packages.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ramesseum Temple
Who built the Ramesseum Temple?
The Ramesseum was commissioned by Pharaoh Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, during the 19th Dynasty. It served as his mortuary temple and a place to honor the god Amun.
Where is the Ramesseum Temple located?
The Ramesseum lies on the West Bank of the Nile in Luxor City, near other monuments including the Valley of the Kings and the Colossi of Memnon.
What makes the Ramesseum unique compared to other temples in Luxor?
Its combination of colossal statues, detailed reliefs depicting the Battle of Kadesh, and the massive fallen statue of Ramses II make it one of the most historically and artistically significant temples in Egypt.
How can I visit the Ramesseum Temple?
You can visit through guided tours such as the Egypt adventure tour or by joining an Egypt itinerary 8 days with Nile cruise, both of which typically include Luxor’s major attractions.
Is the Ramesseum Temple suitable for family tours?
Yes. The site is family-friendly and offers educational insight into ancient Egyptian history. Families can book the Egypt tour package for family to include the Ramesseum and other landmarks in a comfortable itinerary.
