The Ramesseum

The Ramesseum is one of the most impressive and historically significant temples on the west bank of Luxor. Built as the mortuary temple of Pharaoh Ramses II, one of Egypt’s greatest and most famous rulers, the Ramesseum showcases extraordinary architecture, detailed inscriptions, and monumental statues that reflect the glory of the New Kingdom.
Although time, earthquakes, and erosion have damaged parts of the structure, the Ramesseum remains an unforgettable site for travelers who want to explore ancient Egypt’s beauty and power. Its towering columns, huge statues, and carved battle scenes offer a deep look into the achievements of Ramses II and the religious life of ancient Thebes.

Overview: What Is the Ramesseum?

The Ramesseum is a large funerary temple dedicated to Amun-Ra, the main god of Thebes. Pharaoh Ramses II ordered the construction of this temple as a sacred place where priests would perform rituals to honor him after his death. The temple also celebrated his military victories, royal achievements, and divine connection with the gods.
Its ancient name was “The House of Millions of Years of User-Maat-Ra Setep-En-Ra”, which reflects the king’s throne name and his desire to be remembered forever.

Today, the Ramesseum is known for:

• It's a huge and iconic statue of Ramses II
• Beautiful wall reliefs
• Columns with well-preserved hieroglyphs
• Impressive pylons

Quiet, atmospheric ruins perfect for photography and exploration
 

Who Built the Ramesseum?

The Ramesseum was built by Ramses II (1279–1213 BCE), also known as Ramses the Great. He was a legendary military leader, builder, and ruler who left behind more monuments than any other pharaoh in history.
Construction of the Ramesseum began early in his reign and continued for many years. Although some parts collapsed over time, the temple’s surviving elements still show the high-quality workmanship of the artisans of the New Kingdom.
Later pharaohs, including Merenptah and Ramses III, added inscriptions and small structures to the temple, proving its long religious and cultural importance.

Where Is the Ramesseum Located?

The Ramesseum is located on the west bank of the Nile in Luxor, within the Theban Necropolis. It lies close to other major archaeological sites, including:

• The Valley of the Kings
• Hatshepsut’s Temple
• Medinet Habu
• Deir Al Medinah
• The Colossi of Memnon

Its location reflects the ancient Egyptian tradition of building mortuary temples on the west bank — the symbolic land of the dead — while the east bank represented the world of the living.

The Architecture and Layout of the Ramesseum

The Ramesseum covers a large area with multiple courtyards, halls, chapels, and pylons. Its design is similar to other New Kingdom mortuary temples, but it stands out for its artistic details and the gigantic size of its statues.

Highlights of the temple include:

1. The First Pylon

The entrance to the Ramesseum once had two massive towers decorated with carvings of Ramses II’s military victories, including the famous Battle of Kadesh. Although much of the pylon has collapsed, the remaining reliefs show chariots, archers, and the king charging into battle.

2. The Giant Statue of Ramses II

One of the most iconic features of the Ramesseum is the massive granite statue of Ramses II that once stood at the entrance.

It originally stood around 18 meters (59 feet) high.

Today, the statue lies shattered on the ground, but its fragments show the extraordinary craftsmanship of ancient sculptors.

The poet Percy Bysshe Shelley was inspired by this statue when he wrote the famous poem “Ozymandias.”

This collapsed colossus remains one of the most photographed monuments in Luxor.

3. The First Courtyard

Beyond the pylon lies a large open courtyard surrounded by statues, columns, and reliefs showing religious rituals and offerings. This area connected the outer temple with the sacred inner halls.

4. The Second Courtyard

This courtyard contains beautifully preserved Osiride statues of Ramses II — the king shown in the form of Osiris, god of rebirth. The columns and walls here still hold detailed carvings of offerings, festivals, and processions.

5. The Hypostyle Hall

One of the most impressive parts of the Ramesseum is the great hypostyle hall with:

• 48 huge columns
• Carved and painted religious scenes
• Texts honoring Amun and other gods

Although some columns have fallen, many still stand tall, giving visitors a sense of the temple’s original power and beauty.

6. The Inner Sanctuary

The inner sanctuary was the holiest place in the temple. It contained shrines where priests performed daily rituals for Amun and Ramses II.

Travelers can still see:

• The sacred boat shrine
• Reconstructed pillars
• Remains of the sanctuary rooms

7. Storage Rooms and Granaries

The Ramesseum included:

• Grain storage silos
• Workshops
• Administrative offices
• Living quarters for priests

These structures reveal how the temple operated as both a religious center and an economic complex.
 

The Famous Battle Scenes of the Ramesseum

The walls of the Ramesseum include some of the most detailed carvings of the Battle of Kadesh, the largest chariot battle in ancient history.

These inscriptions show:

• Ramses II leading his chariot army
• Hittite forces clashed with Egyptian soldiers
• Military camps
• Prisoners being brought before the king
• Chariots, horses, and weapons in exquisite detail

These scenes serve as both historical records and royal propaganda, celebrating Ramses II as a heroic conqueror.

Religious Significance of the Ramesseum

The Ramesseum was dedicated to Amun-Ra, the chief god of Thebes, and it played an important role in religious ceremonies throughout the year. Priests performed offerings, festivals, and rituals that honored both Amun and the king.
The temple was also part of the Beautiful Feast of the Valley, a major festival where sacred boats crossed the Nile from the east bank to visit the temples of deceased pharaohs.
Because Ramses II associated himself with gods like Osiris and Ra, the Ramesseum also contains symbolic references to rebirth, eternity, and divine kingship.

Life Around the Ramesseum

During its active years, the Ramesseum was a busy community with hundreds of workers, priests, and administrators. The temple managed large estates, farms, and workshops, and it controlled food supplies and religious offerings.
Archaeologists discovered papyri and inscriptions describing daily activities, including:

• Work schedules
• Deliveries of grain and goods
• Priest duties
• Temple festivals
• Repairs and building projects

These texts offer insight into the lives of the people who served the temple and maintained its long-standing importance.
 

Interesting Facts About the Ramesseum

1. The temple inspired the famous poem Ozymandias, describing the fall of a once-great king.
2. The original seated statue of Ramses II weighed around 1,000 tons — one of the heaviest statues ever carved.
3. Some sections of the temple still have traces of original paint.
4. The Ramesseum helped historians learn about New Kingdom architecture, religion, and economics.

Why Visit the Ramesseum?

The Ramesseum is one of Luxor’s most underrated yet breathtaking monuments. Travelers who visit the site often describe it as peaceful, atmospheric, and rich in detail.

Top reasons to visit:

• It offers excellent photo opportunities, especially of the giant statue and Osiride figures.
• The temple contains some of the best-preserved battle scenes in Egypt.
• It is usually less crowded, allowing a relaxed visit.
• The architecture and columns show the height of New Kingdom craftsmanship.
• It brings visitors closer to the legacy of Ramses II, one of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs.

Travel Tips for Visiting the Ramesseum

Best time to visit

Morning or late afternoon for pleasant temperatures and soft lighting

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes
• Hat and sunscreen
• Water bottle

Nearby sites to combine with your visit

• Hatshepsut’s Temple
• The Valley of the Kings
• The Colossi of Memnon
• Medinet Habu
• Deir Al Medinah

These sites are close to the Ramesseum and make a perfect full-day West Bank tour.
 

The Ramesseum is a powerful reminder of the glory and ambition of Ramses II. Even in ruins, the temple remains magnificent, with its towering columns, detailed hieroglyphs, giant statues, and beautifully carved battle scenes.
For travelers visiting Luxor, the Ramesseum offers a peaceful yet impressive experience, allowing them to walk in the footsteps of one of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs. Beautiful, historic, and full of fascinating details, the Ramesseum is a must-see destination that enriches any journey through the ancient wonders of the Theban west bank.