The Medinet Habu Temple is one of the ancient Egyptian temples in Luxor, built by Pharaoh Ramses III and dedicated to the god Amun.
In my opinion, Madinat Habu is one of the best temples in the West Bank and is easily combined with other nearby places in Egypt, such as The Valley of the Queens or the Temple of Hatshepsut.
This guide will tell you how to get there and what you need to know before you go!
Facts and History
The Medinet Habu Temple (also spelled Madinat Habu) was built in the time of the new Egyptian Empire as a funerary temple (tomb) for Ramses III, the last great pharaoh of Egypt.
Bas-reliefs on the walls of the temple depict the spectacular victory of the Egyptian army over the sea peoples defeated by Ramses III when, at the beginning of his reign, they tried to invade Egypt by land and water.
Excavations of the ruins of the Madinat Habu Temple began from 1859 to 1899, and more recent works began in 1924 and continue to this day.
What to Expect-Medinet Habu Temple
Medinet Habu is a joy to explore, with far fewer tourists than some of the other Luxor temples like Hatshepsut, although it probably earns just as much.
Inside and outside are covered with incredible hieroglyphic carvings. Don’t forget to look up! The works of art here are among the most spectacular and colorful that you will see in Egypt.
The famous reliefs of the invasion of the sailors can still be seen on the northern outer wall today. Medinet Habu is usually overlooked by hordes of tourists, but the interior is really awesome and I think it is one of the best places near Luxor.
Medinet is easy to visit on a day trip to the West Bank in combination with the colossi of Memnon, the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Valley of the Queens and other sights.
*If you buy the Luxor Pass, this is one of the temples included in the pass.
How To Get There
Medinet Habu is located on the west bank of the Nile on the outskirts of Luxor, Egypt.
Cairo International Airport (CAI) offers one-hour direct flights to Luxor Airport (LXR) for about or less, or you can take a 9-hour daily train for about. You can buy flights to Luxor on Skyscanner.
Once in Luxor, it is easy to find a driver to take you to Habou and other places in the West Bank, or your hotel can usually arrange this as well.
The best tours in Medinet Habou
If you prefer to hire a licensed travel agency and avoid the hassle of organizing everything yourself, several companies offer guided tours of Medinat Habu and the other temples of Luxor.
Here is a full-day Luxor package in the West Bank with a felucca cruise, including popular attractions such as the Colossi of Memnon, the Temple of Medinet Habu, the Valley of Kings/Queens and much more.
We have used this company for many tours and activities around the world, and they are great. Highly recommended!
