Ramesseum 🇪🇬

Located in the Theban Necropolis across the River Nile from Luxor, the Ramesseum is the vast memorial temple of Pharaoh Ramesses II. Covering roughly 10 hectares as Egypt's second largest temple, this ancient site offers you an unforgettable glimpse into the sheer ambition of New Kingdom architecture. As you explore the grounds, you will walk through sweeping courtyards toward a central hypostyle hall where 39 of its original 48 columns still stand tall, some ceiling sections even retaining gold stars on a blue background.

You will marvel at intricate wall reliefs depicting Ramesses II triumphing in the Battle of Kadesh and honoring divine ancestors along a historic king list. Beyond the grand sanctuary, you can inspect mudbrick storerooms containing the oldest standing true arch in Egypt. The absolute centerpiece of your visit is the shattered remains of a colossal 1,000-tonne enthroned statue of the pharaoh, the very ruins that inspired Percy Bysshe Shelley's immortal poem Ozymandias.

While millennia of Nile flooding, neglect, and historic repurposing have worn its grand structures, visiting this monumental complex lets you witness the surviving grandeur, storied history, and dramatic ruins of ancient Egypt's legendary ruler.

What to see at Ramesseum

• The giant shattered syenite torso and fragments of Ramesses II's 1,000-tonne colossal statue
• A great hypostyle hall featuring 39 standing columns and traces of star-painted ceiling
• Detailed wall reliefs recording the famous Battle of Kadesh and the festival of Min
• Ancient mudbrick granaries housing the oldest remaining true arch in Egypt
• A unique ancient king list carved in situ on the second western pylon

Visiting tips

Look closely at the mudbrick storerooms surrounding the main complex to view Egypt's oldest standing true arch.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Ramesseum is easy to reach on Luxor’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Thebes and Karnak Temple Complex. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Luxor travel guide.