Tell el-Amarna
Tell el-Amarna
4.5
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4.5
33 reviews
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8
Average
3
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0
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0
DamiB
La Condamine, Monaco140 contributions
Apr 2019
We had this place to ourselves! It felt like a fairy tale of pharaonic times. The place is the city where Akhenaton and Nefertiti established their monotheistic kindgom's capital after they left current day Luxor (Thebes). The location is by the Nile but quite off the beaten tourist tracks in Egypt, lost somewhere in Minya governorate between Cairo and Luxor, so there were no other visitors in sight throughout the entire time we stayed there. We started our tour in the Amarna Visitor Center - our local guide had it opened for us! Such a priviledged experience! The visitor center is actually really well done, with tons of information, plans, maps, explanations and reconstructions of the way houses and temples were built.
Afterwards, we drove into the desert to visit several tombs (some are up a steep hill so not accessible for people with disability or physical ailments) that also got opened and lit-up for us. The stories of their owners, the wall paintings and carvings were simply amazing. If you're staying longer in Egypt, don't hesitate to go to Tell el-Amarna. You won't regret your time there.
Afterwards, we drove into the desert to visit several tombs (some are up a steep hill so not accessible for people with disability or physical ailments) that also got opened and lit-up for us. The stories of their owners, the wall paintings and carvings were simply amazing. If you're staying longer in Egypt, don't hesitate to go to Tell el-Amarna. You won't regret your time there.
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mohamed T
Cairo, Egypt182 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
Another hidden gem in Minya, amazing city, site was huge in space, lots of ruins all over the place. Akhnatoun’s tomb was amazing, the other tombs were in pretty good shape.
Must see, the master plan of the entire city is simply amazing
Must see, the master plan of the entire city is simply amazing
Written 8 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nimaatre
2 contributions
Jan 2015 • Solo
First of all I'd like to say that I am a historian, so I asked Memphis Tours for a professional tour guide who actually studied not only the History of Ancient Egypt but also Old Egyptian (so that he can read the hieroglyphs, to help me out whenever I'm in need of some vocabulary).
The tour started from my hotel in Giza and it took about four hours to reach Tell el-Amarna or Achetaton, the former and not very long-lasting capital of king Ikhnaton, who ruled during the Middle Kingdom.
Achetaton itself is a stunning attraction for everyone loving archaeology/egyptology. Since this site is - as tourists are concerned - in the middle of nowhere, you won't find many tourists around. I've seen three tourists visiting this city. Tells the story. If you are looking for a quite place where you can immerse yourself in the history of that magic country, Achetaton might just be what you are looking for. A further advantage of only a few tourists visiting this site is that you can expect stunning colors in the tombs.
What can you actually see in Tell el-Amarna/Achetaton? First of all, I would go for the tombs of the high officials offering you vivid colors and unique scenes showing praises of Aton that you won't find in many other archaeological sites in Egypt. The city also features the ruins of a small Aton temple (which I did not visit) and the foundations of the royal palace. However, since both that temple and the houses were built of mud brick, you can only see the foundations but not entire buildings anymore. Furthermore, there are still some foundations of ordinary houses, both of the rich and of the poor. Some of them were later reused by the poor, some of them were not. Most of the city isn't excavated yet due to numerous archaeological and financial implications. But it's definitely worth visiting. You should also visit the eastern border of the city featuring a long information text by Ikhnaton about the city and of course a statue of him and his wife Nefertiti.
Not far away from Tell el-Amarna lie the tombs of Beni Hassan which were also featured on that tour. They were constructed during the 11th and 12th dynasty at the beginning of the Middle Kingdom.They offer unique scenes of an antique form of hockey and wrestling, sports that the Wesirs of these tombs apparently were really into.
Okay - Achetaton and Beni Hassan are far off "normal tourist limits" like Giza or Luxor: Is it safe visiting? Yes it is. My tour guide, Emad, was spending an almost ridiculous amount of time (he had to!) answering the tourist police calls to inform them about our current location etc. The tourist police itself guards all archaeological sites, even those remote ones like Achetaton heavily armed so you really feel safe. I'd even say the tourist police is a little over protective right now guarding the sites with tanks and snipers. And since the revolution is over, I really didn't mind enjoying Giza and all sites that I visited during this trip.
The tour started from my hotel in Giza and it took about four hours to reach Tell el-Amarna or Achetaton, the former and not very long-lasting capital of king Ikhnaton, who ruled during the Middle Kingdom.
Achetaton itself is a stunning attraction for everyone loving archaeology/egyptology. Since this site is - as tourists are concerned - in the middle of nowhere, you won't find many tourists around. I've seen three tourists visiting this city. Tells the story. If you are looking for a quite place where you can immerse yourself in the history of that magic country, Achetaton might just be what you are looking for. A further advantage of only a few tourists visiting this site is that you can expect stunning colors in the tombs.
What can you actually see in Tell el-Amarna/Achetaton? First of all, I would go for the tombs of the high officials offering you vivid colors and unique scenes showing praises of Aton that you won't find in many other archaeological sites in Egypt. The city also features the ruins of a small Aton temple (which I did not visit) and the foundations of the royal palace. However, since both that temple and the houses were built of mud brick, you can only see the foundations but not entire buildings anymore. Furthermore, there are still some foundations of ordinary houses, both of the rich and of the poor. Some of them were later reused by the poor, some of them were not. Most of the city isn't excavated yet due to numerous archaeological and financial implications. But it's definitely worth visiting. You should also visit the eastern border of the city featuring a long information text by Ikhnaton about the city and of course a statue of him and his wife Nefertiti.
Not far away from Tell el-Amarna lie the tombs of Beni Hassan which were also featured on that tour. They were constructed during the 11th and 12th dynasty at the beginning of the Middle Kingdom.They offer unique scenes of an antique form of hockey and wrestling, sports that the Wesirs of these tombs apparently were really into.
Okay - Achetaton and Beni Hassan are far off "normal tourist limits" like Giza or Luxor: Is it safe visiting? Yes it is. My tour guide, Emad, was spending an almost ridiculous amount of time (he had to!) answering the tourist police calls to inform them about our current location etc. The tourist police itself guards all archaeological sites, even those remote ones like Achetaton heavily armed so you really feel safe. I'd even say the tourist police is a little over protective right now guarding the sites with tanks and snipers. And since the revolution is over, I really didn't mind enjoying Giza and all sites that I visited during this trip.
Written 7 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bielding
Liverpool147 contributions
Mar 2012 • Solo
The history of the Amarna period means that pretty much anyone with a passing interest in Ancient Egypt will have heard of this place, and want to visit it. And it is well worth it - the tombs, though battered, are fascinating monuments to Akhenaten's unique art and religious iconography, and the Royal Tomb is a melancholy reminder of the ruling family's mortality. However, the town site itself is rather difficult to make much out of if you're not a specialist (think lots of poorly discenable mud brick foundations half buried in sand), so don't come here expecting to find an Egyptian Pompeii. Also note that Amarna is massive - the plain it is on measures several km from north to south, and from west to east. It takes quite a lot of taxi travel to get from one part of the site to the next. If coming from Minya, reckon on spending an absolute minimum of half a day here, preferably longer.
Written 30 March 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jamiehay51260
Cairo, Egypt76 contributions
June 2013 • Friends
Tel el amarna is the site of the Pharaoh Akhenaten's purpose built capital city. It was here that he tried to break the power of the priests of Amun by instituting the first monotheistic religion in the world- the worship of the sun disc, Aton. for that reason, it is an important site, but unfortunately, little remains of the city except a few low stretches of mud brick walls and some reconstructed columns. for that reason, most casual travelers may be disappointed in the site. There are also two sets of cliff tombs and Ahkentaten's own tomb to look at. However, these have been badly vandalised and so much of the artwork is disappointing. Nevertheless, for people really interested in Ancient Egypt, there are fascinating images of the pharaoh worshiping the sun disc and many examples of the Amarna style of art, depicting humans with distended heads and little pot bellies, very different from other tomb art.
I found the place incredibly interesting for the artwork alone, but don't want to give people any false expectations, hence the three stars.
The site is very sperad out so you will need transport to go from one section to another.
I found the place incredibly interesting for the artwork alone, but don't want to give people any false expectations, hence the three stars.
The site is very sperad out so you will need transport to go from one section to another.
Written 9 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kimberly S
Martinez, CA140 contributions
Nov 2014 • Solo
This is another site more appreciated by Egyptolgy buffs, as there's not a lot to look at at first glance. Here are my 3 favorites: the North palace, the tomb of Meryre, the tomb of Aye. At the North palace, go to the lily pool and look over the quarters of the queen and her ladies. In the tomb of Meryre (North Tombs, it's a bit of a climb!), get a look at the Aten Temple, and the Royal Family in their chariots. Look for the 2 princesses in their own chariot - one of them is Ankhesenpaaten, who became Tutankhamon's queen. If the North Tombs stairs are too much for you, try the South Tombs and visit Aye. Look above the heads of Aye and his wife Tey in the entryway for the Great Hymn to the Aten. Look at the ceiling inside for one of the only places in Amarna where the names of Akhenaten and Nefertiti survive.
Written 28 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eLaReF
Scotland, UK20,385 contributions
June 2013 • Couples
This area is a very large area to cover – The Royal tomb is a 13km drive from the entrance gate & Ticket Office!
Although we only saw the Royal Tomb of Akhanaten & The Tomb of Ay, there are others available.
We were unable to take photos inside the tombs, so you could use el Amarna as the photo opportunity and spend more time in the other tombs.
Although we only saw the Royal Tomb of Akhanaten & The Tomb of Ay, there are others available.
We were unable to take photos inside the tombs, so you could use el Amarna as the photo opportunity and spend more time in the other tombs.
Written 2 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine S
Bolton, UK11,285 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
Passing yet more small villages and sugar cane fields we arrived at the Northern Palace of Akhenaton for a quick viewing before heading up the stairway up the mountain to visit the tombs of Tel Al Amarna. The sun was by now fierce, the stairway steep and I much doubt the credentials of the architect who designed then!
The tombs here have been defaced following the death of Akhenaton.
The Tomb of Ahmes who was a fan bearer to the pharaoh is unfinished yet shows how the preparations of the wall painting were made, his statue remains looking over the tomb.
The Tomb of Penthu has been defaced and little remains other than the evidence of the sun ray symbols of Aten.
The Tomb of Mery-ra, the high priest is the most decorative, depicting scenes of the royal family, but is also unfinished, particularly the inner sanctum. This was perhaps the most interesting aspect, viewing the tomb as it was cut out in the bare rock and before any preparations could be made to it.
Back down the steps and a little further along the road were the remains of the ‘small temple’ or Aten temple.
The tombs here have been defaced following the death of Akhenaton.
The Tomb of Ahmes who was a fan bearer to the pharaoh is unfinished yet shows how the preparations of the wall painting were made, his statue remains looking over the tomb.
The Tomb of Penthu has been defaced and little remains other than the evidence of the sun ray symbols of Aten.
The Tomb of Mery-ra, the high priest is the most decorative, depicting scenes of the royal family, but is also unfinished, particularly the inner sanctum. This was perhaps the most interesting aspect, viewing the tomb as it was cut out in the bare rock and before any preparations could be made to it.
Back down the steps and a little further along the road were the remains of the ‘small temple’ or Aten temple.
Written 11 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meaghan Maria
Cairo, Cairo Governorate17 contributions
Nov 2018 • Business
Tel Amarna is a specialty tour for a visitor to Egypt. Probably not one to do on your first visit OR on a very short visit, but definitely worth it if you have more time or are returning to Egypt.
There is a very interesting ambience in Tel Amarna and the surrounding area. Not as dense or obvious temples such as in Cairo or Luxor .. but if you have a driver you can tour around over 2 - 3 days and visit a most unusual place... A place where a king escaped with his court and tried to build a new world ..
Akhenaton - this King - is a very interesting story.
The surrounding area is very traditional and has a lot of lush farming . .the Nile in this part is very clean .. and it feels like stepping back in time. Not many tourists but very friendly ...
Definitely worth a visit to experience a very magical ambience and beautiful night skies. Right in the central heart of Egypt . .and lovely Coptic Churches here as well following the legends of a golden child who came down through egypt (the christ story)
There is a very interesting ambience in Tel Amarna and the surrounding area. Not as dense or obvious temples such as in Cairo or Luxor .. but if you have a driver you can tour around over 2 - 3 days and visit a most unusual place... A place where a king escaped with his court and tried to build a new world ..
Akhenaton - this King - is a very interesting story.
The surrounding area is very traditional and has a lot of lush farming . .the Nile in this part is very clean .. and it feels like stepping back in time. Not many tourists but very friendly ...
Definitely worth a visit to experience a very magical ambience and beautiful night skies. Right in the central heart of Egypt . .and lovely Coptic Churches here as well following the legends of a golden child who came down through egypt (the christ story)
Written 2 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fillanderer
London135 contributions
Mar 2012 • Couples
We organised a day trip (with memphis travel) to Al Minya to see the tombs at Bani Hasan and at Tell el-Amarna. It was a long day around (4 hours each way) but well worth the effort. Given the recent social turmoil in Egypt these rural backwaters hadn't had any tourists for months and were overwhelmed that we made the effort. It was a delight to be the only people visiting these sites. The quality of wall painting, carvings etc was outstanding and we enjoyed having the places to ourselves.
The journey itself was fascinating, travelling through rural backwaters and villages along the nile, seeing life and communities that hardly changed throughout the centuries.
A couple of tips - take food with you unless you want to play russian roullette with street vendors. Access is up some very steep steps so unsuitable for elderly, infirm or small children. Also take some small denomination cash as tipping is expected.
The journey itself was fascinating, travelling through rural backwaters and villages along the nile, seeing life and communities that hardly changed throughout the centuries.
A couple of tips - take food with you unless you want to play russian roullette with street vendors. Access is up some very steep steps so unsuitable for elderly, infirm or small children. Also take some small denomination cash as tipping is expected.
Written 22 March 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your experience. In your photos there is a nice hotel near Tell el Amarna, but online I cannot find any hotel nearby.
Would you remember the name of the hotel, or does anyone have any recommendation for a hotel near Tell el Amarna?
Thank you
Written 3 August 2019
Hi Ashraf, thanks for your great review of Tel El Amarna. I was hoping you can tell me how you traveled their. Did you take a tour and if so, from which city and can you recommend to tour group. If you traveled their on your own, do you have any tips?
Thanks
Werner
South Africa
Written 25 April 2018
Take the train to Mallawi from Asyut or Minya. Be polite to the police who will approach you. Once in Mallawi bargain and hire a taxi to the site for at least four hours. Something like 12$ in EGP will do. Keep small change ready for baksheesh at the tombs. The new road on the erst sife of the Nile is now open and simplifies everything.
Written 27 February 2019
The best way to get there. Wehad thought about the train from giza ( after we have done the pyramids ( all of them ) get out at Minya and stay the night then pick up a taxi for thr juirney to and from Amarna, like to spend a full day there if poss. stay back at Minya for the night then hope catch train and continue on to Aswan
Written 27 January 2017
I cannot comment on the train journey or accommodations in Minya. I hired a guide and day tripped from Cairo in spring 2015 (conditions may be different now). Long drive through the desert (a good experience, too). Amarna is very spread out, lots to see. There were levels of armed security at the main road gate, park entrance, and throughout the site. Having a guide and car was a must. One or more full days would be great. I recommend connecting with Barry Kemp of the Amarna Project to see what the conditions are before you go. Unfortunately, Kemp was not there, when I visited. Since you are going to stay nearby, you may have an opportunity to experience far more, with greater access to current recovery work, than I. In terms of access, I was not able to wander around un-escorted by security at Amarna (except at the Aten Temple, where I walked around alone). That meant, one armed guard with us in the car, and typically one or more at each tomb, to open the doors and protect the artifacts. Be prepared to tip or have a guide that handles it. For me, everything was very relaxed and accommodating. As with most sites in Egypt, photography inside the tombs is not permitted (but can be arranged). Amarna is a wonderful historic site, and should be experienced by more people. But given the logistics it is not setup for the casual tourist.
Written 27 January 2017
Hi! You mentioned the stairs in the North Tomb. How many and how difficult are they?
Written 25 January 2015
Not so much diffucult as a long way. in 2011, my friend who was recovering from knee surgery had to pass on the North Tombs, due to the length of the stair. I'll post a photo.
Written 25 January 2015
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