Minya

Minya Coptic is the metropolis of the Minya Governorate in Upper Egypt. It is situated approximately 245 km (152 mi) south of Cairo on the western bank of the Nile River, which flows north through the city.

Minya has one of the highest condensations of Coptic Christians in Egypt (approximately 50% of total inhabitance). It is the home city of the Suzanne Mubarak Center for Arts, Minya University, the new Minya Museum, and the regional North of Upper Egypt Radio and Television.

Al Minya is one of the most serious archaeological places in Egypt. Tell El Amarana (Akhenaton) was the Capital City of the King Akhnaton named by some the unbeliever king. Bani Hassan with the wonderful tombs of the rulers of the old City.

Through the Middle Kingdom, Tuna El Gebel, The old Cemetery with the tomb of Petosiris, the high vicar of Thoth and the tomb of the Isadora and El Ashmunein , which was a town of great value as a cult Center of Thoth, the god of wisdom, healing and writing.

MINYA-TEL-AMARNA

(Akhenaton) was the metropolis City of the King Akhenaton during 18^th dynasty named by some the unbeliever king, Ikhnaton construct his city in a bay of cliffs on the east bank of the Nile as a center for the worship of his new faith Atenism, The old city has become a pilgrimage for those of us who have been capture by this Unique time of Ancient history.

The purview tell us that king with his queen Nefertiti was guide to the modern city in year 5. The city was named Akhenaton (Horizon of the Aten) The loyalty ceremony is recorded on three boundary stelae engrave on limestone Cliffs at the Northern and the southern extremities of the New City. A further eleven stelae were cut on both banks of the river to know the boundaries.

Located to the north end of the Cliffs surrounding the Amarna plains, the North tombs are just over 3 km from El Till ferry landing, from the singular run rest house at the rule of the cliff, along a flight of the new step ascends to the six ornamented tomb open to the visitors, which are split into two groups.

The vision from the top of the steps gives the visitors a panorama of the Northern end of Akhenaten and offer what a vast region the old City covered. Among these tombs, The tomb of Meryre, The tomb of Huya, the tomb of Panehesy.

In the big group of official tombs to the south of the Royal wadi, out of a total of nineteen tombs, six are mostly open to the visitors, The tombs are about 5.5 Km to the south of the north tombs, opposite to the new village of Hagg Qandil. Between these tombs, the tomb of Ay, the tomb of maya, The tomb of Ipy, The tomb of Any, Tomb of Mahu and the tomb of Tutu

The inlet to the royal wadi is often said to take the form of the hieroglyphic icon of the horizon, the Akhet. The regal tomb starts with like proportions to the earlier tombs in the valley of the kings at Thebes, however, many chambers for the subsidiary burial of members of the regal family were cut after the early death of the king’s second daughter Meketaten.

Bani Hassan is a little village south of El Minya, where an serious group of Rock-Cut tombs are engrave into the high limestone drifts on the east bank on the east of the Nile. The most serious of the tombs belonged to the Provincial dynast of the 16^th upper Egypt Nome. And offer a uncommon opportunity to see the distinctive way of the colorful painted scenes of the daily life, the relaxing and the military activities.

MINYA-TUNA-EL-GEBEL

Near the new Village of tuna el Gebel, on the border of the western desert, the large location functioned as Necropolis for the old town of Khmu or Hermopolis, The Cemetery was situated 11 Km from the City, in a zone which is perhaps, better famous as the north -western boundary of Akhenaton’s City of Akhenaton and it is corner by a boundary stela

El Ashmunein was a town of large value as a worship Center of Thoth, the god of wisdom, healing and writing. During the old Kingdom, the town was famous as Khmunw. It was named Hermopolis Magna-The Greek god Hermes was connected with Egyptian Thoth, Who controls the place in the guise of two popular colossal baboon statues.

Deir Abu Hennes or St John’s Monastery is one of the famous tourist attractiveness at Gabal El Teir Area in Minya.

It is one of the old monasteries in the region since it dates back to the Roman time at the reign of Empress Helena; the mother of Constantine.

This Coptic Orthodox monastery has a great religious importance for Christians since it was the cave where Virgin Mary and Jesus remain at in the seventh day of their journey from Egypt to Palestine. Of private interest in this monastery are the remnant of some Coptic inscriptions and the enlargement niches over the walls with brightly colored symbol in its center.

The Virgin Mary Church at Gabal El Tair is a famous attractive for Christians whether Egyptians or foreigners particularly in the anniversary celebration or El Moulid that takes place in the 22th of August.

It is situated on the eastern bank of the Nile eastward Samalout and about 40km away from El Menia Bridge. Gabal El Tair zone is named in that name because it is usually visited by a large figure of immigrant birds. Sometimes it is named also as Gabal El Kaf since there is a story saying that a large rock was going to fall on the Holy Family during their trip but Jesus managed to stop it with his hand departing the prints of his palm on it. Sadly, the rock with the prints of Jesus has been robbed from Egypt.

The Church of Virgin Mary at Gabal El Teir was built by during the Roman period by Empress Helena; the mother of Emperor Costantine and this sounds clearly in the Roman architectural technique of the building.

The place of the church was mainly the cave where the Virgin and her son Exist at in the 7^th day of their journey and in 328AD the first religious area was built there. In the 7^th century the first religious place was erecter in that region and was inhabited by many monks inclusive Lord Cursor, Henniker and others till the first half of the 19^th century.

Saint Severus, the bishop of El Menia, repaired the church in 1983 removing the stone roof to make the church taller and insert more habitant for monks and visitors.

The inner plan of the church includes of three sanctuaries, two side aisles and return passage separated with a figure of rock-cut columns. For extracting the church one should ascent a long flight of stairs. Worth crush in the inside of Virgin Mary Church at Gabal El Tair are the small niches and pilasters with brightly colored image for monks and patron.

The region of Deir El Bersha was one of the major sources for limestone used for building the huge Pharaonic Temples and sculpturing great statues since the New Kingdom till the Roman Era. During excavation works in Wadi Deir El-Nakhla, close Deir El Bersha much limestone quarries and the dominion of workers and some of their devices were found.

Some old Egyptian relieves and hieroglyphics mention that the quarries of that zone were the origin from which limestone used in Hermopolis Temple in the period of Amenophis III.

Minya-The-Ruins-of-Hermopolis-Magna

In the wealth archeological place of Hermopolis Magna, buildings and houses dating back to the Pharaonic, Greek and Roman periods can be specified. As for constructing that belong to the late Pharaonic Era, they are mainly well-built  mud-brick houses that once belonged to oplent people.

Here, between the Greco-Roman monuments– which were construct over many other constructions from the New Kingdom and the Late Era–is a paved streets running from the north to the south through the city. The graveyard of the people of Hermopolis was found in Tuna el Gabal.

The graveyard which was found close to Hermopolis has tombs of the Middle Kingdom.

Dating back to the Middle Kingdom, the Temple of Hatshepsut is a crag shrine cut in the cliffs and situated around 3 kilometers far from Beni Hassan in Minya. The ornaments of the temple dates to the rule of Queen Hatshepsut. The scenes pictorial is dedicated to a regional lion-headed goddess specified with Hathor, Sekhmet and Bastet. Since the Greek equivalent of ‘Bastet’ is ‘Artemis’, temple was popular as The Cave of Artemis in the Greek era.

The entry of the temple lies in middle of 4 unfinished pillars cut in the rock. In the pronaos, there are 4 imperfect pillars. Dating back to Hatshepsut, some of the texts in the temple have survived. In these versions, the Queen relates the wreck and mess that the Hyksos had breed during their inroad of Egypt.

The painted scenes describe the Queen worshipping different deities. Usurping section of the scenes, Seti I performed himself extradite the coronation from Amun and Pekhet.

A short corridor with classical scenes (usurped By <strong>King Seti I</strong>) leads to the sanctuary that included other classical scenes portray the coronation of Seti I. In the temple’s region, there is also another incomplete chapel dating back to the rule of Hatshepsut. Also found close to is a cemetery of cats from the Late era.

Minya-attractions-Alabaster-Quarries-of-Hatnub

Alabaster Quarries of Hatnub are situated about 65 km to the south of the city of Minya and few meters far from Tel El Amarna City.

It was the major source for alabaster stones used for building temples and sculpturing statues in old Egypt since the Old Kingdom till the Roman Era. The location was annexed to the hostel of the the workers of the alabaster quarries and there were some great hieroglyphic carvings retailing the history of the place.

At first, this priceless stone was used only by kings and queens, but later it was used by some of the nobles and outstanding officials and there were many battles for possessing it.

Senwosret I Tomb that was transmit to Karnak open-air Museum is one of the most charming necropolises enclosing alabaster statues and artifacts.

Conclusion

Minya, often referred to as the “Bride of Upper Egypt”, is a vibrant city located along the Nile River.

It is known for its rich history and proximity to notable archaeological sites, such as Beni Hasan, where tombs of Middle Kingdom officials are found, offering insight into ancient Egyptian art and culture.

Minya is also famous for being near the sites where the Holy Family is believed to have passed during their flight into Egypt. The city has a significant place in Egypt’s cultural heritage, with its unique blend of ancient and modern attractions, all found within the table of contents of Egypt’s diverse historical landscape.

Where is Minya City located?

Minya sits on the Nile in Upper Egypt, about 245 km south of Cairo. It is the capital of Minya Governorate.

How do I get to Minya from Cairo?

Take the Cairo–Aswan train, about 4 to 5 hours depending on service. Buses also run daily, often a similar travel time. Private cars are common for day trips to nearby sites.

Is there an airport in Minya?

There is no regular commercial airport in Minya. Fly into Cairo International, then continue by train or road. Assiut Airport has limited domestic flights.

What are the top historic sites near Minya?

Beni Hasan’s Middle Kingdom tombs sit east of the Nile. Tuna el-Gebel and El Ashmunein cover Greco-Roman remains. Tell el-Amarna, the city of Akhenaten, lies to the south. The Monastery of the Virgin at Gabal El-Tayr overlooks the river.

When is the best time to visit?

October to April brings mild days and cool nights. Summer gets very hot, especially June to August.

Is Minya safe for travelers?

Central areas and major sites are generally fine with normal caution. Keep valuables close, use licensed guides, and follow local advice. Check current travel guidance before you go.

What should I wear?

Dress modestly, especially in villages and religious sites. Lightweight long sleeves and pants work well. A scarf helps for sun and site etiquette.

What’s the local climate like?

Hot desert climate. Expect warm winters and very hot summers. The sun is strong year-round, so bring sunscreen and a hat.

What language is spoken? Will I get by with English?

Arabic is the main language. Hotel staff and some guides speak English. Learn a few phrases, it helps a lot.

How can I tour Beni Hasan and Amarna in one day?

Hire a licensed car with a driver, or book a tour. Start early, carry water, and confirm opening hours. Security checkpoints may require passports.

What are the must-try local foods?

Try ful medames, taameya, koshari, and molokhia. Grilled meats and stuffed pigeon are common. Fresh sugarcane juice is popular.

Are there museums in the area?

Yes. Mallawi Museum displays artifacts from nearby sites. Smaller local museums and site visitor centers add context.

What’s the situation with alcohol?

Availability is limited outside major hotels and select restaurants. Drink discreetly and respect local norms.

What about money and payments?

The currency is the Egyptian pound. ATMs are in the city center. Cards work at larger hotels and some restaurants. Carry cash for sites and tips.

How much are entry fees for archaeological sites?

Prices change from time to time. Bring cash and a student ID if you have one. Check current rates before your visit.

How do I get around the city?

Use taxis or ride-hailing apps where available. The Nile corniche is walkable in cooler hours. For sites outside town, hire a driver.

Can women travel solo in Minya?

Many do. Dress modestly, book trusted transport, and choose central lodging. Be firm and polite if you get unwanted attention.

What should I know about local customs?

Friday is the main prayer day. Ask before photographing people. Remove shoes in mosques. Greetings and patience go a long way.

What power plugs and voltage does Egypt use?

Type C and Type F plugs, 220V at 50Hz. Bring an adapter if needed.

What time zone is Minya in?

Eastern European Time, UTC+2. Egypt observes daylight saving time, late April to late October, UTC+3.

Is mobile data reliable?

Yes, 4G coverage is common in the city and main roads. Buy a local SIM for better rates. Hotels often provide Wi‑Fi.

Where should I stay?

Riverside hotels offer good views and easy access. Budget guesthouses exist near transport hubs. Book early in peak season.

Any health tips?

Use bottled water, wash hands often, and pack basic meds. Private clinics and hospitals are available. Travel insurance is smart.

Do I need a guide for archaeological sites?

Not required, but a good guide adds helpful context. For remote sites, a guide or local fixer saves time and hassle.