Exploring Beni Hassan, Egypt


Beni Hassan, Egypt

Descendants of the Bedouin who migrated to the Sahara doing the middle ages, the Beni Hassan, Egypt have a proud, warrior tradition characteristic of the ancient desert peoples.


The Catacombs


What makes this village particularly interesting, and worth a visit during Egypt luxury tours, are its amazing catacombs, which overlook the river valley. It is believed that there are 39 ancient tombs that date back from the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, which is believed to be between the 21st century and 19th century in the B.C. era. The tombs were all created with a similar design, including a carved entrance and a large room. Inside the rooms you will see Egyptian décor as well as some burial shafts. Tombs in Beni Hassan have received much attention for the high quality of their paintings.

Of these 39 tombs there are only 12 that have been decorated, since many of tombs were never finished. The best-decorated tombs belong to the tombs of governors. Only four of the 39 tombs are actually accessible to the general public. These include the second tomb, which is for Amenemhet, a governor under Sesostris I; the third tomb, of Khnumhotep II, which features a graphic depiction of caravans; the fifteenth tomb, Baqet III, which graphically depicts wrestling techniques; and the seventeenth tomb, the son of Baqet of the 11th Dynasty.

When you enter, the guard will help you up the steps and will unlock the tomb gates for visiting. Some tourists have remarked that photography is no longer being allowed. The guard also offers commentary as he points out highlights of the tomb decoration. Note that he may expect some tip money. Better give it to him or he may lock you in the tomb!


What else to See?


What else can you see in Beni Hassan? You can see the Speos Artemidos, otherwise known as the Grotto of Artemis and the Istabl Antar, is a small temple made from rock and devoted to the goddess Pakht. The temple was first constructed during the 18th Dynasty Reign of Hatshepshut and Thutmose III. The columns that support the hall are of Hathor heads, an ancient goddess that was worshiped as a cow God. You will notice upon entering that the walls of this temple are decorated with scenes of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut making sacrifices to various God, along with inscriptions of text stating how Hatshepsut helped Egypt back to prosperity after the reign of Hyksos invaders.

If you love history and seeing ancient artifacts and paintings then Beni Hassan will not disappoint. Make sure you travel to Beni Hassan during some Best of Egypt luxury tours.



Egypt Tours and Travel


Design Your Personal Egypt Tour and Receive
a Custom Itinerary and Quote Within 24 Hours...


12 Days: Egypt Nile Cruise Tour
Enjoy a truly grand journey on the classical Egypt Nile Cruise Tour. It takes in some of the most famous, notable, and treasured sites of Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan-Luxor Nile Cruise, and Red Sea Hurghada.


12 Days: Egypt Luxury Tour
With the Egypt Luxury Tour guests experience twelve days of fascinating history, gorgeous scenery and world-class treatment. Expect the best of ancient Egypt and the Red Sea. Explore Cairo, an Aswan-Luxor Nile Cruise, and scuba diving near Red Sea Hurghada.


10 Days: Egypt Highlights Tour
See the “Best of Egypt” on the remarkable ten-day Egypt Highlights Tour that takes travelers to some of the most famous sites of Egypt, including ancient historical locations and modern tourist destinations too.


8 Days: Egypt Vacation Tour
The Egypt Vacation Tour is an ideal solution for someone who has never before seen this ancient land. It takes them on an eight-day exploration of some of the most famous and notable sites. Tour Cairo and cruise the Nile between Luxor and Aswan.


8 Days: Egypt Budget Tour and Nile Cruise
The 8 Days: Egypt Budget Vacation and Nile Cruise offers privileged, beautiful and affordable means of touring this ancient, awesome place.


5 Days: Cairo Luxor Tour
The Classical Cairo Luxor Tour is a short and sweet five day experience that introduces visitors to some of the most famous historic sites in Cairo and Luxor.


Overnight El Minya Egypt Tour from Luxor
Explore Egypt andbook your Overnight El Minya Tour from Luxor here. EgyptTourInfo.com has been offering private, custom Egypt tours & vacations since 1955...


Day Trip to Minya, Tell El Amarna, Beni Hassan from Cairo
Some of the most compelling and memorable experiences in all of Egypt are born from quaint Minya, Tell El Amarna, Beni Hassan Tours. The day trip to Minya, Tell El Amarna, Beni Hassan from Cairo is great off the beaten path experience.


LUXOR DAY TOURS
All our Egypt tours are private and fully customizable. We can easily add Beni Hassan to your Egypt tour itinerary.