Tuna El-Gebel Necropolis, Minya

The short answer

Tuna El-Gebel Entry Ticket is a 1-day entry ticket covering the necropolis and catacombs at Hermopolis Magna in the Nile region, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

• Archaeology & history
• Cultural

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations

Nile

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

What lingers

• 01 Explore the Tomb of Petosiris – painted chapel and reliefs within Tuna el-Gebel necropolis, Hermopolis Magna.
• 02 See the ibis catacombs: long rock-cut galleries once used for millions of mummified ibises.
• 03 Greco-Roman funerary chapels and rock-cut tombs display bilingual inscriptions in Egyptian and Greek.
• 04 Less visited than Luxor sites – Tuna el-Gebel offers quieter study of tomb decoration and funerary practice.
• 05 Limited shade and uneven stone underfoot; allow sensible footwear and sun protection for a 60–90-minute visit.
• 06 Located on the west bank near Mallawi, Minya governorate; accessible by private car from Minya town.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01 What is Tuna El-Gebel?

   Tuna El-Gebel is the necropolis of ancient Hermopolis (Khmun), notable for the Ptolemaic tomb of Petosiris. The site also contains rock-cut burial shafts, the ram catacombs and a Greco-Roman cemetery with painted tombs. Our Egyptologists explain the inscriptions and animal-cult remains on private visits; the site is far quieter than Luxor’s necropoleis.
2. 02 How long should I allow at Tuna El-Gebel?

   Allow 60–90 minutes to see the main tombs, catacombs and the Petosiris monument. Walking is over uneven stone and sand and some chambers have low ceilings and limited light. We can extend the visit if you combine Tuna El-Gebel with other Minya-region sites.
3. 03 How do I get to Tuna El-Gebel?

   Tuna El-Gebel is reached by private car from Minya, Mallawi or nearby Nile stops; public transport is irregular. We arrange hotel or cruise-landing pickups and handle local permits and parking. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator we prefer private transfers rather than large coach groups because the site is small and sensitive.
4. 04 Is Tuna El-Gebel wheelchair accessible?

   No – Tuna El-Gebel has uneven terrain, rock-cut shafts and narrow steps that limit wheelchair access. A short flat stretch exists by the modern entrance but most highlights require steps or stooping. Tell us your mobility needs and we will plan the easiest viewing points and driver drop-off.
5. 05 Can I take photographs at Tuna El-Gebel?

   Yes – still photography for personal use is generally permitted, but flash and tripods may be restricted. Guards and signs set local rules and lighting inside tombs is often dim, so no‑flash images work best. Our Egyptologists will confirm the day’s restrictions and advise on conservation-sensitive areas.
6. 06 Are there toilets or refreshments at Tuna El-Gebel?

   Facilities are basic: a small ticket office and simple toilets; shops and cafés are very limited. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat–shade is scarce and midday heat is a real factor. On our private visits we supply bottled water and can schedule a shaded stop on request.