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Deir el-Medina: Village of the Artisans

Explore the remarkably preserved village of Deir el-Medina, home to the artisans who built the tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Queens.

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Deir el-Medina, also known as Set-Maat or "The Place of Truth", is an ancient Egyptian village near Luxor that once housed the artisans and craftsmen who constructed and decorated the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. This remarkably well-preserved village offers a unique glimpse into the daily lives, beliefs, and working conditions of these skilled laborers.

A brief summary to Deir el-Medina

  • PJH2+37, Al Qarna, Luxor Governorate, 1340412, EG

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and the intense heat, especially during summer.
  • Hire a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the village and its inhabitants.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the site and appreciate the artistry of the tombs.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Luxor city center or the East Bank, the most convenient way to reach Deir el-Medina is by taxi. A taxi ride to Deir el-Medina typically takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Negotiate the fare with the driver before starting your journey. A typical fare should be between 140-180 EGP.

  • Ferry and Taxi

    Another option is to take a local ferry from the East Bank to the West Bank of Luxor. Ferries depart regularly from near the Luxor Temple. Once you arrive on the West Bank, you can hire a taxi to take you to Deir el-Medina. The ferry costs approximately 20 EGP. The taxi ride from the West Bank ferry landing to Deir el-Medina is about 15-20 minutes and should cost around 120-150 EGP.

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Discover more about Deir el-Medina

Located on the west bank of the Nile, near Luxor, Deir el-Medina provides invaluable insights into the lives of the ancient Egyptians who built and decorated the tombs of pharaohs and nobles. Established during the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom, the village was home to a community of skilled artisans, including stonemasons, painters, and sculptors. These workers were responsible for creating the elaborate decorations and hieroglyphs found within the royal tombs. The village itself was a planned community, founded by Amenhotep I (or possibly his successor Thutmose I) to house workers on the royal tombs. The location was chosen to be close to the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, yet isolated enough to protect the secrets of the tombs. Deir el-Medina was unlike most villages in Ancient Egypt. The village consisted of houses, each with a main entrance, a couple of rooms, a kitchen, and sometimes a small chapel or shrine. The main road through the village may have been covered to shelter the villagers from the sun. Deir el-Medina thrived for centuries, providing its residents with a sense of community and support. The workers were highly respected and even worshipped Amenhotep I and his mother, Queen Ahmose-Nefertari, as patron saints of the village. The village also had a temple dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of love and beauty. The villagers abandoned Deir el-Medina around 1110-1080 BCE due to increasing threats of tomb robbery, Libyan raids, and civil war. Today, Deir el-Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the remains of the village, including houses, tombs, and temples, and gain a deeper understanding of ancient Egyptian life.

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