Background

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut: A Monument to a Female Pharaoh

Explore the majestic Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor, a unique monument to an extraordinary female pharaoh and a masterpiece of ancient Egyptian architecture.

4.7

The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, also known as Djeser-Djeseru ('Holy of Holies'), is an ancient Egyptian temple built for Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt's most successful female pharaohs, during the 18th Dynasty. Located on the west bank of the Nile River near Luxor, the temple is considered a masterpiece of ancient architecture, with its unique terraced design blending seamlessly into the surrounding cliffs of Deir el-Bahri.

A brief summary to Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, light-colored clothing, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Bring water and sunscreen to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
  • Consider hiring a guide to learn more about the history and significance of the temple.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the temple complex.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Luxor city center or any major hotel, a taxi is the most direct way to reach the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A typical one-way trip should cost approximately 80-120 EGP. The journey takes around 15-20 minutes.

  • Ferry and Taxi

    For a scenic route, take a local ferry from the East Bank in Luxor to the West Bank. Ferries depart regularly from various points along the Nile. The ferry crossing costs around 5-10 EGP per person. On the West Bank, hire a taxi to take you to the temple, which is approximately a 15-minute drive. Negotiate the taxi fare beforehand, aiming for 60-100 EGP.

  • Shuttle

    Upon arrival at the visitor center, a small shuttle is available to transport visitors closer to the temple entrance for a small fee of 2 EGP. While the walk is not long, the shuttle is helpful during hot days.

Unlock the Best of Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut stands as a testament to the power and vision of one of ancient Egypt's most remarkable rulers. Queen Hatshepsut, who reigned from 1479 to 1458 BC, commissioned the temple to honor the gods and commemorate her reign. The temple's design, overseen by the architect Senenmut, is unique in Egyptian architecture, featuring three massive terraces that rise above the desert floor and into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahri. The temple complex includes several significant features : * **The Lower Level:** Consists of two large courtyards surrounded by pillars and walls decorated with hieroglyphs. This area, known as the Great Court, was used for religious ceremonies and processions. * **The Second Level:** Houses a number of small chapels dedicated to various gods and goddesses important to ancient Egyptians. Colorful wall paintings depict battles, funerals, and religious festivals honoring Amun-Ra, the sun god. * **The Third Level:** Contains a large courtyard for religious rituals and several cult temples. Osirian columns of Hatshepsut stand guard outside, portraying Hatshepsut as Osiris, god of the underworld. Hatshepsut's temple is not only an architectural marvel but also a site of great historical and cultural significance. Reliefs on the temple walls depict Hatshepsut's life story, including scenes from her military campaigns, building projects, and diplomatic missions. The temple also served as a ritual site for the pharaoh's cult and the annual procession of the Beautiful Festival of the Valley. Today, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut remains one of Egypt's most popular tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its beauty and learn about the life and reign of Queen Hatshepsut.

Popular Experiences near Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

Popular Hotels near Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

Select Currency