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Tomb of Ay: A Royal Burial in the Western Valley

Explore the Tomb of Ay (WV 23) in Luxor's West Valley: Discover unique art and ancient history in this rarely visited royal burial site.

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The Tomb of Ay (WV 23), located in the Western Valley of the Kings, is the final resting place of Ay, Tutankhamun's successor. Though smaller than other royal tombs, it features unique artwork, including scenes of Ay hunting and fishing, and a depiction of twelve baboons representing the hours of the night.

A brief summary to Tomb of Ay (WV 23)

  • PHRR+JV7, الظهير الصحراوى للقرنة, Qena Governorate, EG
  • +201064883131

Local tips

  • The tomb is located in the West Valley, which requires a separate ticket from the main Valley of the Kings. Purchase tickets at the Valley of the Kings visitor center.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for the long, uphill walk from the parking lot to the tomb entrance.
  • Bring water and sun protection, as the area is exposed and can get very hot, especially during the summer months.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Luxor or the East Bank, take a taxi to the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank. Negotiate the fare beforehand, a round trip should cost approximately 100-150 EGP. From the main Valley of the Kings area, it's a long, uphill walk to the Tomb of Ay in the separate Western Valley. Alternatively, arrange for the taxi to take you directly to the tomb, though this may involve additional cost. The entrance ticket to the Tomb of Ay costs 150 EGP.

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Discover more about Tomb of Ay (WV 23)

Located in the remote Western Valley of the Kings, the Tomb of Ay (WV23) offers a glimpse into the burial of a pharaoh who briefly ruled Egypt after Tutankhamun. Ay, who served as vizier to Tutankhamun, ascended the throne in his later years, reigning for only about four years. His tomb, discovered in 1816 by Giovanni Belzoni, is believed by some Egyptologists to have been originally intended for Akhenaten, Smenkhkare, or Tutankhamun. The tomb's architecture is similar to the royal tomb of Akhenaten at Amarna, featuring a straight, descending corridor leading to the burial chamber. The burial chamber houses a reconstructed red granite sarcophagus, which was found broken in antiquity. The tomb's decoration, though vandalized in ancient times with images and cartouches of Ay deliberately erased, is well worth a look. Unique scenes adorn the walls, including depictions of Ay hunting hippopotami and fishing in the marshes—scenes more commonly found in the tombs of nobles. Another notable feature is the wall showcasing twelve baboons, representing the twelve hours of the night, which gives the Western Valley its nickname, the Valley of the Monkeys. Passages from the Book of the Dead and the Amduat (the Book of What is in the Underworld) can also be seen. Visiting the Tomb of Ay provides a quieter, more remote experience compared to the main Valley of the Kings. The tomb's unique artwork and the sense of exploring a less-visited site make it a worthwhile destination for those interested in ancient Egyptian history and art.

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