Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

The mortuary temple of Hatshepsut was built during the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut of the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt. Located opposite the city of Luxor, it is considered to be a masterpiece of ancient architecture. Its three massive terraces rise above the desert floor and into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. Hatshepsut's tomb, KV20, lies inside the same massif capped by El Qurn, a pyramid for her mortuary complex. At the edge of the desert, 1 km (0.62 mi) east, connected to the complex by a causeway, lies the accompanying valley temple. Across the river Nile, the whole structure points towards the monumental Eighth Pylon, Hatshepsut's most recognizable addition to the Temple of Karnak and the site from which the procession of the Beautiful Festival of the Valley departed. Its axes identify the temple's twin functions: Its central east-west axis served to receive the barque of Amun-Re at the climax of the festival, while its north-south axis represented the life cycle of the pharaoh from coronation to rebirth.

Its historical story is also significant: the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut (Egyptian: Ḏsr-ḏsrw, lit. 'Holy of Holies') was built during the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut of the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt.

Its three massive terraces rise above the desert floor and into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. Among its defining features, at the edge of the desert, 1 km (0.62 mi) east, connected to the complex by a causeway, lies the accompanying valley temple. Among its defining features, across the river Nile, the whole structure points towards the monumental Eighth Pylon, Hatshepsut's most recognizable addition to the Temple of Karnak and the site from which the procession of the Beautiful Festival of the Valley departed. Its axes identify the temple's twin functions: Its central east-west axis served to receive the barque of Amun-Re at the climax of the festival, while its north-south axis represented the life cycle of the pharaoh from coronation to rebirth. Among its defining features, the terraced temple was constructed between Hatshepsut's seventh and twentieth regnal years, during which building plans were repeatedly...

Typical visits include guided tours, quiet viewing, photography where permitted and learning from on-site interpreters or community guides.

Check opening hours, entry fees, dress expectations and photography rules before arrival. Some sites limit access during ceremonies or maintenance.