Attraction Details
Overview
Hatshepsut Temple
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari is one of the finest examples of ancient Egyptian architecture, built around 1479–1458 BCE for the female pharaoh Hatshepsut of the 18th Dynasty. Set against the dramatic ochre cliffs of the Theban hills on Luxor’s west bank, the temple rises in three colonnaded terraces to a cliff-face sanctuary, creating a striking interplay between built form and natural landscape. It was designed by the royal steward Senenmut.
Hatshepsut ruled as pharaoh for approximately 21 years. The temple walls carry her most celebrated achievements: the Punt expedition reliefs, documenting a trade mission to the land of Punt that returned with myrrh trees, ebony, ivory, and exotic animals; and the divine birth narrative, attributing her parentage directly to the god Amun.
After Hatshepsut’s death, her successor Thutmose III systematically erased her name and image from the temple — chiseling out her cartouches and defacing her statues — in what is thought to have been a deliberate attempt to remove her from the official succession record. Many erasures have been documented, and modern restoration has partially restored her presence in the reliefs.
History & Significance
Hatshepsut assumed the role of pharaoh around 1473 BCE following the death of her husband Thutmose II, during the minority of her stepson Thutmose III. She ruled in her own right for approximately 21 years, adopting full pharaonic regalia including the double crown and false beard. Her reign was marked by extensive temple-building, the erection of obelisks at Karnak, and the successful Punt expedition.
The Deir el-Bahari complex was built on a site considered the entrance to the underworld in Theban religion. It shares the valley with the earlier temple of Mentuhotep II and the later temple of Thutmose III, all oriented toward a gap in the cliffs that aligns with Amun’s sanctuary at Karnak across the Nile.
In November 1997, Deir el-Bahari was the site of the Luxor massacre, in which 62 tourists and Egyptian workers were killed by militants — an event that led to major changes in security protocols at archaeological sites throughout the country.
What to See
Punt Expedition Reliefs
Painted limestone reliefs on the middle colonnade show the full journey to Punt — Egyptian ships, the queen of Punt, tropical trees, and the return cargo — in extraordinary detail.
Divine Birth Narrative
The north colonnade depicts the story of Hatshepsut's divine conception with the god Amun — a mythological legitimization of female rule.
Hathor Chapel
A dedicated chapel on the south side of the third terrace retains painted reliefs in unusually good condition, with Hathor depicted as a cow sheltering the royal figure.
Clifftop Setting
Three colonnaded terraces rise against towering natural cliffs — the combination of architecture and landscape makes the approach one of Egypt's most striking visual experiences.
Statuary Fragments
Restored Osirid statues of Hatshepsut line the upper terrace colonnade, many reassembled from thousands of fragments deliberately smashed and buried after her death.
Photo Gallery
Visitor Information
Daily 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
⛔ Closed: NeverModest dress required
Photography is free
Partially accessible
💡 Visitor Tips
Location & Map
🚕 How to Get There
Located on the west bank of Luxor at Deir el-Bahari; cross the Nile by public ferry (LE 2) or tourist ferry, then take a taxi or tuk-tuk approximately 5 km to the temple.
