Valley of the Queens

The Valley of the Queens, known in ancient times as Ta-Set-Neferu ("Place of Beauty"), is the burial site of the wives and children of pharaohs from the 19th and 20th Dynasties. Located near the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of Luxor, this necropolis contains around 90 tombs, though only a handful are open to visitors.

Tomb of Nefertari

The crown jewel of the Valley of the Queens is the Tomb of Nefertari (QV66), wife of Ramesses II, widely considered the most beautiful tomb in all of Egypt. The walls are covered with vivid, perfectly preserved paintings depicting Nefertari's journey through the afterlife, with brilliant colors that appear almost freshly painted despite being over 3,000 years old. Access is limited and requires a separate premium ticket to help preserve this masterpiece.

Other Notable Tombs

Other open tombs include those of Prince Amunherkhepshef and Prince Khaemwaset, sons of Ramesses III, both featuring well-preserved reliefs showing the young princes being led by their father to meet the gods of the underworld.