Gateway to the Pharaohs
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PHONE: 1 877 260 3950
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is one of the most remarkable ancient monuments in Egypt, which surely you will love to visit. The temple was built to honour Queen Hatshepsut, one of the most successful pharaohs in Egyptian history.
Today, the temple is a popular tourist destination, and it's easy to see why - its stunning architecture and beautiful setting make it an extraordinary place. Here are a few reasons why you will love visiting the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut.
The first thing you will notice when visiting the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is its stunning architecture.
The temple was built into a cliff face, and its design is a mix of Ancient Egyptian and Classical Greek styles. The result is a truly unique building that looks, unlike any other temple in Egypt.
As you wander around the temple, you can't help but be impressed by its scale and complexity. Even if you're not an expert on Ancient Egyptian architecture, it's impossible not to appreciate the skill and artistry that went into building this incredible monument.
When you visit the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, you feel like you're stepping back in time. The temple has been incredibly well preserved and gives visitors a rare glimpse into Ancient Egyptian culture and religious beliefs.
Another reason you will love visiting the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is its beautiful setting. The temple is located in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains. It's easy to forget that you're in Egypt, standing in front of the temple - it feels like you've been entirely transported to another world. If you're looking for a place to escape Cairo's heat and the hustle and bustle, this is it!
This guide will cover the history and architecture of the temple. It will also try to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting the site, such as What is the best time to visit? What are the entrance fees? What are the opening times? And more...
The temple is situated at the foot of a cliff, and two giant statues of sphinxes flank its entrance. The main structure consists of three levels: a courtyard and an arcade. The first level contains a series of chapels dedicated to various gods, including Hathor and Anubis. The second level includes a large hypostyle hall with eight columns, while the third contains an open court with a sanctuary.
The temple walls are decorated with reliefs depicting scenes from Hatshepsut's life, including her coronation and her expedition to Punt (modern-day Somalia). There are also depictions of gods such as Amun-Ra, Horus, Anubis, and Hathor. In addition to these reliefs, paintings on some of the walls depict scenes from daily life in ancient Egypt.
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is an impressive example of ancient Egyptian architecture and artistry. Its design reflects both religious and political aspects of Hatshepsut's reign as Pharaoh. It stands as a testament to her power and influence over Egypt during her lifetime. It is also an important reminder of how much we can learn about ancient civilizations through their monuments and artefacts.
The terraces of the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut are truly remarkable monuments that have stood for thousands of years, providing visitors with an insight into ancient Egyptian culture and history
The lower terrace measures 120 m (390 ft) deep by 75 m (246 ft) wide and is enclosed by a wall with a single 2 m (6.6 ft) wide entrance gate at its east side. This terrace features two Persea trees, two T-shaped basins which held papyri and flowers, and two recumbent lion statues on the ramp balustrade. The 25 m (82 ft) wide porticoes contain 22 columns each, arranged in two rows,and feature relief scenes on their walls.
The middle terrace has porticoes on the west and partially the north sides and is 75 m (246 ft) deep by 90 m (300 ft) broad. The north portico has 15 columns in a single row, compared to 22 columns in two rows in the west porticoes. The most prominent reliefs from the mortuary temple can be found on the west porticoes of this elevation. The trip to the Land of Punt and the delivery of exotic commodities to Thebes are shown on the south-west portico. The north-west portico reliefs depict the story of Hatshepsut's divine conception by Thutmose I, who is shown as Amun-Re, and Ahmose. Thus, her authority was justified by both her royal descent and her righteous descendants. The first scene of its kind is this one.
The upper terrace has 26 columns that are each fronted with an Osiride figure of Hatshepsut that is 5.2 meters (17 feet) tall. A granite gate, which served as the entrance to the festival courtyard, splits them in the middle. The Hedjet of Upper Egypt is carried by the southern colossi, while the Pschent of Lower Egypt is carried by the northern colossi, representing this separation geographically as well. The portico at this location brings the story of the porticoes before it to a conclusion with Hatshepsut's coronation as the ruler of Upper and Lower Egypt. The courtyard is encircled by pillars that are two rows thick on the north, east, and south sides and three rows deep on the west side. It is believed that the standing and kneeling sculptures of Pharaoh Hatshepsut once filled the eight smaller and ten larger niches that were cut into the west wall. Relief carvings can be seen on the surviving walls.
A shrine dedicated to the goddess Hathor is at the south end of the middle terrace of Deir el-Bahari. It is accessed by a ramp from the lower deck and contains two hypostyle halls, a vestibule, and a double sanctuary.
Reliefs on the walls depict Hathor with Hatshepsut, Weret-hekhau presenting Hatshepsut with a Menat necklace, and Senenmut. Hathor holds special significance in Thebes and Hatshepsut, who introduced herself as a reincarnation of the goddess.
The Anubis shrine at the north end of the middle terrace is a miniature shrine dedicated to the god Anubis. It consists of a hypostyle hall with 12 columns arranged into three rows of four, followed by two rooms that end in a small niche.
The walls are decorated with images of offerings and cult activity, including a relief showing Anubis escorting Hatshepsut to the shrine. The name Anubis was used to designate the heir to the throne, which is associated with the reliefs depicting Hatshepsut's divine birth.
The sanctuary of Amun, located at the back of Hatshepsut's temple, is the pivotal point of the temple. Inside, there is a chapel that houses the barque of Amun and a skylight that allows light to flood onto the statue of Amun.
The lintel of the red granite entrance depicts two Amuns seated upon a throne with kings kneeling in submission before them. Inside the hall are scenes of offerings presented by Hatshepsut and Thutmose I, four Osiride statues of Hatshepsut in the corners, and six figures of Amun occupying the niches.
The tympanum contains cartouches containing Hatshepsut's name flanked and apostrophically guarded by those of Amun-Re. This chamber was also used for the annual Beautiful Festival of the Valley.
The second chamber of Hatshepsut's temple contained a cult image of Amun, flanked by two chapels with reliefs depicting the gods of the Heliopolitan and Theban Enneads. The third chamber contained a statue around which the 'Daily Ritual' was performed, and it is believed to have been constructed during Hatshepsut's reign.
The mortuary cult complex in the temple of Hatshepsut was located south of the courtyard. It consisted of two offering halls, one dedicated to Thutmose I and one to Hatshepsut.
The offering hall of Hatshepsut was more extensive than that of Thutmose I, measuring 13.25 m (43.5 ft) deep by 5.25 m (17.2 ft) wide with a vaulted ceiling 6.35 m (20.8 ft) high. Both halls contained red granite false doors, scenes of animal sacrifice, offerings and offering-bearers, priests performing rituals, and the chapel's owner seated before a table receiving those offerings. Scenes from the offering hall were direct copies of those present in the Pyramid of Pepi II from the end of the Sixth Dynasty.
By Foot
The temple can be reached by foot from Luxor, although it is challenging. The best way to get there is to take a taxi from Luxor to the ferry crossing at Al-Karnak, then cross over to the west bank by ferry. Once on the west bank, you will need to walk for around two or three kilometres until you reach the temple entrance.
By Taxi
If you want to visit the Temple of Hatshepsut by taxi you are best to jump on the ferry across to the west bank and once there you can easily find a taxi. The fare will be around EGP30-40.
Take a tour
The best way to visit the Temple of Hatshepsut and other sites on the west bank is to take a guide tour. Most tours will include the Valley of the Kings & Queens, the Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Hatshepsut. They can be booked before you leave for Egypt or from any of the local travel agencies in Luxor.
The best time to visit the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is between October and April, when temperatures are mild, and there is less chance of rain. This period also coincides with Egypt's peak tourist season, so that you can expect larger crowds and higher prices. However, if you are looking for a quieter experience, visiting during the summer months from May to September may be more suitable.
Entrance to Hatshepsut's temple will cost you around £6.20 per person. That works out to EGP140 (Egyptian Pounds).
*Prices are subject to change. Please check the official website for up-to-date pricing.
The site is open from 8 am to 5 pm every day except for Fridays when it closes at 4 pm.
Wear Appropriate Shoes
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is located in the desert, meaning the ground can be quite sandy and uneven. To avoid slipping or tripping, wear closed-toe shoes with good traction. Don't wear flip-flops or other sandals, as they will not provide enough support or grip.
Stay Hydrated
It's also important to stay hydrated when visiting the temple, especially if you're visiting during the hotter months. The desert sun can be intense, so drink plenty of water and take breaks in the shade when needed. It's also a good idea to avoid drinking alcohol as it will only intensify the effects of dehydration.
Wear Sun Protection
In addition to staying hydrated, protecting yourself from the sun is essential. Make sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Also, try to avoid being in direct sunlight for extended periods. Visit the temple early or late in the afternoon when the sun is not as intense.
Overall, visiting the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is an unforgettable experience that allows visitors to explore an ancient monument that has stood for thousands of years. The temple offers insight into the life and times of one of Egypt's most influential female rulers and a glimpse into the culture and beliefs that shaped ancient Egyptian society.
Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut.This is a notebook Journal with lined pages. The cover photo is part of a unique collection taken by the artist, from visits to over 100 countries around the world.Writing journal entries will help you put things in perspective and allow you to express yourself.Find the full collection at DifferentThingsLiam.wordpress.com
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