Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor

• By
• 04 March 2025
• Egypt Landmarks

Location of Hatshepsut Temple

The Temple of Hatshepsut is situated in Deir el-Bahari, on the Nile's western bank, in Luxor. It is an impressive edifice constructed by Queen Hatshepsut (ca. 1473–1458 BC), who ruled Egypt as pharaoh. It stands just opposite the Karnak Temple, which was once the great sanctuary of the god Amun. The temple is also called Djeser-djeseru, or "the Holy of Holies," and the chief steward of Amun and Hatshepsut's architect, Senenmut, was responsible for its design.

The temple has a unique layout of three terraces, each terminating in colonnades. At the third level, there is an open court beyond the portico. Along the pillars of the upper levels stand statues of Hatshepsut as Osiris (the ancient Egyptian god of the dead), with admiration of their funerary pose bringing grandeur to the design. Set against the immense cliffs of the Theban Mountains, the whole sight certainly becomes a visual treat that delights immensely during a day tour of Luxor or any of the afternoon Luxor excursions.

Why Hatshepsut's Temple Is an Architectural Marvel

The day trip to Luxor can't be without a visit to the Hatshepsut Temple. This mortuary temple over 3000 years old, erected in the Eighteenth Dynasty, still stands as the best-preserved example of ancient Egyptian architecture. On the western bank of the Nile, directly opposite what used to be the ancient city of Thebes (and what is now modern-day Luxor), the temple stands proudly as evidence of Queen Hatshepsut's grand ambition and vision.

Unlike the standard temple constructed on the eastern side, the western bank temple involves a series of three terraced platforms connected by long ramps, each fronted by open colonnades. These terraces were carved into the limestone cliffs, integrating nature and architecture harmoniously. A limestone row of statues stood in front of the columns of the second terrace, representing the god Osiris as well as Queen Hatshepsut. Most of the original statues have since been destroyed or lost, but some remain nearly perfectly intact, giving the world a glimpse into the artistry of the ancient Egyptians.

Visiting the Temple of Hatshepsut is ranked among the top sites to see in and around Luxor, especially for those interested in history, art, and architecture. Whether on a guided tour in Luxor or exploring on their own, visitors gain an immensely powerful sense of the grandeur and refinement of ancient Egyptian civilization.

 The History of Hatshepsut Temple

Hatshepsut was among Egypt's most successful pharaohs and is remembered as having brought unmatched prosperity, cultural refinement, and architectural grandeur to her nation. Among her many accomplishments was one of ancient Egypt's most successful trade missions, which she dispatched to the Land of Punt—believed to be present-day Eritrea in East Africa—and which returned laden with gold, ebony, exotic animals, and precious incense. These expeditions served to make Egypt extremely rich during her reign.

To ensure her legacy, Hatshepsut commissioned the construction of several monumental structures that still stand today, most notably the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari. This grandiose funerary temple, which features multiple levels of colonnades, is where she was eventually buried. She also ordered the construction of two 100-foot-tall obelisks at the Karnak Temple complex; amazingly, one still stands today.

Although traditional depictions of pharaohs were masculinity itself—athletic bodies with ritual beards—Hatshepsut ensured that her depictions, although conforming to these traditional conventions, also depicted her true self as a woman. She was referred to with titles like "Her Majesty herself" and "daughter of Ra" in temple paintings and texts, signifying her female lineage along with her royal authority. These artistic aspects can still be seen and are admired during any Luxor day tour or Luxor excursions that include the site.

Her reign expired in 1458 BC, and it would be over 1,400 years before another woman—Cleopatra—would reach so exalted a position in Egypt. No Luxor day trip is complete without visiting the remains of this great queen. For history enthusiasts and visitors in search of jaw-dropping attractions, the Temple of Hatshepsut remains one of the most iconic Luxor activities.0

A Guide to Visiting the Temple of Hatshepsut

How to get to the Temple of Hatshepsut
In order to visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, visitors must travel to the Deir el-Bahari cliffs on the west bank of the Nile River in what was once the city of Thebes (now Luxor). The temple is usually included in a full tour of Luxor excursions, particularly those that also include the Valley of the Kings, which is nearby.

There are several ways to reach the temple. One of the most common is to join a Luxor day tour that includes transportation and a guide. Another common choice is to visit the temple as part of a Nile cruise package, as most cruises stop at this temple as part of their historical itinerary.

For those who are already in Luxor, the temple is approximately 5.4 kilometers from the city center and can easily be accessed by taxi. Independent travelers can arrange a day trip to the Luxor sites and fit the temple into their personalized schedule. Whether by group or independent travel, a trip to this temple is an unbeatable visual and historical treat that's normally given priority in any Luxor adventure tour.

Schedules
The Temple of Hatshepsut is open to visitors every day from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The recommended visit duration is one hour. Due to the intense heat of the site, a morning or late afternoon visit works best. But exact timing will depend on the order of stops in the general Luxor tours that you join.

The most convenient and enlightening way to view the temple is through a guided Luxor day tour, particularly one that also stops at the Valley of the Kings. This ensures a guarantee of historical context and a fixed schedule. It is also notable that the site involves climbing many flights of stairs, which can be challenging for people with limited mobility, motor impairment, or physical restrictions.

For tourists compiling their list of things to do in Luxor, the Temple of Hatshepsut is not only an architectural wonder but also a tribute to one of the most successful women rulers in history.

The Story Behind Hatshepsut’s Temple

Visit the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, a breathtaking monument carved directly into the limestone cliffs that rise dramatically above the desert valley of Deir el-Bahari. From a distance, the temple is an imposing and unforgettable image that overwhelms the imagination of everyone who comes to see it.

The temple is credited to architect Senenmut's design, who most historians theorize was closely affiliated with Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's legendary female pharaoh who ruled for decades and conquered numerous wars. The building probably began in her seventh year of rule and continued until the twenty-first year. The temple is specially constructed: one section of it is carved directly from the rock face, and the other part projects outwards over three broad terraces.

The temple has a series of columns, each distinct. Most noteworthy are those supporting the chamber of Hathor, whose capitals were carved out in the shape of the goddess's head; the ceiling of this chamber has since vanished. Columns along the third terrace are present, some of which have carvings of Osiris, the dead god.

On the second level, visitors find the Corridor of the Captives and the Chapel of Anubis, beautifully decorated with vibrant paintings depicting sacrifices to the gods. Remarkably, these murals survived in a good amount of their original coloring, so this chapel is one of the most beautiful spots in the temple.

The temple's sanctuary is a little chamber opening onto two side rooms used for offerings and religious things. Portraits of Queen Hatshepsut and Thutmose III stand defiantly within these rooms.

Successive invasions and Egyptian turmoil saw the Temple of Hatshepsut more and more forgotten. It was rediscovered at the end of the 18th century by Napoleon Bonaparte's expedition, whereby it generated renewed interest in this archaeological treasure. The temple was fully excavated and researched in the 19th century by archaeologist Auguste Mariette and then restored with caution. Now, it remains one of Egypt's favorite historical landmarks and a tour highlight in any day Luxor tour or Luxor excursions.

Facts about the Temple of Hatshepsut

Though she was loyal to Queen Hatshepsut, the majority of her presence in the temple was deliberately removed. At her death, her brother and successor, Thutmose III, angry at her having taken the throne, ordered that many statues, inscriptions, and images of her be eradicated and replaced by those which featured his own face.

The role of the temple drastically altered with Christianity entering Egypt, as it was converted into a monastery. It caused some damage to the interior of the temple, but also retained some parts.

During the reign of Hatshepsut, the temple terraces were filled with vegetation and exotic animals to create a breathtaking garden setting. Imported trees from distant regions, as well as tiny ponds, contributed to the temple's composition and significance as it integrated nature with sacred architecture.

Design of Hatshepsut Temple

Located in Deir el-Bahari on the west bank of the Nile, near the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut is perfectly integrated with the landscape. The temple building materials are drawn from the very same limestone cliffs into which the temple is hewn, thereby creating a seamless harmony between architecture and landscape.

The architecture is seen as a fusion of features from both the Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Khonsu, combining elements of each with unique adaptations. The distinguishing feature of the temple is a slow-rising central ramp climbing into the cliff face, winding its way through a group of open terraces.

The one is a broad, open platform without side walls, exposed to the sun. The other is more differentiated, above ground level, and flanked by a covered stoa walkway. Tomb paintings and excavations indicate that these terraces once supported myrrh and frankincense trees, evidence of extravagant gardens that brought life and fragrance to the surroundings.

Beyond the terraces, the ramp continues to a hypostyle hall—a columned, high-ceilinged room—before it leads on to the sanctuary, the smallest and most sacred room. This progression of rooms features a deliberate manipulation of scale and symmetry, as the temple merges monumental grandeur and subdued harmony with nature, in contrast with the other massive temple complexes.

The stoas along the terraces are interim spaces, half-enclosed but open on one side to the sky, further blurring the lines between man-made environment and natural world. This balance is one of the largest parts of the temple's architectural genius.

Things You Can See at Hatshepsut Temple

While the temple has been victim to vandalism and natural deterioration, most tourists on Luxor tours say it remains well-preserved and a sight to behold. The temple is situated atop three huge terraces that are joined by sloping ramps. It is open daily between 6 AM and 5 PM, ready to receive visitors who want to delve into its historical past.

In front of the entrance, a lively bazaar is filled with assorted souvenirs and local relics, rounding out the cultural experience. Inside the temple, some of the key spots are the Birth Hall, the Punt Hall, the Hathor Chapel, the Anubis Chapel, and the Amun Sanctuary. Each of these contains unique artwork and architectural details illustrating the religious and political significance of the reign of Queen Hatshepsut.

For anybody undertaking a day tour of Luxor or seeking iconic experiences in Luxor, the Temple of Hatshepsut is an absolute must. Whether embarking on a Luxor adventure tour or sightseeing with a knowledgeable guide during one of the most booked Luxor tours, this temple provides us with an inspiring glimpse into ancient Egypt's history and craftsmanship.