Temple of Hatshepsut at Luxor, Egypt

The Temple of Hatshepsut is a prominent mortuary temple of Ancient Egypt, situated at Deir el-Bahri on the west bank of the Nile, near Luxor. Built in the 15th century BC by the architect Senenmut, it honored Hatshepsut, one of the few women to rule Egypt as pharaoh (reigned c. 1479–1458 BC). The temple is set against the cliffs of the Theban mountains, integrating natural rock formations into its architectural design.

The temple rises in three broad terraces to a height of about 30 meters, each fronted by colonnades and decorated with statues and reliefs. The terraces are connected by long ramps that lead visitors up to the upper level. In antiquity, the forecourt was planted with trees and had pools; today the temple is surrounded by bare desert. The sanctuary of Amun is cut directly into the cliff behind the upper terrace.

The walls of the temple are decorated with detailed colored reliefs depicting both Hatshepsut’s reign and scenes from the life of ancient Egyptians. Notable depictions include the transport of obelisks to Karnak in the southern part of the lower portico, the divine birth of Hatshepsut in the northern portico, and the queen’s expedition to the land of Punt, illustrated on the southern portico of the second terrace.

Much of the temple has been restored by a Polish-Egyptian mission, and all three terraces can be visited, although some inner chapels are closed. The terraces and ramps offer commanding views of the desert and the Nile Valley. The site is usually visited from Luxor, on Nile cruises or on day trips from Hurghada (about four hours by road each way), often together with the Valley of the Kings and the Colossi of Memnon. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis”.

In 2026, the ticket for foreign visitors costs 440 EGP and is paid by card. The temple is open daily from 6:00 to 17:00 (until 18:00 in summer); come early to avoid the heat and the tour groups.