Overview
Hatshepsut Temple, known in antiquity as Djeser-Djeseru, meaning "Holiest of the Holy," is the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, who ruled Egypt as pharaoh during the 18th Dynasty. Set against the limestone cliffs of Deir el-Bahari on Luxor's west bank, it rises in three broad terraces linked by long ramps and fronted by colonnades. Its clean horizontal lines and dramatic desert setting make it one of the most distinctive monuments of ancient Egypt.
The temple was built during Hatshepsut's reign in the 15th century BC, and the courtier Senenmut is traditionally associated with its design. It was dedicated chiefly to the god Amun-Ra, with chapels for Hathor and Anubis, and it served both as a place of royal cult and as a statement of her legitimacy as ruler. It stands beside the earlier Middle Kingdom temple of Mentuhotep II, and its setting relates it ritually to Karnak across the Nile.
Painted reliefs on the colonnades record key themes of her reign, including the expedition to the land of Punt and the scenes of her divine birth. After her death many of her images and statues were defaced or removed, yet substantial parts of the monument survived. Long-running conservation and reconstruction work, including by Polish-Egyptian teams, has restored much of the upper levels. Today the temple is one of Luxor's most visited sites, often combined with the Valley of the Kings.
What to see
- 01The three grand terraces and long central ramps rising toward the cliff
- 02Punt Expedition reliefs on the colonnade showing a famed trading voyage
- 03Divine birth scenes that present Hatshepsut as the chosen child of Amun
- 04Chapels of Hathor and Anubis, with colorful reliefs and columns
Visitor tips
- Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon, since the site is open, sun-exposed and offers little shade.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, water and comfortable shoes, as visiting involves walking and climbing ramps.
- Check current opening hours and ticket details at the official source before you go, and consider pairing the visit with the Valley of the Kings.
Frequently asked questions
Who built Hatshepsut Temple?
It was built for Queen Hatshepsut, who ruled Egypt as pharaoh in the 18th Dynasty. Her official Senenmut is traditionally associated with its design.
Where is Hatshepsut Temple located?
It lies at Deir el-Bahari on the west bank of the Nile at Luxor, set against the cliffs of the Theban hills near the Valley of the Kings.
What is Hatshepsut Temple famous for?
It is known for its dramatic terraced design set into the cliffs, its colonnades, and reliefs depicting the expedition to Punt and her divine birth.
