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Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple: Masterpiece of Egypt’s Female Pharaoh

SUMMARY: Visit the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a stunning three-tiered masterpiece carved into the cliffs of Luxor's West Bank. This is the "hidden gem" of Deir el-Bahri, built by Egypt's most powerful female pharaoh. Explore the famous Punt Colonnade, which details her legendary trade expedition, and the Birth Colonnade, which claims her divine right to rule. It's an architectural wonder and an essential stop on any Valley of the Kings tour.

EFT Team

Published: July 16, 2026

Updated: July 16, 2026

5 min read

Ancient Temples, Luxor Attractions, Top Attractions

Of all the monuments on Luxor’s West Bank, one stands alone in its breathtaking, modern beauty. This is the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a stunning, three-tiered masterpiece of white limestone that looks as if it were built yesterday. This is not a dark, hidden tomb. It is a vast, open-air temple, one of the most beautiful in the world, built by one of the most powerful and fascinating rulers in history. Its official name is Djeser-Djeseru, meaning “Holy of Holies,” and it stands in a stunning natural amphitheater in the cliffs of Deir el-Bahri (“The Northern Monastery”). A visit here is an essential, awe-inspiring part of any Luxor tour.

Who Was Queen Hatshepsut?

Hatshepsut (18th Dynasty) was a “pharaoh” in a world of kings. She was the longest-reigning female pharaoh in Egyptian history, ruling for over 20 prosperous and peaceful years.

She was not born to be the sole ruler, but after her husband (Thutmose II) died, she became regent for her young stepson (Thutmose III). Within a few years, she broke with all tradition and had herself crowned as pharaoh, adopting the full titles, regalia, and even the “false beard” of kingship.

This temple was her masterpiece—a giant piece of propaganda in stone, designed by her loyal architect, Senenmut, to prove to the world that her rule was legitimate and divine.

Your Guided Tour: What to See at the Temple

The temple is a stunning series of three massive terraces connected by long, sloping ramps. As you ascend, you are walking through the story she wanted to tell.

The Lower Terrace

This large courtyard was once a lush garden. Ancient texts say it was planted with unfamiliar myrrh trees brought back from the famous expedition to Punt.

The Middle Terrace: The Storybook in Stone

This is where the temple’s most famous stories are carved.

The Punt Colonnade (To the South): This is the main event! These beautiful, painted reliefs tell the full story of Hatshepsut’s legendary trading expedition to the Land of Punt (modern-day Somalia or Eritrea). You can see the Egyptian ships, the unfamiliar houses-on-stilts of the Puntites, and the unfamiliar goods they brought back, including myrrh trees, ivory, and baboons.
The Birth Colonnade (To the North): This is Hatshepsut’s ultimate political statement. The reliefs here tell a divine story: that the god Amun himself took the form of her father (Thutmose I) and visited her mother, making Hatshepsut the literal “daughter of god” and her claim to the throne undeniable.
The Hathor & Anubis Chapels: At the ends of this terrace are two small, beautiful, and well-preserved chapels. The Hathor Chapel features unique columns with the face of the cow-eared goddess of love. The Anubis Chapel has stunningly vibrant colors, honoring the god of mummification.

The Upper Terrace: The “Holy of Holies”

This was the most sacred part of the temple, with a grand entrance ramp flanked by colossal Osiride statues of Hatshepsut as the god Osiris. This terrace leads directly to the Sanctuary of Amun, a chapel cut deep into the mountain cliff itself.

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The Mystery of the “Defaced” Queen

As you walk through the temple, your Egypt Fun Tours guide will point out a historical mystery. In many places, the figure and cartouche (name) of Hatshepsut have been systematically chiseled out of the walls.

Who Did It? It was done decades after her death, likely by her stepson, Thutmose III, or his son, Amenhotep II.
Why? For years, it was believed to be an act of personal, jealous revenge. Today, most historians believe it was a cold, political act. By erasing the precedent of a successful female pharaoh, Thutmose III was “restoring ma’at” (the natural order) and ensuring that no woman could challenge his own son’s right to rule.

How to Visit: Tips for Your Tour

Location: On the West Bank of Luxor, in the Deir el-Bahri valley.

Tour Combinations: It is an essential part of every West Bank tour. The perfect Egypt Fun Tours itinerary is:

Valley of the Kings (in the cool of the morning)
Hatshepsut’s Temple (mid-morning)
Colossi of Memnon (a quick photo stop on your way back)

How Long: A visit takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Best Time to Go: Go as early as possible (it opens at 6 AM) or in the late afternoon (it closes at 5 PM). The temple is a giant, open “sun trap” and gets extremely hot by midday.

Let us guide you through the story of this incredible woman and her timeless, architectural masterpiece.

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