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The Tomb of Queen Nefertari: Egypt’s “Sistine Chapel” in the Valley of the Queens

Prepare to be amazed. The Tomb of Queen Nefertari (QV66) in the Valley of the Queens is, quite simply, the most beautiful tomb in all of Egypt. A masterpiece of New Kingdom art, it was built for the beloved Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II. Step inside to see walls covered in breathtaking, vibrant paintings that look as if they were painted yesterday. Follow Nefertari's detailed journey to the afterlife as she plays the senet game and is guided by the gods. Often called the "Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt," it requires a separate special ticket, but it provides an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget.

EFT Team
September 15, 2021
Updated: November 7, 2025

Queen Nefertari’s tomb

The tomb of Queen Nefertari, located in the Valley of the Queens on the west bank of Luxor, is one of Egypt’s most stunning tombs. This tomb has many “wow” aspects. The detail is incredible, and the colors are more brilliant than any of Egypt’s other tombs, temples, or pyramids. Put the tomb of Queen Nefertari on your list if you want to see what tombs were like 3,000 years ago.

This tomb is expensive, costing 1,400 EGP (approximately USD 90 as of January 2021). Is it, therefore, worthwhile? YES, we believe so. The tomb of Queen Nefertari is breathtakingly magnificent, and you will all be awestruck as you stroll inside it. The public remained unable to access the tomb unless they bought a special permission for a single visit, costing 20,000 Egyptian pounds. Take a look at our photo tour above in the gallery to see for yourself. But first, a bit of background about Queen Nefertari and her tomb.

The Significance of the Valley of the Queens

The Valley of the Queens is a testament to ancient Egyptian grandeur. It is nestled near the historic city of Thebes. Ancient Egyptians created this burial site specifically for the queens and royal children of the New Kingdom (1550-1070 BCE). Unlike the more famous Valley of the Kings, this site provided a secluded and secure resting place for these high-status individuals.

Many tombs here are remarkably well-preserved. They include the tomb of Queen Nefertari. These tombs showcase art and inscriptions that offer invaluable insights into the religious beliefs and everyday life of ancient Egypt. Architects designed the tombs with elaborate, ornate decorations. They feature vibrant wall paintings and detailed hieroglyphs. These continue to captivate historians and tourists today.

The Valley of the Queens holds great cultural significance. Its intricate artistry and construction styles highlight the reverence ancient Egyptians had for their queens. They also underscore the importance of the afterlife in Egyptian culture. This crucial archaeological site helps us understand the roles and reverence given to royal women in ancient Egyptian society.

Interesting facts about Queen Nefertari and her tomb

Ramesses II’s (also known as Ramesses the Great) first queen and most cherished wife was Queen Nefertari. She not only had one of the most beautiful graves in the Valley of the Kings and Queens, but Ramesses II also built her a temple, the Small Temple at Abu Simbel, to commemorate her.

Nefertari Merytmut is her full name, which means “most lovely, goddess Mut’s favorite.”
Queen Nefertari’s tomb, QV66, is one of the Valley of the Queens’ biggest. It is 520 square meters and is adorned with vibrant Queen Nefertari murals.

Her sarcophagus formerly stood in the center of the chamber, but tomb robbers took everything, including the concealed riches and Queen Nefertari’s mummy. When the tomb was unearthed in 1904, all that was discovered were Nefertari’s mummified knees. The tomb was discovered by Ernesto Schiaparelli, the director of the Egyptian Museum in Turin, who led the excavation. This significant find highlighted the expertise and dedication of Schiaparelli and his team, shedding light on the burial practices of ancient Egyptian royalty.

Discovery of the Tomb

The discovery of the tomb was initially underwhelming. It lacked preserved artifacts. However, it still provided priceless insights into the life and death of Queen Nefertari. Schiaparelli’s work helped to piece together the historical puzzle. It made a substantial contribution to Egyptology. The discovered artifacts have since been donated to the Egyptian Museum.

The Symbolic Headdress

Queen Nefertari’s headdress was more than just a beautiful piece of royal regalia. It held deep symbolic significance. The design imitated the protective vulture goddess, Nekhbet. Egyptians revered Nekhbet as a guardian of the pharaohs and a symbol of Upper Egypt. By wearing the headdress, Nefertari visually affirmed her role as a protector and powerful figure within the kingdom.

The vulture motif also represented maternal protection and royalty. Ancient Egyptians believed that Nekhbet’s presence would provide divine safeguarding to the queen and the entire realm. The headdress was not just an adornment. It was a powerful statement of Nefertari’s divine authority and protective duties.

Tomb Artistry and Meaning

Artists depicted Nefertari in beautifully colorful paintings on the tomb’s walls. These paintings demonstrate how much her husband adored her. Intricate wall paintings capture various scenes from her life and Egyptian mythology. The ceiling features painted stars to represent the night sky. This creates a celestial ambiance within the chamber.

The tomb’s walls also feature several chapters from the Book of the Dead. These sacred texts instruct Nefertari on how to transform into a bird in the afterlife. Artists meticulously illustrated these texts. They integrated them into the wall paintings, which added both artistic and spiritual depth to the tomb’s decoration.

The Importance of the Goddess Ma’at in Nefertari’s Tomb

Ma’at: The Embodiment of Truth and Order

In ancient Egyptian belief, Ma’at represented more than just a deity; she symbolized the fundamental concepts of truth, balance, and cosmic order. Her presence in the tomb of Queen Nefertari, who was the wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II, underscores the profound respect the Egyptians had for these principles.

Ma’at in the New Kingdom

Dating back to the New Kingdom’s 19th Dynasty, specifically during Ramesses II‘s reign (circa 1279-1213 BC), Ma’at’s depiction in Nefertari’s tomb highlights the continuity of her worship. This period is known for its monumental architecture and rich artistic achievements, often aimed at ensuring the deceased’s rightful place in the afterlife.

Nefertari’s Tomb: A Sacred Canvas

The goddess Ma’at, who represents truth, order, and cosmic balance, plays a significant role in the tomb of Queen Nefertari. Artists featured her artwork in tomb QV66, where it serves multiple purposes.

Her presence provides spiritual protection. By decorating Nefertari’s final resting place, Ma’at ensures the queen’s soul is judged fairly in the afterlife. As a symbol of order, her image reassures that the balance maintained during Nefertari’s life would continue beyond death. Ma’at’s role in the weighing of the heart, a key event in the journey through the Duat (the underworld), reaffirms her importance. Scenes on the tomb walls show Nefertari’s passage through this afterlife process, where Ma’at’s principles would ensure her successful journey to eternal peace.

The Artistic Representation and Preservation

The depiction of Ma’at in the tomb is more than decorative. The vivid colors and detailed portrayal aim to invoke Ma’at’s divine presence within the tomb. This not only honors the goddess but also acts as a testament to Nefertari’s rightful and balanced existence.

The tomb has been opened and closed to the public several times since its discovery in 1904. To prevent degradation from water damage, salt formation, and bacterial growth, restorers meticulously restored the murals about 30 years ago.

Nefertari and Thoth

Chapter 94 of the Book of the Dead features a significant scene. It depicts Queen Nefertari, one of ancient Egypt’s most revered queens, interacting with the deity Thoth. Thoth, who serves as a scribe, is shown with the head of an ibis. He stands before Nefertari in a detailed painting on the north wall of the east side chamber. The queen stands respectfully, which shows her esteemed place in the afterlife rituals.

This chapter highlights the profound cultural and spiritual connection between the queen and the ancient Egyptian pantheon. The artwork captures the religious reverence and immortalizes Nefertari’s status in the death rituals.

Nefertari’s Tomb Referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt”

Nefertari’s tomb, nestled in the Valley of the Queens near Thebes, stands out as one of the most exquisite and well-preserved burial sites from ancient Egypt. This tomb isn’t just a resting place; it’s a testament to the grandeur and artistry of ancient Egyptian culture.

Exceptional Preservation and Decoration

Nefertari’s tomb is renowned for its remarkably well-preserved state. The vibrant murals that adorn the walls have survived centuries, showcasing scenes of the queen’s journey through the afterlife in stunning detail. The colors remain vivid, and the intricate artwork offers a glimpse into the sophisticated techniques and materials used by ancient Egyptian artisans.

Artistic Mastery Comparable to the Sistine Chapel

People often compare the tomb to the Sistine Chapel because of its extraordinary artistic value. Just as admirers celebrate Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Vatican for its beauty and complexity, Nefertari’s tomb captivates visitors with its breathtaking decor. Artists cover every surface of the burial chamber with symbolic, religious, and mythological imagery, crafting it with a level of skill that rivals the Renaissance genius.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Nefertari herself was a figure of great importance, playing a significant role in the political sphere during the reign of her husband, Pharaoh Ramses II. The opulence of her tomb reflects her esteemed status and influence. This cultural and historic significance adds another layer to the reason people often call her tomb the Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt—both serve as monumental testaments to the eras they represent.

Discovery and Legacy

Archaeologist Ernesto Schiaparelli discovered the tomb of Nefertari in 1904. It quickly became famous for its splendor. The discovery felt like uncovering a buried treasure. Every artifact and decoration provided insights into Nefertari’s life and the artistry of her time. The tomb’s artistic brilliance has been compared to the Sistine Chapel. This highlights its historical and artistic importance. The tomb’s discovery has greatly improved our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture.

To prevent further damage from visitors’ breath and humidity, the tomb has previously limited the number of daily visitors. This is why the ticket price remains high.

The Divine Presence in the Tomb

Detailed depictions of various deities adorn the walls of Nefertari’s tomb. These include Serket, Isis, Khepri, and Hathor. Osiris is prominently positioned above the entrance, while Horus also appears.

Significance of the Goddess Isis Offering the Ankh

A painting in the burial chamber shows the goddess Isis presenting the ankh to Queen Nefertari. This image is rich in symbolism. It conveys a deep spiritual meaning.

The ankh, often called the “key of life,” represents life, immortality, and divine breath. When Isis offers the ankh, she is giving Nefertari the gift of eternal life.

Isis, a powerful goddess, is known for her magic and protection. Her act of giving the ankh symbolizes divine favor. It assures Nefertari a blessed afterlife. This scene reinforces the belief that Nefertari will have safe passage to the afterlife. It shows she will have a favored place due to her piety and the gods’ blessings.

Located near the ancient city of Thebes, Nefertari’s tomb is one of the most decorated in the Valley of the Queens. The imagery, especially scenes with deities like Isis, highlights the cultural and religious values of the time. The painting of Isis offering the ankh is a symbol of eternal life, divine favor, and reverence for the queen’s spiritual journey.

Tomb of Queen Nefertari in Photos:

The regulations for taking photos change regularly. As of January 2021, visitors can take mobile photography without purchasing a camera ticket. The venue does not permit cameras (even DSLRs without a flash), GoPros, or point-and-shoot cameras. Without using a flash, I captured all of the images in this post using a cellphone.

The photographs do not do the tomb credit since the lights in the tomb produce a yellow haze. We changed the white balance but did not improve the color saturation.

The Depiction of Queen Nefertari Making an Offering in Her Tomb

Artists portray Queen Nefertari, the esteemed Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II, with elegance and reverence in her tomb. In the mural, she performs a sacred ritual, holding two Nu vases in a gesture of devotion.

The artwork illustrates Nefertari garbed in intricate royal attire, embodying her esteemed status. The scene encapsulates her role in the spiritual realm, emphasizing her dedication to the gods. The artist meticulously captures her beauty and regal presence, highlighting her significance in Ancient Egyptian culture.

Egyptian Art: Expressing Nobility and Vitality

Ancient Egyptians were pioneers in capturing the human form’s nobility and vitality through art. Their artworks reflect a deep appreciation for the human body’s balance and elegance. Egyptian art prioritized harmony in the human form. Artists emphasized the shoulders and the body’s structure. This keen attention to alignment created a sense of beauty and balance.

Figures in Egyptian art often have straight backs and high-held heads. This posture was a deliberate artistic choice, not a limitation. It symbolizes confidence and strength. It represents the subjects’ triumphant spirit. Some might view the stiff, erect depictions as a sign of artistic incompetence. However, these forms celebrate life’s vigor. Artists conveyed vitality and an optimistic outlook by committing to these specific depictions.

Ancient Egyptian art masterfully captured human nobility and vitality. Through balanced postures and confident stances, their art remains a testament to their sophisticated understanding of both the human form and spirit.

Is it worthwhile to visit Queen Nefertari’s tomb?

Yes, in our opinion, the tomb of Queen Nefertari is worth the high price. Firstly, with its brilliant colors and intricate artwork, it is Egypt’s most magnificent tomb. Moreover, the Valley of the Kings contains the tombs of King Seti I and Ramesses V and VI. However, there is an extra charge for these tombs, which are highly colorful and intricately decorated. Ultimately, the tomb of Queen Nefertari is by far the greatest tomb from ancient Egypt.

We strongly advise you to see it. If you’re traveling with children, consider their age before paying for their visit. There is no concession for children. However, if they are old enough to remember the experience, it’s worth paying for them. They will remember it for the rest of their lives. If you’ve traveled to Egypt, it’s worth spending a little extra money to visit one of the country’s most magnificent sights.

PRICES OF TICKETS:

The Tomb of Queen Nefertari has an additional fee of 1400 Egyptian pounds.

The entrance fee to the Valley of the Queens is 220 EGP. This brings the total cost to 1620 EGP to view Queen Nefertari’s tomb. However, your admission ticket allows you to see three more tombs in the Valley of the Queens.

OPERATIONAL HOURS:

Winter hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Summer hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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