Temple of Hatshepsut

Why it matters

A uniquely designed mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari, built for Queen Hatshepsut, one of the few women to rule Egypt as a full pharaoh. Designed by the architect Senenmut, its facade rises in three terraces that blend dramatically into the cliff face behind it. After her death, her successor Thutmose III attempted to erase her memory by destroying many of her statues and inscriptions, possibly for political reasons tied to securing his own line of succession — yet much of the temple survived regardless. The temple also includes two side chapels dedicated to the goddess Hathor and the god Anubis, decorated with columns shaped like Hathor's cow-eared head.

The temple's reliefs depict her famous trading expedition to the Land of Punt, which brought back vast quantities of incense trees, ivory, gold, and rare animal skins — the first detailed pictorial record of a maritime trading voyage in history. The reliefs also reinforce her legitimacy as pharaoh through scenes showing her being suckled by the goddess Hathor herself, and others recounting her claimed divine birth from the god Amun.

Plan your visit

Prices and hours checked October 2026. Always confirm at the ticket office. Card payment only at most ticket offices.

Your route through the temple

1. 1

   The great ramp

   Walk up the central ramp and see how Senenmut’s three terraces echo the cliff behind.

2. 2

   Punt Colonnade

   The famous trade voyage: ships, incense trees, exotic animals and the Queen of Punt.

3. 3

   Birth Colonnade

   Scenes of Hatshepsut’s divine birth from the god Amun, to prove her right to rule.

4. 4

   Chapel of Hathor

   Columns crowned with Hathor’s cow-eared face, and the queen nursed by the goddess.

5. 5

   Chapel of Anubis

   Some of the best-preserved colours in the temple, with Anubis and Hatshepsut.

6. 6

   Upper terrace

   Statues of the queen as Osiris, and the sanctuary cut into the mountain.

Good to know

• Look for chiselled-out figures: Thutmose III tried to erase her memory.
• Great view of the balloons if you visit just after a sunrise flight.