Discover Egypt’s Timeless Temples: Temple of Hatshepsut & Luxor Temple

Temple of Hatshepsut – The Splendor of Egypt’s Great Queen

Nestled beneath the dramatic cliffs of Deir el-Bahari on Luxor’s west bank, the Temple of Hatshepsut stands as one of the most striking and innovative structures of ancient Egypt. Officially known as Djeser-Djeseru („Holy of Holies“), it was built for Pharaoh Hatshepsut, Egypt’s most powerful female ruler, during the 18th Dynasty (circa 1479–1458 BC).

History and Significance

Hatshepsut’s temple was designed by her architect Senmut and served as both a mortuary temple and a site for worshipping the gods, particularly Amun-Ra. Its unique design blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings, making it a masterpiece of ancient architecture.

The temple features:

Three grand terraces connected by wide ramps
Colonnades adorned with detailed reliefs
Sanctuaries dedicated to Amun, Anubis, and Hathor
Vivid depictions of Hatshepsut’s divine birth and her expedition to the Land of Punt

Hatshepsut used the temple as a symbol of her legitimacy as pharaoh, portraying herself as both king and divine figure.

Architectural Highlights

The Terraces: Each level is supported by elegant columns and features shrines, offering chapels, and ceremonial spaces.
Relief of the Punt Expedition: One of the most famous scenes, showing Egypt’s successful trade mission to the mysterious Land of Punt, with exotic goods and animals.
Chapel of Hathor: Known for its Hathor-headed columns and detailed carvings.
Sanctuary of Amun: The temple’s innermost space, dedicated to the chief god of Thebes.

Tip: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. Combine your visit with the nearby Valley of the Kings.

Luxor Temple – The Heart of Ancient Thebes

Located in the heart of modern-day Luxor, directly on the east bank of the Nile, the Luxor Temple is one of the most iconic monuments in Egypt. Unlike most other temples, Luxor Temple was not dedicated to a single god or pharaoh but served as the spiritual center of ancient Thebes.

History and Role

Originally built by Amenhotep III (circa 1390–1352 BC) during the 18th Dynasty and later expanded by Tutankhamun, Horemheb, and Ramesses II, the temple was dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship and the celebration of religious festivals, particularly the Opet Festival.

The temple remained in use through many centuries:

Pharaonic period: Center of major religious ceremonies
Roman period: Military camp and fortress
Islamic period: Partly transformed into a mosque (Abu Haggag Mosque), still in use today

Architectural Features

First Pylon: Built by Ramesses II, decorated with battle scenes from the Battle of Kadesh.
Colossal Statues of Ramesses II: Towering seated statues flank the temple entrance.
Obelisk: Only one of the original pair remains here; the other stands at Place de la Concorde in Paris.
Peristyle Courtyard: Surrounded by stunning double rows of columns.
Hypostyle Hall: Intricately decorated, leading to the inner sanctuaries.
Chapel of Alexander the Great: Evidence of Greco-Roman influences.

The Sacred Processional Avenue

Luxor Temple is connected to Karnak Temple via the Avenue of Sphinxes, a grand 2.7 km-long ceremonial road lined with hundreds of sphinx statues. This ancient path was used during festivals and processions, symbolizing the connection between temples.

Tip: Visit at night for an unforgettable experience—Luxor Temple is beautifully illuminated after sunset, creating a magical atmosphere.

Practical Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: October to April (pleasant weather)
Getting There: Both temples are easily accessible from central Luxor by taxi, on foot, or via guided tours.
Tickets: Separate entrance fees apply for each temple.
Photography: Allowed in most areas, but some inner sanctuaries may have restrictions.