The Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahar is an incredible tourist destination for history lovers that introduces visitors to one of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs. Located on the west bank of the Nile River, this ancient and beautiful temple was built in the 15th century BC as a memorial to Hatshepsut, the first female pharaoh to sit on the throne.

As visitors approach the site, they immediately become mesmerized by the sheer size and elegance of the temple. It is immense in stature, stunningly cut into the face of the limestone cliff, and intricately decorated with shades of white, brown, and yellow that seem to glisten in the midday sun. With giant painted statues of Hatshepsut, or “The Divine One,” at the ends of the terrace, the entrance to the temple is awe-inspiring.

Main courtyard:

The first stop for tourists inside the temple is the main courtyard, an area that serves as an entrance hall for the temple. The main courtyard is filled with statues of ancient gods and goddesses, tasked with the protection of the sacred sanctuary within. On the walls of the hallways, visitors can marvel at the carvings of Hatshepsut alongside depictions of Egyptian battles, winnings, and tributes from foreign lands.

The hall of pillars:

Continuing into the inner temple visitors are met with exquisite scenes and landscapes, such as the Hall of Pillars. This chamber is resplendent with twelve giant stone pillars featuring the face of Hatshepsut, or a statue of Hathor, the goddess of love, on top. Wrapping around the entire chamber is a row of 44 painting scenes of Hatshepsut’s journey of foreign trading that reached the Punt of her reign.

The Holy of Holies:

Beyond the Hall of Pillars is the Holy of Holies, an area sheltered with a granite roof. Within the walls of this inner chamber, visitors will find 28 statues of Hatshepsut alongside a shrine dedicated to the goddess of Amun-Ra. Carvings are encountered along the walls that commemorate her rise to power and her successful campaigns of foreign trading which filled Hatshepsut’s treasury with wealth and prosperity.

The Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahar is an incredibly diverse, captivating, and enchanting experience. Visitors can explore the unique architecture and paradise, catch sight of beautiful carvings, and ponder the bust of one of the most important female pharaohs in all of Egypt. It is a place for tourists of all ages to immerse themselves in and holds the promise of inspiring history lovers for years to come.