Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
Al Uqşur
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, also known as Djeser-Djeseru, is an extraordinary funerary temple located in Deir el-Bahari on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, Egypt. Built during the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut (circa 1473–1458 BCE), it was designed by her royal architect Senenmut and stands as a masterpiece of ancient Egyptian architecture. The temple is notable for its three-tiered terraces connected by long ramps, with colonnaded porticoes and a series of statues, including depictions of Hatshepsut as the Osiris god of the dead. The temple served as a place for rituals honoring Hatshepsut after her death and also contained chapels dedicated to her father Thutmose I, the goddess Hathor, Anubis, and the sun god Ra-Horakhty. Its walls are richly decorated with reliefs illustrating religious ceremonies, festivals, and the famous expedition to the Land of Punt, showcasing exotic animals, plants, and inhabitants. The temple's location opposite the Karnak temple complex across the Nile adds to its spiritual and cultural significance. It remains one of the most visited and architecturally impressive monuments of ancient Egypt, reflecting Hatshepsut's unique legacy as one of the few female pharaohs.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is early morning to avoid crowds and the intense afternoon heat. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. Visitors can benefit from combined tickets covering nearby sites on the West Bank. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are advised due to the open terraces and ramps. Guided tours provide valuable insights into the temple's art and history. The temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Zajímavosti
- •The temple is also called 'Djeser-Djeseru', meaning 'Holy of Holies' in ancient Egyptian.
- •Its reliefs depict the only known ancient Egyptian expedition to the Land of Punt, providing rare insight into this mysterious region.
- •Hatshepsut is often portrayed in the temple with traditional male pharaoh attributes, including the false beard.
- •The temple was designed to align with the winter solstice sunrise, illuminating the sanctuary.
- •Senenmut, the architect, held many titles and was a close advisor and possibly the tutor of Hatshepsut's daughter.
Historie
Constructed during the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut was built under the direction of Senenmut for Pharaoh Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt's few female rulers.
It was designed as a mortuary temple to celebrate her reign and divine status after death.
The temple's construction marked a significant architectural innovation with its terraced design integrated into the cliff face at Deir el-Bahari.
Over centuries, the temple suffered damage due to natural erosion and human activity, but restoration efforts have preserved much of its grandeur.
It stands as a testament to Hatshepsut's political power and religious devotion in a male-dominated era.
Průvodce po místě
Lower Terrace15th century BCE
The first level of the temple featuring a colonnade and statues of Hatshepsut depicted as Osiris, the god of the dead. This terrace serves as the entrance and introduces visitors to the temple's religious significance.
Middle Terrace15th century BCE
This terrace contains open courtyards and chapels dedicated to Hathor and Anubis, with walls decorated with detailed reliefs of the Punt expedition, showing exotic flora, fauna, and people.
Upper Terrace and Sanctuary15th century BCE
The highest level houses the sanctuary dedicated to Amun-Ra and the burial rituals for Hatshepsut and her father Thutmose I. A passage carved into the cliff leads to the Holy of Holies.