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15Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut Audio Guide
Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is a landmark in New Al Qarnh City, Egypt. Explore it with Stanza's GPS-triggered offline audio guide — available in 15 languages.
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📍 New Al Qarnh City, Egypt · 25.7381°N, 32.6069°E
About Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
This iconic ancient structure is a mortuary temple built for the Eighteenth Dynasty Pharaoh Hatshepsut. It is located beneath the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari on the west bank of the Nile.
Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is also known as Djeser-Djeseru, معبدحتشبسوت, معبد حتشبسوت.
This self-guided audio tour features 30 narrated stops organized across 7 sections. As a ancient temple, Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut offers a unique cultural experience in the heart of New Al Qarnh City, Egypt.
The Stanza audio guide is available in 15 languages and works entirely offline — download the complete tour including audio narration, maps, and images before your visit. As you walk through Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, GPS-triggered narration plays automatically at each point of interest.
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What you will hear
The Great Causeway and Theban Cliffs
Establishes the temple's unique relationship with the landscape. Includes wide exterior views and the remains of the sphinxes that once lined the 1,000-meter causeway.
A Landscape Masterpiece
Observe the stark contrast between the rigid, horizontal lines of the man-made colonnades and the rugged, vertical textures of the natural cliffs behind them. This juxtaposition was a deliberate choice by the designers. The layout was intended to symbolize a transition from the mortal world of the Nile Valley, where the temple begins, to the divine world associated with the mountain peaks. Each terrace is connected by a long central ramp, emphasizing a sacred axis that leads deeper into the cliffside. The width of 105 meters provided ample space for grand processions and royal rituals. In ancient times, the approach would have felt even more expansive, as the temple wasn't an isolated structure but part of a larger landscape design. The colonnades create a rhythmic pattern of light and shadow, softening the transition between the solid stone of the temple and the open desert sky. This integration of architecture and landscape was revolutionary for the 18th Dynasty, creating a unique sanctuary where the earthly presence of the Queen met the eternal power of the gods.
The Guardian Sphinx
Only a few fragments of these great guardians remain today, like the sandstone sphinx visible here. These statues were not merely decorative; they served as divine protectors of the sacred path. Each sphinx combined the body of a lion with the facial features of Queen Hatshepsut herself. By doing so, the Queen projected her power and her role as a protector of the temple. The causeway served as the main artery for festivals and religious processions, connecting the river's edge to the temple's entrance. Walking this kilometer-long path would have been an awe-inspiring experience, passing between rows of identical statues that reinforced the Queen's authority with every step. Although many were later destroyed or buried, researchers have identified several types of sphinxes at the site, some carved from limestone and others from sandstone. This specific figure shows the characteristic almond-shaped eyes and soft facial contours associated with Hatshepsut's portraiture. It stands as a silent remnant of the grand approach that once welcomed gods and pharaohs alike to this sacred precinct, marking the start of the journey into the temple.
The Lower Portico and Royal Gardens
Focuses on the lower level where exotic trees were once planted. Reliefs here depict the quarrying and transport of obelisks.
The Architect's Vision
The architecture follows a strict axial plan, rising through the desert landscape in three distinct stages. The lower court was the most accessible area, while the middle and upper terraces became increasingly sacred and restricted to the priesthood and royalty. This vertical arrangement mirrored the Egyptian view of the cosmos, with the highest point being the most divine. The royal architect, Senenmut, was the mastermind behind this layout. He was so highly favored by Queen Hatshepsut that he was granted a rare and extraordinary privilege: the permission to build his own tomb secretly beneath the first terrace of his royal mistress's temple. While most officials were buried in the nearby valleys, Senenmut’s tomb, known as TT353, was physically linked to the temple itself. The model helps us visualize how the ramps align perfectly with the central axis, leading the eye and the spirit toward the sanctuary carved into the cliff. This design emphasizes the authority of the pharaoh as the intermediary between the people and the divine, a message reinforced by the temple's sheer verticality and the symmetry of its tiered construction.
The Ceremonial Ramp of Horus
The central axis of the temple, guarded by the falcon god Horus. This ramp leads visitors from the lower world to the divine middle terrace.
The Ceremonial Ramp
Walking up these ramps today allows you to follow the same path taken by priests and royalty thousands of years ago. One of the most important events held here was the Beautiful Festival of the Valley. During this annual celebration, a statue of the god Amun-Re was carried in a sacred boat from the East Bank of the Nile to visit the temples of the West Bank, including this one. The ramps were designed to handle the weight of the massive palanquins and the hundreds of people involved in the ritual. As the procession ascended, the participants moved from the bright, open desert into the increasingly shaded and colonnaded spaces of the upper terraces. This journey symbolized a spiritual ascent toward the divine presence of the god. The central position of the ramps ensures that everyone’s focus remains on the heart of the temple. The sense of movement and elevation was a key part of the religious experience, making the transition from the mundane world to the sacred sanctuary feel both physical and symbolic for all who attended the festivals.
The Falcon of Horus
Horus was considered the divine model for every pharaoh, the legitimate heir to the throne of his father, Osiris. By placing this figure at the very start of the ascent, Hatshepsut was making a powerful political and religious statement. She was reinforcing her rightful place as a true successor to the royal line, despite the unconventional nature of her female reign. The falcon is shown here in a stoic, watchful pose, its sharp features and powerful wings representing the strength of the monarchy. In Egyptian mythology, the pharaoh was the living manifestation of Horus on earth. The presence of this protector at the threshold of the temple served to guard the sacred space and those who entered it. While many such statues have suffered from weather and wear over the millennia, the remaining form still conveys a sense of majesty. This guardian ensured that the transition from the lower court to the higher terraces was overseen by the most ancient of royal symbols, grounding Hatshepsut's authority in the deep traditions and divine ancestry of the Egyptian pharaohs.
The Expedition to the Land of Punt
One of the temple's most famous features, these reliefs record the maritime trade expedition to bring frankincense and exotic goods to Egypt.
Life on the Red Sea
The ancient Egyptian artists went far beyond simple symbolic representations here. They depicted a wide variety of fish and marine creatures with such accuracy that modern marine biologists can identify specific species native to the Red Sea. You can spot the distinctive shapes of rays, lobsters, and various tropical fish swimming through the carved waves. This commitment to realism was revolutionary for its time and suggests that the artists may have traveled on the expedition themselves or worked from very detailed descriptions. This aquatic scene serves as the foundation for the narrative of the Punt voyage above it, grounding the grand story of trade in the physical reality of the sea journey. It also demonstrates the Egyptians' keen observation of the natural world and their skill in capturing movement and form in stone. These 3,500-year-old carvings remain a testament to the sophistication of New Kingdom art and the far-reaching curiosity of the people who built this massive complex, turning a trade report into a biological study.
The Birth Colonnade: A Divine Claim
Reliefs here justify Hatshepsut's rule by depicting her divine conception as the daughter of the god Amun-Re.
The Divine Birth Narrative
This narrative explains that the god Amun-Re took the form of the Queen's father, Thutmose I, to conceive her with her mother, Queen Ahmose. This divine birth story was a crucial piece of propaganda. Because she was a woman ruling in a tradition of male pharaohs, Hatshepsut needed a way to claim that her power came directly from the gods themselves, rather than just her royal lineage. The scenes show Amun-Re and Queen Ahmose being led by deities to a ceremonial bed, where the conception takes place. Later panels depict the god Khnum fashioning the young Hatshepsut and her ka, or spirit, on a potter's wheel. By making this claim public on the walls of her temple, she established herself not just as a king's daughter, but as a literal child of the king of the gods. This divine endorsement made her rule unquestionable and provided her with the religious legitimacy needed to hold the throne for over two decades, recorded here in these detailed, though aged, wall carvings.
Amun-Re's Blessing
In this scene, Hatshepsut is depicted alongside the supreme deity of the Theban pantheon. The god is shown offering his blessing to the Queen, often by touching her or holding a symbol of life to her nose. This visual connection was a powerful statement that her reign was not an accident of history but a divine command. Amun-Re was the most powerful god of the New Kingdom, and his support was essential for any pharaoh's success. By appearing in such close proximity to him, Hatshepsut was elevating her status to that of a near-equal. The figure of the god is carved with a sense of calm authority, his tall plumes reaching toward the top of the wall. Although the colors have faded over thousands of years, the outlines still convey the reverence and scale intended by the original artists. This relief served as a permanent reminder to all who entered the temple that the Queen ruled with the full authority and protection of the highest power in the Egyptian universe, solidifying her spiritual right to rule.
The Shrine of Hathor: Lady of the West
Dedicated to the goddess of joy and protector of the Theban necropolis. Features unique columns with the face of the goddess.
Shrine of the Sky Goddess
You can recognize her by her broad face and characteristic cow ears, which symbolize her nurturing nature. Hathor was one of the most beloved deities in ancient Egypt and served as the special protector of the Theban necropolis. This shrine was dedicated to her to ensure Queen Hatshepsut's safe passage through the trials of death and into a happy afterlife. Unlike the square columns found elsewhere in the temple, these pillars have capitals carved into the shape of a sistrum, a musical rattle associated with the goddess. The shrine’s location on the middle terrace allowed it to be a site for specific rituals involving music and dance, which were believed to soothe the goddess and gain her favor. Hathor was often seen as the mother or consort of the sun god, making her a vital part of the temple's religious program. The inclusion of this dedicated space shows how the Queen sought the protection of powerful female deities to mirror and support her own unique position as a female pharaoh, honoring the goddess of the cliffs.
The Shrine of Anubis: Guardian of the Dead
Located at the northern end of the middle terrace, this shrine honors the god of mummification with exceptionally well-preserved paintings.
The Rituals of Anubis
The Anubis shrine contains some of the best-preserved painted reliefs within the entire complex of Deir el-Bahari. As you examine the wall, you will see a complex scene depicting offerings being presented to the gods. Look for the precision of the hieroglyphs carved into the stone; each symbol is rendered with exacting detail, conveying religious texts that supported the Queen’s spiritual journey. The figures in the scene often hold 'was' scepters—long staffs topped with the head of a stylized animal and a forked base. These scepters were potent symbols of power and dominion in ancient Egypt, frequently associated with both gods and pharaohs. The layers of pigment still visible today allow us to appreciate the sequence in which the artists worked, from the initial carving to the final application of color. These rituals were believed to be perpetually active through their depiction on the walls, providing the gods with eternal sustenance. The level of detail here reflects the immense resources Hatshepsut poured into her mortuary cult, ensuring her legacy was literally written in stone.
Want to hear the rest?
Download the Stanza app to unlock all 30 stops and full GPS-guided navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut audio tour take?
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut audio guide includes 30 narrated stops. Most visitors spend 45 minutes to 1.5 hours exploring the complete tour, though you can listen at your own pace and skip or revisit any stop.
Is the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut audio guide available in my language?
Yes. The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut audio guide is available in 15 languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, Korean, Dutch, Polish, Turkish, and Bulgarian. Both audio narration and text are provided in every language.
Can I use the audio guide offline at Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut?
Yes! Download the complete Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut tour — including all audio, maps, and images — before your visit. The Stanza app works completely offline, so you don't need WiFi or mobile data at the venue.
How much does the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut audio guide cost?
The Stanza app is free to download on both iOS and Android. Individual audio guides, including the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut tour, can be purchased within the app for a small fee — typically between $1.99 and $4.99.
How do I use the Stanza audio guide at Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut?
Download the free Stanza app, search for "Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut", and download the tour. When you arrive at the venue, the app uses GPS to detect your location and automatically plays the relevant narration as you move between points of interest — completely hands-free.
What makes the Stanza audio guide different from other Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut tours?
Stanza offers GPS-triggered narration that plays automatically as you walk through Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut — no need to manually select stops. The tour is available in 15 languages, works fully offline, and includes 30 expertly narrated stops with images and historical context.
What other audio guides are available near Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut?
Stanza offers multiple audio guides in New Al Qarnh City, Egypt and nearby areas. After downloading the app, browse the map to discover all available tours near Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. Each guide can be downloaded for offline use.
