Valley of the Queens: Beyond the Tomb of Nefertari
The Valley of the Queens lies south of the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank. Although its modern name highlights royal wives, the necropolis also received princes, princesses and other members of the New Kingdom court.
Its ancient name, Ta-Set-Neferu, is often translated as “The Place of Beauty” or understood in relation to royal children. The cemetery developed across the New Kingdom, with its most celebrated decorated tombs belonging to the Ramesside period.
The masterpiece is QV66, prepared for Queen Nefertari, Great Royal Wife of Ramesses II. Its painted chambers transform passages from the Book of the Dead into a luminous journey toward rebirth, while nearby tombs reveal the equally important stories of royal sons and other queens.
Ten Details That Reveal the Valley of the Queens
Move beyond a single famous tomb to discover royal families, Ramesside art, archaeology and the fragile landscape that preserves them.
Planning Your Valley of the Queens Visit
A little preparation helps you choose the right tombs, protect the artwork and combine the valley efficiently with Luxor’s West Bank.
Tombs Rotate
The tombs included in general admission can change for conservation and visitor management. Confirm the open selection on arrival.
Early Morning
Start early for cooler temperatures and a calmer experience in the exposed West Bank landscape.
Allow 60–90 Minutes
This gives time for the accessible tombs, interpretation and a measured walk through the site.
Check Current Access
QV66 may require separate admission or have restricted availability. Verify its status before building your visit around it.
Desert Paths & Steps
Expect sun, uneven surfaces and descending tomb stairways; practical shoes and water are important.
Follow Each Tomb’s Rules
Photography policies can vary by tomb and ticket. Follow posted instructions and never use flash where prohibited.
Never Touch the Walls
Painted plaster is extremely fragile. Keep distance from decorated surfaces and respect barriers and capacity controls.
Pair Nearby West Bank Sites
Combine the valley with Deir El-Medina, Medinet Habu or Hatshepsut Temple according to pace and opening conditions.
Explore the Valley with a Private Egyptologist
Connect the queens and royal children to the pharaohs, temples and artists of the Theban necropolis.
Remarkable Facts About the Valley of the Queens
Four details place the necropolis within the royal and artistic landscape of New Kingdom Thebes.
Known Tombs
The wider necropolis contains more than ninety numbered tombs and burial places.
Nefertari’s Tomb
The best-known tomb was prepared for the Great Royal Wife of Ramesses II.
Major Discovery
Ernesto Schiaparelli discovered Nefertari’s tomb during the Italian mission’s work.
World Heritage
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis entered the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Discover the Valley of the Queens on a Tailored Egypt Journey
Three itinerary styles with Luxor sightseeing that can be tailored to include the Valley of the Queens.
Nearby Attractions Around the Valley of the Queens
Build a coherent Luxor West Bank route using four published ETC attraction guides.
Deir El-Medina
Meet the community of royal-tomb workers whose artists helped shape the decorated necropolis.
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Medinet Habu
Continue to the vast memorial temple of Ramesses III, father of princes buried in the valley.
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Colossi of Memnon
Stop at the monumental seated statues guarding the remains of Amenhotep III’s memorial temple.
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Hatshepsut Temple
Pair the royal cemetery with Hatshepsut’s terraced temple beneath the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.
Explore →Valley of the Queens Visitor Questions
Practical answers for planning a respectful, well-paced visit to Luxor’s royal necropolis.
What is the Valley of the Queens?
It is a New Kingdom royal necropolis on Luxor’s West Bank used for queens, princes, princesses and other members of the royal household.
Where is the Valley of the Queens?
The valley lies in the Theban necropolis west of the Nile, south of the Valley of the Kings and close to Deir El-Medina and Medinet Habu.
Why is it called the Valley of the Queens?
The modern name reflects its famous royal female burials, although royal children and other court members were also buried here.
What does Ta-Set-Neferu mean?
The ancient name is commonly translated as “The Place of Beauty”; it has also been interpreted in connection with the royal children buried in the necropolis.
Is the Tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens?
Yes. Nefertari’s tomb is QV66 and is celebrated for its exceptionally preserved Ramesside wall paintings.
Is Nefertari’s tomb included in the standard ticket?
Access arrangements can change, and QV66 has often required separate admission or operated with restrictions. Confirm current availability before visiting.
Which other tombs are important?
QV55 of Prince Amenherkhepshef, QV44 of Prince Khaemwaset and QV52 of Queen Tyti are among the valley’s notable decorated tombs. Actual openings rotate.
How long should I spend at the Valley of the Queens?
Allow about 60 to 90 minutes for the open tombs and site interpretation, longer if special-access tombs are available.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear supportive shoes and sun protection, and carry water. The outdoor route is exposed, while tombs include steps and enclosed spaces.
What can I combine with the Valley of the Queens?
Deir El-Medina and Medinet Habu make the closest thematic pairing; Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon also fit a West Bank day.