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				 Queen Hatshepsut’s temple at Deir 
				al-Bahari: (The Splendor of all Splendors)  
				Against a bare, mountainous backdrop rises a series of imposing 
				terraces from the plain desert…a breathtaking statement of nature, 
				and refined architecture in absolute harmony: “Queen Hatshepsut’s 
				Mortuary Temple at Deir al-Bahri”. The extraordinary sight was built 
				by
				
				Queen Hatshepsut’s architect Senenmut- rumored to be the Queen’s 
				secret lover- in the 18th dynasty. Hatshepsut dedicated the temple 
				to her divine parents: Amon and Hathor to eternalize their memory, 
				and strengthen her legitimacy as Egypt’s first female Pharaoh.
				 
				
				
				
				 
				The Queen was in love with the temple’s design and location, and 
				so gave it the name “Djeser-Djeseru”, a well- deserved title meaning 
				the “splendor of splendors”. However, Ramses II and his successors 
				destroyed the monument later on, leaving reconstruction efforts, 
				and ongoing excavations to reveal exquisite decoration, still surprising 
				locals and visitors alike. Senenmut set the temple at the tip of 
				a valley surpassed by Thebes; where the goddess of silence looked 
				over the necropolis. The temple’s location is believed to be 
				the most dramatic in the world, drawing travelers from all over 
				the world, and setting the sight on top of visitors “Must See” list.
				  
				An overview of the temple’s location:
				 
				Hatshepsut’s temple is located on the west bank of the Nile, opposite 
				to the city of Luxor in an area known as “Deir al-Bahari”. The area’s 
				name translates to the Northern Monastery, as Christians turned 
				the area into a monastery due to its pleasant, isolated nature and 
				resided in it after Ramses II and his successors.  
				
				
				
				 
				Hatshepsut’s temple is said to be a bigger reflection of the much 
				older, adjacent Temple of Montuhotep II, the ruler of the 11th Dynasty, 
				who managed to unite Egypt, and build the first temple in Deir al-Bahari. 
				Visitors can purchase tickets to visit Hatshepsut’s temple from 
				tourist kiosks open daily from 6 am to 5 pm, however, it is highly 
				recommended to grab plenty of water to keep you hydrated through 
				out your visit.
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