Ta-Set-Neferu — The Place of Beauty — Royal Necropolis of Egypt's Queens
Home / Travel Guide / Valley of the Queens
The Valley of the Queens (known in ancient Egyptian as Ta-Set-Neferu, meaning "The Place of Beauty") is one of Egypt's most captivating archaeological sites. Located on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, this royal necropolis served as the burial ground for queens, princes, princesses, and other high-ranking royal family members during Egypt's New Kingdom period (c. 1560–1130 BC)[reference:0][reference:1]. While the Valley of the Kings holds the tombs of pharaohs, the Valley of the Queens offers an intimate and equally magnificent glimpse into the lives and afterlives of Egypt's royal women and children. Home to over 110 rock-cut tombs, including the legendary Tomb of Queen Nefertari — often called the "Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt" — this site is a must-visit for anyone exploring Luxor's West Bank[reference:2][reference:3].
Location
West Bank, Luxor, Egypt
Period
c. 1560–1130 BC
Tombs
110+ known tombs
UNESCO
World Heritage Site since 1979[reference:4]
The Valley of the Queens was established during the New Kingdom as a separate necropolis for the royal family, reflecting the evolving religious beliefs of ancient Egypt[reference:5]. The decision to create this sacred burial ground may have been influenced by its proximity to the workers' village of Deir el-Medina and the existence of a sacred grotto dedicated to the goddess Hathor at the valley's entrance[reference:6]. The valley consists of the main wadi containing 91 tombs, along with subsidiary valleys that add another 19 tombs[reference:7].
The majority of tombs in the Valley of the Queens date to the 19th and 20th Dynasties (the Ramesside period), when royal burial practices reached their artistic peak[reference:8]. The artisans who decorated these tombs came from the nearby village of Deir el-Medina — the same skilled craftsmen who worked on the pharaohs' tombs in the Valley of the Kings[reference:9]. The wall paintings throughout the valley demonstrate the highest levels of ancient Egyptian artistic achievement, with scenes from the Book of the Dead guiding the deceased through their journey to eternal life[reference:10].
Four tombs are typically open to the public. An additional ticket is required for the Tomb of Nefertari[reference:11].
The Tomb of Queen Nefertari (QV66) is the crown jewel of the Valley of the Queens and arguably the most spectacular tomb in all of Egypt. Commissioned by Ramesses II for his beloved chief wife, Nefertari, this tomb is often called the "Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt" for its breathtakingly vivid and well-preserved wall paintings[reference:12][reference:13].
The Tomb of Queen Titi belongs to a Ramesside queen, likely the wife of Ramesses III[reference:19]. While the paintings are somewhat faded, the tomb still offers a fascinating glimpse into royal burial practices.
The Tomb of Prince Khaemwaset belongs to one of Ramesses III's sons, who died young[reference:23]. The tomb is worth visiting for its unique architectural features and beautiful reliefs[reference:24].
The Tomb of Prince Amunherkhepshef belongs to another son of Ramesses III, who died at the young age of 10[reference:28].
The Valley of the Queens was known to the ancient Egyptians as Ta-Set-Neferu, a name with a double meaning: "The Place of Beauty" and "the Place of the Royal Children"[reference:44][reference:45]. This poetic name reflects both the stunning artistry of the tombs and the purpose of the valley — to safeguard the eternal resting places of Egypt's royal women and children. The name evokes the beauty of the decorated tombs themselves, as well as the beauty of the queens and princes who were laid to rest there.
The valley's history spans nearly 500 years of Egyptian royal burials, from the 18th to the 20th Dynasties[reference:46][reference:47]. The earliest known tomb may be that of Queen Sitre, wife of Ramesses I[reference:48]. However, most tombs date to the reigns of Ramesses II and Ramesses III, when royal burial practices reached their artistic peak[reference:49]. The valley became the preferred resting place for Egypt's most important women and children during the New Kingdom period[reference:50]. In 1979, the Valley of the Queens was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis[reference:51].
The first systematic excavations in the Valley of the Queens were conducted by Italian archaeologist Ernesto Schiaparelli and Francesco Ballerini in the early 1900s[reference:52][reference:53]. Schiaparelli's team uncovered numerous tombs, including the famous burial chamber of Queen Nefertari[reference:54]. Modern archaeological work continues to reveal new insights about royal burial practices and ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife[reference:55]. The tombs are cataloged with the prefix "QV" (Queens Valley) followed by a number[reference:56]. Among the most famous is QV66, the tomb of Queen Nefertari[reference:57].