Temple of Hator built by Ramses III
Temple of Hator built by Ramses III is part of the Tentative list of Egypt in order to qualify for inclusion in the World Heritage List.
The Temple of Hator is part of the Dendera temple complex. It was built by Ptolemy XII (so not by Ramses III despite the title). The temple is among the best preserved in Egypt with fine decorations and original colours. It has 12 underground crypts. It continued to be used til the era of the Roman emperor Trajan. This site is also part of a later TWHS: Pharaonic temples in Upper Egypt from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.
Map of Temple of Hator built by Ramses III
Load mapThe coordinates shown for all tentative sites were produced as a community effort. They are not official and may change on inscription.
Community Reviews
Nan
According to the Egyptian authorities, the Hathor temple at Dendera (Qena) is the best preserved Egyptian temple. From what I have seen on my trip, I would concur. The main temple is still in original state with stunning paintings and carvings on the in- and outside and a proper roof. Around the temple are plenty of less well preserved, but still interesting ruins to visit including a well and an Isis temple.
The temple alone deserves ample time to appreciate the stunning paintings. The surroundings would be interesting, too, but they are still pretty raw. I would assume that further renovations will take place.
OUV
Without doubt, this should be on the list. Based on the consistency and the state of preservation of its main temple, Dendara beats out Karnak (and that is not an easy task). The site should be called "Hator Temple at Dendera" or simply "Ancient Dendera" to encompass the full archaeological site and not just the temple.
Getting There
The easiest option is to get a driver or join a tour from Luxor. You can ask your hotel to set this up.
Alternatively, you can take a train from Luxor to Qena. Qena lies along the main railway line connecting Aswan and Cairo. At Qena station, the traffic police will organize a return cab to Dendera. No point arguing with them.
While You Are There
Luxor is a must. Near Qena, there is also a desert wadi (T). If you are willing to do a lengthy day trip, you can also tick off Abydos.
In my case, I took an early train from Luxor to Qena and a noon train to Al Balyana/Abydos where I stayed for the night.
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Site Info
- Full Name
- Temple of Hator built by Ramses III
- Country
- Egypt
- Added
- 1994
- Type
- Cultural
- Categories
- Archaeological site - Egyptian
- Link
- By ID
Site History
1994 Added to Tentative List
Site Links
Visitors
31 Community Members have visited.