Egypt

Temple of Hator built by Ramses III

WHS Score 0.8 Votes 15 Average 0.93
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.
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Full Name
Temple of Hator built by Ramses III (ID: 190)
Country
Egypt
Status
On tentative list 1994 Site history
History of Temple of Hator built by Ramses III
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UNESCO
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UNESCO.org

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First published: 09/04/22.

Nan

Temple Of Hator Built By Ramses Iii

Temple of Hator built by Ramses III (On tentative list)

Temple of Hator built by Ramses III by 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). …

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