Tomb of Ramesses III KV11 Valley of the Kings
Explore KV11, the 'Tomb of the Harpers,' renowned for its vibrant daily life scenes and rich funerary art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Tomb of Ramesses III KV11 Valley of the Kings
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore KV11, the 'Tomb of the Harpers,' renowned for its vibrant daily life scenes and rich funerary art.
"One of the most beautiful tombs, KV11 offers vibrant, well-preserved art and unique scenes of daily life."
💧 Stay Hydrated!
The Valley of the Kings gets extremely hot. Carry plenty of water, especially during midday visits.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and navigating uneven surfaces inside the tombs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Wall Paintings
Corridors and chambers
Richly colored scenes from funerary texts and daily life, remarkably preserved.
Tomb of the Harpers
Specific chamber
Unique depictions of everyday scenes, including bakers, cooks, and musicians.
Red Granite Sarcophagus Fragments
Burial chamber
Impressive remnants of the pharaoh's massive sarcophagus, now split between museums.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Ticket Strategy for KV11
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Stay Hydrated!
The Valley of the Kings gets extremely hot. Carry plenty of water, especially during midday visits.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and navigating uneven surfaces inside the tombs.
📸 Photography Rules
Check current photography rules; sometimes it's allowed without flash, other times prohibited.
🎟️ Ticket Strategy
KV11 is usually included in the general Valley of the Kings ticket. Plan your 3 tomb choices wisely.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Stay Hydrated!
The Valley of the Kings gets extremely hot. Carry plenty of water, especially during midday visits.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and navigating uneven surfaces inside the tombs.
📸 Photography Rules
Check current photography rules; sometimes it's allowed without flash, other times prohibited.
🎟️ Ticket Strategy
KV11 is usually included in the general Valley of the Kings ticket. Plan your 3 tomb choices wisely.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush your visit. The tomb is extensive and the details are worth savoring.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Tomb of Ramesses III (KV11) for its stunningly preserved and vibrant wall paintings, particularly the unique scenes of daily life. Many consider it one of the most artistically rich and impressive tombs in the Valley of the Kings. However, some reviewers note that the tomb can become extremely hot and crowded, especially if sections are closed, impacting the overall experience.
"One of the most beautiful tombs..
The tomb of Ramses III, known as KV 11, is one of the largest and most beautifully decorated tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Ramses III was the last great pharaoh of the 20th Dynasty, and his resting place reflects the grandeur of his reign. The tomb was originally started by Setnakhte but abandoned when the excavation hit another burial; Ramses III had the project restarted on a new axis. The long corridors and multiple chambers are richly decorated with colorful scenes from the Litany of Re, the Book of Gates, the Book of the Dead, the Book of the Earth, and the Opening of the Mouth ritual. Uniquely, it also shows everyday scenes such as bakers, cooks, leather workers, and the famous blind harpists, which earned the tomb the nickname “Tomb of the Harpers.” The sarcophagus, carved from red granite, is today divided between the Louvre Museum in Paris and the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, while the pharaoh’s mummy was discovered in the royal cache at Deir el-Bahri. First recorded by the Scottish traveler James Bruce in 1768 and later studied by Giovanni Belzoni, the tomb has long fascinated scholars and travelers alike. For modern visitors, it remains one of the most popular and accessible monuments in the valley thanks to its length, preservation, and striking wall paintings. A general admission ticket to the Valley of the Kings includes entry to three tombs of your choice, and the tomb of Ramses III is usually among them, though open tombs are rotated to help with preservation. Premium tombs like those of Tutankhamun or Seti I require additional tickets, but KV 11 is part of the standard selection, making it an excellent choice for experiencing the splendor of New Kingdom funerary art. The Valley is open daily from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, with ticket sales ending around 4:30 pm, so visitors should plan accordingly to explore this remarkable site."
Mahmoud Abdelfattah
"Fantastic Tomb, one of my favorite
Ramses III is one of the key Pharaoh in this Valley. His tomb clearly shows that. The decoration & time spent working on his tomb for his afterlife is a statement to his grandeur.
This tomb has it all, it is very large, super well decorated and must have contained amazing richness before having been emptied by burglars.
Well wort your time!"
Paul Vivas
"Beautiful tomb and definitely worth visiting! I’m giving it a lower score only because it was far too crowded inside, especially before the two corridors (only the one on the right was open when I visited). The crowd made it extremely hot — even hotter than outside, and it was already 38°C! This is probably because the lower section of the tomb is currently closed."
Jean Blans
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tomb of Ramesses III (KV11) is located in the main valley of the Valley of the Kings near Luxor, Egypt. You can reach it by hiring a taxi, taking a tour, or joining a Nile cruise that includes a visit. Many visitors combine it with other sites in the West Bank of Luxor.
Once inside the Valley of the Kings, you can walk between tombs, or hire a small cart for a fee. The distances can be significant, especially in the heat.
Public transport directly to the Valley of the Kings is limited. Most visitors opt for organized tours, private taxis, or hotel transfers for convenience.
The Valley of the Kings, including KV11, is typically open daily from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm. Ticket sales usually end around 4:30 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.
Yes, you can visit KV11 independently with a general admission ticket to the Valley of the Kings. However, hiring a guide can greatly enhance your understanding of the tomb's history and symbolism.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A general admission ticket to the Valley of the Kings usually grants access to three tombs, and KV11 is typically one of the included options. Premium tombs like Tutankhamun's or Seti I require separate tickets.
The cost is covered by the general admission ticket for the Valley of the Kings. Specific prices can vary, so it's best to check the latest information at the ticket office.
The general admission ticket allows entry to three tombs, which is already a cost-effective way to see multiple sites. There aren't typically further discounts for visiting more than three tombs on a single ticket.
While some attractions in Egypt offer online booking, it's often easiest to purchase tickets directly at the Valley of the Kings entrance.
Tomb access can rotate for preservation purposes. While KV11 is a popular choice and usually open, it's advisable to check on-site if you have a specific tomb you wish to see.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
KV11 is renowned for its vibrant, well-preserved wall paintings depicting funerary texts and unique scenes of daily life, earning it the nickname 'Tomb of the Harpers.' It's one of the largest and most artistically rich tombs in the valley.
You'll find long corridors and multiple chambers adorned with colorful hieroglyphs and detailed artwork from texts like the Book of Gates and the Book of the Dead. Look for depictions of bakers, cooks, and musicians.
KV11 is one of the longer tombs in the Valley of the Kings, with descending corridors and chambers. While not the deepest, its extensive decoration makes it feel grand.
Photography policies can change. Historically, photos without flash have been permitted, but it's essential to verify the current rules upon arrival to avoid issues.
Yes, KV11 can get very crowded and hot, especially during peak hours and when parts of the tomb are closed, limiting airflow. Visiting early or late can help mitigate this.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules in Egyptian tombs can be strict and subject to change. Generally, flash photography is prohibited. It's best to confirm the current policy at the entrance or with your guide.
The vibrant wall paintings, especially the scenes of daily life and the 'Tomb of the Harpers' depictions, offer excellent photographic opportunities. The scale of the sarcophagus fragments is also impressive. 
If you're passionate about photography, a good camera can capture the intricate details and colors. However, be mindful of lighting conditions and any restrictions.
Phone photography is usually permitted under the same rules as other cameras, meaning no flash. Ensure your phone is set to avoid accidental flash use.
The detailed scenes of artisans, bakers, and musicians are particularly photogenic. The depictions of gods and funerary rituals are also visually striking.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the most visually striking elements and telling simplified stories about the pharaoh and the tomb's purpose. The sheer scale of the tomb and the ancient artwork can spark curiosity. If your children are easily overwhelmed by enclosed spaces or heat, this might be a tomb to visit briefly or skip in favor of more open-air sites.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Studying the different funerary texts depicted, such as the Book of Gates and the Book of the Dead, can provide a deeper understanding of ancient Egyptian cosmology and their beliefs about the afterlife. The sarcophagus fragments, though separated, are significant artifacts that speak to the pharaoh's status and the craftsmanship of the era.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Focus on capturing the intricate details of the daily life scenes, the expressive figures, and the symbolic imagery from the funerary texts. +1Be mindful of the lighting conditions inside the tomb; natural light is limited, and flash is usually prohibited. Consider using a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod if permitted (check rules beforehand). The sheer scale of the tomb and the textures of the ancient carvings are also compelling subjects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Decorations of KV11
These scenes offer a rare glimpse into the everyday activities and professions of ancient Egypt, providing invaluable insights for historians and archaeologists. The tomb also contains rich imagery from funerary texts such as the Litany of Re, the Book of Gates, and the Book of the Dead, ensuring the pharaoh's successful passage into the afterlife. The vibrant colors, remarkably preserved over millennia, make these walls come alive, telling stories of both the divine and the mundane.
+1The tomb's construction itself has a unique history. It was initially begun for Pharaoh Setnakhte but was abandoned when excavators accidentally broke into the tomb of Amenmesse (KV10). Ramesses III later took over the project, restarting it on a different axis, resulting in its impressive length and complex layout. This history, combined with its artistic richness, makes KV11 a must-see for any visitor to the Valley of the Kings.
+1Ramesses III: The Last Great Pharaoh
Despite his military successes, Ramesses III's later reign was plagued by internal strife, economic difficulties, and a famous palace conspiracy that ultimately led to his death. The mummy of Ramesses III shows evidence of a slit throat, and historical records detail a plot against him involving his harem. This dramatic end contrasts with the grandeur of his tomb, KV11, which was intended to secure his eternal glory.
The tomb's elaborate decorations and the scale of its construction reflect the pharaoh's desire to assert his power and ensure his legacy. Even though his reign marked the beginning of Egypt's decline, the Tomb of Ramesses III remains a testament to the artistic and architectural achievements of the New Kingdom, offering a powerful connection to one of Egypt's most historically significant rulers.
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