"the Tomb of Seti I (KV17), Valley of the Kings

As a professional guide visiting Egypt’s remarkable monuments, I consider the Tomb of Seti I to be one of the most extraordinary experiences in the Valley of the Kings. Also known as KV17—or Belzoni’s Tomb—it stands out as the longest, deepest, and most elaborately decorated tomb in this royal necropolis

Seti I? He was the second pharaoh of Egypt’s 19th Dynasty, ruling approximately from c. 1294/1290 BC to 1279 BC. He is respected by historians as one of the greatest warrior‑kings of the New Kingdom—renowned for restoring order after the Amarna crisis, reinforcing border defenses, and engaging in successful campaigns in Syria and Canaan . His massive building projects—especially the Hypostyle Hall at Karnak and the Temple at Abydos—helped reassert Egypt’s cultural legacy . Seti I is also the father of the legendary Ramses II, who continued his architectural and political ambitions .

What to See Inside the Tomb

Upon entering KV17, you’ll be immersed in an artistic and spiritual labyrinth. The tomb follows a “joggled axis” plan, descending through chambers labeled A–D until reaching the pillared passageways (F, Fa, J, Jb, Jc, Jd), ending in a vaulted burial chamber with an astronomical ceiling .

The walls and ceilings are covered with deeply carved and vividly preserved scenes of funerary texts and rituals—featuring the Opening of the Mouth, Book of Gates, Book of the Dead, Amduat, Litany of Re, and Book of the Heavenly Cow . One highlight is a side chamber with unfinished stencil sketches, offering a rare glimpse into the ancient artists’ process: first rough outlines in red, detailed lines in black, and then color applied atop—an exceptional educational feature .

Exploring the tomb feels cinematic—descend staircases and wooden-slatted ramps, passing through candlelit corridors into a vast burial chamber where the art and atmosphere become truly immersive . It’s sometimes a solitary experience thanks to its price and exclusivity

This tomb is not included in the standard Valley of the Kings ticket. Entry requires a separate, special ticket, In September 2025, the entrance fee for the Tomb of Seti I is EGP 2000—a premium extra ticket beyond the main Valley of the Kings admission .

This makes it the most expensive tomb in the Valley—costing significantly more than three times the standard entry price for multiple tombs .

Tip: Plan to spend at least 45 minutes to 1 hour inside the tomb to fully appreciate its scale and artistry.

Bring comfortable shoes—the descent involves many stairs and ramps.

Morning or late-day visits can offer more solitude—quiet firsthand immersion often elevates the experience .

Photography is allowed using Mobile phones

The Tomb of Seti I is not just worth it—it is a transcendent journey through ancient artistry, faith, and power. You leave not only with breathtaking visuals but with a deep sense of Seti I’s enduring legacy. For anyone serious about Egypt’s New Kingdom, this tomb is a must—not merely a highlight, but a defining memory."

Mahmoud Abdelfattah

"Tomb of Seti I (KV17): This is the largest, deepest, and most ornately decorated tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Seti I was the second pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty and the father of Ramesses II. The tomb’s murals, painted on a golden-yellow background, are exceptionally well preserved. However, at 2000 EGP for admission, I personally don’t think it’s quite worth the price. -6/1/25"

詹頤

"Seti I was the son of Nefertari, beloved wife of the famous Ramesses II.
His tomb is pretty big, and the walls are covered by wonderful hieroglyphs and paintings.
To have access to it, you need to buy a special entrance ticket. Some tourists will skip that tomb for this. It is a mistake, in my opinion, because it is probably one of the nicest and well-preserved in the Valley of the Kings.
Moreover, because of the price, there are less visitors, So..."

Oliver K