Witnessing the Radiant Blue Murals of the QV55 Tomb of Amenkopshef

QV55 houses the remains of Prince Amenherkhepshef, a son of Ramses III who died before reaching the throne during the 20th Dynasty around 1150 BC. Located in the Valley of the Queens—known locally as Biban el-Harim—this burial site remains one of the most visually striking locations in Luxor due to the saturation of its blue and gold pigments. While many visitors prioritize the famous Tomb of Nefertari nearby, the 400 EGP entry fee for the Valley of the Queens general ticket includes QV55, providing a much higher level of artistic detail than the price suggests. The walls have survived for over three millennia with colors so fresh they look recently painted.

The Royal Legacy of Prince Amenherkhepshef

A Life Cut Short in the 20th Dynasty

Prince Amenherkhepshef was a high-ranking member of the royal court, holding titles such as Royal Scribe and Charioteer-in-Chief. He died during the 30th year of his father Ramses III's reign, likely around the age of 15, which meant he never fulfilled his role as the designated heir. Because of his youth, the murals depict him as a small figure standing behind his father, rather than a solo protagonist. This hierarchy emphasizes the protective role of the King, who acts as an intermediary between the boy and the complex world of the afterlife. Unlike the larger tombs in the Valley of the Kings, this space feels intimate—a focused narrative of a father attempting to secure his son’s divinity.

Schiaparelli’s 1903 Discovery

Ernesto Schiaparelli, the director of the Egyptian Museum in Turin, uncovered this site in 1903 during a systematic excavation of the valley. Though the tomb had been thoroughly looted in antiquity, the physical structure and the plasterwork remained in a nearly perfect state of preservation. Schiaparelli found the prince's pink granite sarcophagus still sitting in the burial chamber, though it was empty of its royal occupant. The Italian mission's meticulous records provide us with the best documentation of how the site looked before the introduction of modern glass barriers and lighting. Standing in the entrance today, you can see the results of this early conservation work that prevented the murals from fading after exposure to the air.

Iconography and Artistry in the Burial Chamber

The Sidelock of Youth and Royal Attire

One of the most recognizable features of the paintings is the prince's hairstyle, specifically the sidelock of youth. This thick, braided strand of hair hangs over the side of his head, a traditional Egyptian symbol for royal children who had not yet reached adulthood. He is consistently shown wearing a short, pleated loincloth and carrying a large ostrich-feather fan, which was a mark of his rank as a fan-bearer to the right of the king. The attention to detail in his jewelry and the sheer transparency of his linen garments are highlights that many casual observers miss. Looking closely at the north wall reveals the fine linework that characterizes the peak of 20th Dynasty craftsmanship.

Lapis Lazuli Pigments and Celestial Scenes

Unlike most royal tombs that use a stark white background, QV55 features a unique blue-grey or ultramarine backdrop. This choice of color creates a soft, ethereal atmosphere that makes the yellow and red pigments of the figures stand out with intense contrast. The ceiling is painted with a deep blue night sky covered in yellow five-pointed stars, representing the celestial vault. This specific color palette is rare and provides a sense of continuity as you move through the short corridors. I find that the lighting inside tends to emphasize these cool tones, making it one of the best tombs for those interested in ancient Egyptian color theory.

The Enigmatic Fetus Display

A small glass case in the burial chamber contains one of the most haunting and unique artifacts in the valley: a mummified human fetus. Found by Schiaparelli during the excavation, the fetus was originally wrapped in linen and placed inside a small wooden casket. Historians suggest this may have been a child of Amenherkhepshef or a miscarried sibling, buried here to accompany the prince. It is a somber reminder of the high infant mortality rates and the personal tragedies that affected even the highest levels of the royal family. Most travelers walk right past this small display, but it offers a rare, physical connection to the people who once inhabited these silent halls.

Planning Your Visit to the Valley of the Queens

Ticket Prices and Opening Hours

The site currently operates on a general entry system where a 400 EGP ticket allows access to three tombs—typically QV44, QV52, and QV55. It is worth noting that prices are subject to change, so checking the official Ministry of Tourism site before your arrival is recommended. The valley opens at 6:00 AM, and arriving at this hour is the best way to avoid the heat and the large tour groups that arrive after 9:00 AM. Access involves a short walk from the parking area, and the tomb itself is reached via a small flight of stairs leading down into the rock. The interior is relatively flat and easy to navigate compared to the steep inclines found in the Valley of the Kings.

Comparing QV55 to the Tomb of Nefertari

While the Tomb of Nefertari (QV66) is the crown jewel of the area, it carries a heavy price tag of 2000 EGP and a strict 10-minute viewing limit. QV55 offers murals of comparable color quality for a much lower cost and allows for a more relaxed pace. The lack of crowds in this specific tomb means you can often spend 20 or 30 minutes studying the Book of Gates scenes without being rushed by guards. For photographers, the plexiglass barriers can cause reflections, but the lighting is modern and consistent. If you only have time for two sites in the West Bank, I suggest pairing this with Medinet Habu to see the architectural style of Ramses III alongside his son's final resting place.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter the Tomb of Amenherkhepshef?

A standard ticket for the Valley of the Queens costs 400 Egyptian Pounds for foreign adults and covers entry into three tombs, including QV55. Students with a valid international ID can usually obtain a fifty percent discount on this price.

Who was Prince Amenherkhepshef and why is he buried here?

He was the son of Ramses III and likely Queen Titi, but he died around age 15 before he could ascend to the throne. His burial in the Valley of the Queens was a common practice for royal children and queens during the 20th Dynasty.

What is the significance of the mummified fetus in the tomb?

Found by Schiaparelli in 1903, the fetus was likely a miscarried child belonging to the royal family buried alongside the prince to provide companionship in the afterlife. It is currently displayed in a small case at the rear of the burial chamber.

Are photos allowed inside QV55?

Photography with a mobile phone is generally permitted without an extra fee at most Luxor sites, but using a professional camera requires a separate permit. You should always confirm the current photography policy with the guards at the entrance as rules frequently shift.

When was the tomb of Amenherkhepshef discovered?

Italian archaeologist Ernesto Schiaparelli discovered the tomb in 1903 during a major excavation campaign for the Egyptian Museum of Turin. Despite being looted by ancient thieves, the vibrant murals remained exceptionally well preserved behind the debris.