Ancient Egyptian tombs from the 20th Dynasty of the New Kingdom in Thebes, Bab el Meluk area, showing entrance views of Tomb 4 and above Tomb 18

Kv4

KV4 Luxor Egypt: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

KV4, one of the lesser-known tombs in the iconic Valley of the Kings near Luxor, Egypt, holds a unique place in the story of ancient Egyptian royal burials. Intended as the final resting place for Pharaoh Ramesses XI—the last ruler of the 20th Dynasty—KV4 was never completed or used for its original purpose. Despite its unfinished state, the tomb offers crucial insights into the political turmoil, evolving burial customs, and adaptive reuse of royal necropolises during the late New Kingdom and subsequent periods.

Although KV4 is currently closed to the public due to preservation efforts, understanding its layered history can deepen any visit to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. This guide covers the historical background of KV4, archaeological discoveries, practical visitor information for the Valley of the Kings, ticketing and access tips, comparisons with other tombs, and responsible tourism practices.

For further details, consult trusted resources such as Ancient Society, Flashpacking Family, and Luxor Egypt Tours.

Introduction
Historical Background of KV4
Archaeological Significance and Later Uses
Architectural Features and Decoration
Visitor Information: Access, Tickets, and Hours
Travel Tips for Luxor and the Valley of the Kings
Comparison with Other Valley Tombs
Responsible and Sustainable Tourism
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Final Tips
Sources and Further Reading

Historical Background of KV4

KV4 is located on the west bank of Luxor in the Valley of the Kings. It was commissioned for Ramesses XI, whose reign (c. 1107–1077 BCE) marked the end of Egypt’s 20th Dynasty (Ancient Society). Foundation deposits and limited decorative elements, such as imagery of the pharaoh kneeling between goddesses, confirm its intended owner (Ask Aladdin).

However, due to ongoing instability and a shift away from using the Valley as a royal necropolis, the tomb was abandoned before completion. Ramesses XI is thought to have been buried elsewhere, likely in Lower Egypt.

Archaeological Significance and Later Uses

Workshop and Reburial Center

After its abandonment, KV4 was briefly considered for reuse by Pinedjem I, a High Priest of Amun who later became pharaoh. Evidence of his cartouche being inserted into the tomb’s artwork suggests an intent to usurp the tomb, which was never realized (Ancient Society). Instead, KV4 became a workshop and reburial site during the 21st Dynasty. Priests used the tomb to process funerary equipment and protect royal mummies from tomb robbers, stripping valuables in a controlled manner to replenish the treasury and deter theft.

Graffiti and Byzantine Period Use

KV4’s accessibility over the centuries is evident in its extensive graffiti, ranging from Demotic and Greek to Latin, Coptic, French, and English (Ancient Society). In the Byzantine era, it served as a residence and stable. During Howard Carter’s 20th-century excavations of Tutankhamun’s tomb (KV62), KV4 was repurposed as a storeroom and dining area.

Architectural Features and Decoration

KV4 reflects architectural trends of the late New Kingdom, with a ramped entrance corridor, multiple corridors, and a pillared burial chamber. Its unfinished state is marked by the absence of a ritual well and only partial decorations—primarily near the entrance (Ask Aladdin). The burial chamber’s rectangular pillars and vaulted ceiling are unusual features. Artifacts found here include foundation deposits, gold gesso fragments, faience, cedarwood, and a beeswax statuette of Ramesses XI before Ma’at.

Visitor Information: Access, Tickets, and Hours

Is KV4 Open to Visitors?

Currently, KV4 is closed to the public to protect its fragile interior. While visitors cannot enter the tomb, its entrance can be seen from the outside during tours of the Valley.

Ticketing for the Valley of the Kings

Tickets: Standard tickets (approx. 260 EGP for adults in 2025) are purchased at the main entrance and allow access to three open tombs. Special tombs, such as KV62 (Tutankhamun), require additional tickets (Flashpacking Family).
Student discounts: Available with valid ID.
Photography: Mobile phones are usually allowed; professional cameras require a permit (approx. 300 EGP). Check current rules at the ticket office (Against the Compass).
Visiting Hours: The Valley of the Kings is open daily from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the ticket office closing at 4:00 pm (The Travel Tinker).

Accessibility and Facilities

The Valley is accessible by car, taxi, or tour. The visitor center offers restrooms, a café, and a 3D model of the valley. Shuttle vehicles transport visitors from the entrance to the tomb area for a small fee (Flashpacking Family). Inside the Valley, paths are paved, but tombs require navigating steps and uneven ground.

Travel Tips for Luxor and the Valley of the Kings

Best Time to Visit: October to April for cooler weather.
Peak Times: Arrive at opening or after 2:00 pm to avoid crowds.
What to Bring: Water, sun protection, comfortable shoes, student ID, and cash in small denominations.
Guided Tours: Highly recommended for richer historical context and to avoid misinformation.
Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with Deir el-Bahari (Temple of Hatshepsut), Tombs of the Nobles, Ramesseum, and Medinet Habu (Deccan Chronicle).

Comparison with Other Tombs in the Valley

KV4: Unfinished, minimal decoration, notable for its continuous accessibility, later reuse, and rich graffiti.
KV62 (Tutankhamun): Intact treasures, world-famous discovery.
KV17 (Seti I): Extensive, vibrant wall paintings.
KV9 (Ramesses VI): Elaborate astronomical ceilings.

KV4’s function as a workshop and its extensive graffiti make it unique among the royal tombs (Madain Project).

Responsible and Sustainable Tourism

Tourism supports conservation but also threatens fragile tombs. The Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities manages visitor impact by rotating tomb access and enforcing photography rules (The Travel Tinker). To help preserve these sites:

Follow all posted rules and avoid touching walls.
Use reusable water bottles and minimize litter.
Hire local guides and support authentic artisans (Luxor Egypt Tours).
Dress modestly and engage respectfully with local culture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit KV4?
A: No, KV4 is currently closed due to preservation concerns.

Q: How do I get tickets for the Valley of the Kings?
A: At the main entrance or through authorized tour operators. Standard tickets include three tombs; special tombs require additional tickets.

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Typically 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, with some seasonal variation.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, most tours cover major tombs and provide historical context on others like KV4.

Q: Is the Valley accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Main paths are paved, but tomb interiors involve steps and uneven ground; visitor centers and shuttles are accessible.

Conclusion and Final Tips

KV4 exemplifies the dynamic history of Egypt’s royal necropolis—a site shaped by shifting burial customs, political unrest, and adaptive reuse. Though not open to the public, its story enriches the broader narrative of the Valley of the Kings. For travelers, exploring accessible tombs with a knowledgeable guide, checking current ticketing and site information, and practicing responsible tourism are key to a memorable and respectful visit.

For the latest updates and digital resources, download the Audiala app and consult authoritative travel and archaeological websites.