Ancient Egyptian agricultural scene depicting Nakht and his wife making offerings

Tt52

TT52 Tomb of Nakht: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Guide to Luxor’s Historical Sites

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Tomb of Nakht (TT52), located in the Theban Necropolis on Luxor’s West Bank, is a vivid testament to the artistry and sophistication of ancient Egypt’s 18th Dynasty. Belonging to Nakht, a scribe and astronomer of Amun under Pharaoh Thutmose IV (circa 1400 BCE), TT52’s exquisite wall paintings and rare astronomical ceiling offer unparalleled insight into New Kingdom society. This guide presents detailed information on TT52’s historical significance, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, preservation, and travel tips—equipping you for a rewarding visit to one of Luxor’s most captivating sites. For further research and current updates, authoritative resources such as Earth Trekkers, ETL Travel, and Hurghada Lovers are invaluable.

Ancient Egyptian agricultural scenes from the Tomb of Nakht

Ancient Egyptian agricultural scene from the Tomb of Nakht showing deceased Nakht and his wife making offerings

Map excerpt of the Theban West Tombs with the Tomb of Nach marked by a dot

Ancient Egyptian banquet scene with musicians from Nakht tomb

Intricately painted ceiling of Nakht's tomb showcasing ancient Egyptian art and hieroglyphs

Ancient Egyptian painting inside a royal tomb depicting various figures and hieroglyphs

Interior painting of the Nakht royal tomb depicting ancient Egyptian art and hieroglyphs

East Wall South Side of Nakht's Offering Chapel with Agriculture Motifs

Facsimile of Nakht's offering chapel wall showing ancient Egyptian agriculture scenes

Facsimile of TT 52 showing offering and agriculture scenes related to Nakht in Tawy

Facsimile jar and stand from Tomb of Nakht TT 161

Ancient Egyptian Tomb Painter artwork depicting Night

Ancient Egyptian wall painting depicting figures and hieroglyphs

Ancient Egyptian wall painting from the Tomb of Nacht depicting scenes and hieroglyphics

Ancient Egyptian mural painting depicting a seated figure with hieroglyphic inscriptions

Ancient Egyptian artwork depicting a reclining figure in a tomb chamber

Wall painting of a man carrying ducks using a yoke

Ancient Egyptian painting of Nakht and family engaged in fishing, fowling, and wine making from Tomb of Nakht TT 52

Facsimile of Nakht and his wife receiving offerings in ancient Egyptian tomb TT 52 artwork

Origins and Discovery of TT52
Nakht: Biography and Social Role
Architectural Features and Artistic Highlights
Religious and Cultural Context
Historical Significance in the 18th Dynasty
Planning Your Visit
Nearby Attractions
Conservation and Visitor Etiquette
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Practical Tips
References & Further Reading

Origins and Discovery of TT52

TT52 is set in the Sheikh Abd el-Qurna sector of the Theban Necropolis, a prestigious burial ground for the New Kingdom’s elite (Earth Trekkers). First documented by 19th-century Egyptologists and more thoroughly recorded by Norman and Nina Davies in 1917, the tomb has been a focus of archaeological and art historical research. Its exceptional wall paintings and inscriptions are among the most informative records of non-royal life in ancient Egypt, illustrating the intersection of administrative, religious, and family life (The Brain Chamber).

Nakht held the prestigious titles “Scribe of the Granary of Amun” and “Astronomer of Amun,” pivotal positions within the temple economy and religious calendar at Karnak (Factinate). His wife, Tawy, is prominently depicted as a musician and singer for Amun, reflecting both her elite status and the importance of music in temple rituals (ETL Travel). The tomb’s decoration underscores Nakht’s connections to the priesthood and royal administration, as well as the significance of family in funerary commemoration.

Architectural Features and Artistic Highlights

TT52 follows the T-shaped floor plan typical of 18th Dynasty non-royal tombs: a transverse hall leads to an axial chapel, ending with a burial shaft. Crafted directly into limestone and finished with gypsum-based plaster, the tomb’s interior is adorned with vivid mineral pigments that have survived millennia (We Seek Travel).

Artistic Program:

Banquet Scenes: Depict Nakht and Tawy attended by musicians and dancers at elaborate feasts, symbolizing hoped-for pleasures in the afterlife.
Agricultural Scenes: Illustrate harvesting, grape pressing, and bird catching, reflecting the wish for abundance and eternal sustenance.
Astronomical Ceiling: Features constellations and the goddess Nut—rare among non-royal tombs and highlighting Nakht’s profession.
Musicians Fresco: “The Three Musicians” is especially renowned, showcasing the sophistication of New Kingdom music and the role of professional female musicians (Roaming Jewel).
Animal Imagery: Includes a charming depiction of a family cat, rare in ancient Egyptian tomb art.

Religious and Cultural Context

The decoration of TT52 reflects core themes of Egyptian religion:

Offerings to Deities: Scenes of Nakht and Tawy making offerings to Osiris, Anubis, and Amun for favor in the afterlife.
Funerary Rituals: Purification rites, offering bearers, and the presence of a “false door” for the soul to receive offerings and communicate with the living.
Symbolic Imagery: Depictions of fishing, hunting, and agricultural abundance symbolize regeneration and continuity after death (Historical Eve).

Historical Significance in the 18th Dynasty

The 18th Dynasty marked Egypt’s zenith in power and culture. TT52’s elaborate program demonstrates how high officials mirrored royal funerary practices to assert their status. The tomb provides vital data on the operations of the Amun priesthood, astronomical practices, and the daily life of Theban society (Earth Trekkers).

Planning Your Visit: Hours, Tickets, and Access

Visiting Hours

TT52 is generally open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (some sources report 6:00 am to 4:00 pm; verify locally for updates) (Hurghada Lovers).

Tickets

Entry is included in the general Tombs of the Nobles ticket, covering several tombs in Sheikh Abd el-Qurna.
As of 2025, the combined TT52/TT69 ticket costs approximately 120 EGP for foreign visitors (ETL Travel), but prices fluctuate—check with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Tickets are purchased at the West Bank ticket office; online purchases may be available.

Access and Facilities

Location: Sheikh Abd el-Qurna, easily reached by taxi, car, or as part of a guided tour. Frequent boat crossings are available from the East Bank (We Seek Travel).
Facilities: Basic amenities (restrooms, shaded waiting areas) are near the ticket office but not at the tomb itself. Bring water, sun protection, and wear sturdy shoes.

Accessibility

Narrow, uneven passageways and steps to the entrance can be difficult for those with limited mobility. There are no ramps or elevators.

Guided Tours

A licensed Egyptologist guide is highly recommended for detailed interpretation of TT52’s iconography and context. Many tours combine TT52 with other Tombs of the Nobles or local monuments (We Seek Travel).

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring:

Tombs of Menna (TT69) and Ramose (TT55): Nearby, with equally rich wall art.
Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens: Famous royal burial grounds.
The Ramesseum: Mortuary temple of Ramses II.
Deir el-Medina: Village of the tomb builders.
Local West Bank villages: Experience traditional crafts and daily life (We Seek Travel).

Conservation and Visitor Etiquette

To preserve TT52:

Photography: Strictly prohibited inside without a special permit. Check current rules at the ticket office (Hurghada Lovers).
Touching/Leaning: Forbidden; glass panels protect many wall paintings.
Visitor Limits: Group sizes are controlled; visits typically last 15–30 minutes.
Noise: Speak quietly to maintain the tranquil environment (Egypt Sites).

Ongoing conservation utilizes advanced techniques like 3D scanning and digital imaging to ensure the tomb’s longevity (We Seek Travel).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the Tomb of Nakht’s visiting hours?
Open daily, typically 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Confirm on arrival.

How do I buy tickets?
Purchase at the West Bank ticket office; combined tickets for TT52 and TT69 are available.

Is photography allowed?
No, unless you have a special permit. Flash and touching walls are always forbidden.

Is TT52 suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
Children are welcome with supervision. The tomb is not wheelchair-accessible due to narrow, uneven passages.

How long does a visit take?
Typically 15–30 minutes, due to space and conservation measures.

Summary and Practical Tips

The Tomb of Nakht (TT52) offers a profound window into ancient Egyptian life, bridging the worlds of ritual, art, and everyday existence. To maximize your visit: