King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain have visited Egypt’s famous Valley of the Kings during their state visit to the African country.
The King and Queen travelled to Luxor and visited the Temple of Hatshepsut alongside the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Sherif Fathi.
Their Majesties opened the night lighting of the tomb that was done by Spanish companies, who are also working to improve the condition and security of archaeological sites in Luxor (a city built in the ruins of the ancient city of Thebes). The lighting has allowed the temples to be open longer, allowing for night visits.
Their Majesties at the Temple of Hatshepsut. © Casa de SM el Rey
Tragsa and ISDEFE have led the project that “enabled the temples to be provided with professional lighting, utilising cutting-edge technology, supported by companies such as Varona, which, thanks to this project, has increased its international visibility and is now a leading lighting company worldwide,” according to Casa Real.
The following day, which was the last of the state visit, saw King Felipe and Queen Letizia visiting the Luxor Museum, where they heard from Spanish archaeologists Myriam Seco and José Manuel Galán about archaeological artefacts they have found and that are currently on display in the museum.
The King and Queen viewed the coffins of Iqer and Neben, flower bouquets and jewellery that had been discovered.
They also saw pieces discovered during the excavation of the temple of Tuthmosis III.
© Casa de SM el Rey
Afterwards, they travelled to the Valley of the Kings to see refurbishment projects at the sites in Luxor and Giza. They specifically learned about the development of tourism in the tomb area.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia were able to tour the Tomb KV9 of Ramesses V and VI, located just behind the famous Tomb of Tutankhamun (King Tut).
They next toured one of the longest, deepest tombs that is beautifully decorated. Tomb KV17 Seti I was dedicated to Pharaoh Seti I, who was the father of Ramses II (also known as Ramesses the Great).
© Casa de SM el Rey
The King and Queen then viewed two of the 14 Spanish archaeological missions, including the excavation work around the Million Year Temple of Thutmose III project. According to Casa Real, this project “will enhance the value of this important site through conservation and management work.”
Their Majesties were on a state visit to Egypt from September 16 to 19, which aimed to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.
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