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Roland Unger CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Deir El Bersha

Administrative Seat

On the east bank of the Nile near Minya, Deir el‑Bersha contains Middle Kingdom rock‑cut tombs and burial shafts with archaeological finds; Egyptology visitors come for cemetery excavations and museum displays.

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Deir El Bersha essentials

Address: Deir el-Bersha, Minya Governorate, Middle Egypt
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About Deir El Bersha

Deir El Bersha is an archaeological cemetery site in Middle Egypt, within Minya Governorate, known for rock-cut tombs and burial complexes dating mainly to the Middle Kingdom. It is an important source of material on provincial elites and funerary practices.

The necropolis was used by local governors and elites during the Middle Kingdom and later periods; excavations over the last century have produced painted coffins, funerary equipment and inscriptions useful for reconstructing provincial administration and burial customs. Artefacts from Deir El Bersha have featured in museum collections and publications.

Deir El Bersha lies on the east bank of the Nile in Minya Governorate in Middle Egypt, inland from the Nile valley and accessible by road from nearby towns and the city of Minya.

  • Archaeological importance: Contains Middle Kingdom tombs and painted coffins that have been significant for understanding burial practices and provincial elites in Middle Egypt.

What to See#

  • Cliff tombs: A series of rock-cut tombs and cliff-side burial galleries from the Middle Kingdom and later periods, notable for painted decoration and funerary assemblages recovered during archaeological excavations.
  • Funerary cemetery: An associated cemetery area with finds ranging from pottery to wooden coffins, including material that has contributed to understanding provincial administration in Middle Egypt.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Deir El Bersha

Winter months (November-March) are the most comfortable for visiting archaeological sites in Middle Egypt; summers are harshly hot.

Winter
November-March · 10-25°C
Cooler and ideal for fieldwork or site visits; bright low-angle light benefits photography inside tombs.
Summer
May-September · 30-45°C
Extremely hot; site visits are tiring and more difficult during midday.

Weather & Climate near Deir El Bersha

Climate

Deir El Bersha's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 37°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 124 Unhealthy (Sg)
Best Time to Visit
MayJuneSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
47°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 6° - 20° 13° 0 mm clear 54% 2.9 m/s 0.9 moderate 10.5h
February Excellent 7° - 22° 14° 1 mm clear 45% 3.1 m/s 1.2 high 11.1h
March Ideal 11° - 26° 18° 1 mm clear 37% 3.1 m/s 1.7 very high 11.9h
April Ideal 15° - 31° 23° 0 mm clear 30% 3.1 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.7h
May Ideal 19° - 35° 27° 0 mm clear 27% 3.5 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.4h
June Ideal 22° - 37° 29° 0 mm clear 27% 3.6 m/s 2.7 extreme 13.7h
July Ideal 23° - 37° 30° 0 mm clear 30% 2.9 m/s 2.7 extreme 13.6h
August Ideal 22° - 36° 29° 0 mm clear 32% 2.8 m/s 2.5 extreme 13.0h
September Ideal 20° - 34° 27° 0 mm clear 37% 3.2 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.2h
October Ideal 17° - 31° 24° 0 mm clear 43% 2.6 m/s 1.5 very high 11.4h
November Ideal 12° - 25° 19° 0 mm clear 50% 2.2 m/s 1.0 high 10.7h
December Excellent 7° - 21° 14° 1 mm clear 56% 2.5 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.3h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Deir El Bersha

Deir el-Bersha lies on the east bank of the Nile near the town of Beni Mazar in Minya Governorate. The nearest major hub is Minya city; from there hire a car or join an organized archaeological tour. Road transfer times vary; expect a one- to two-hour drive from Minya depending on your starting point.

Tips for Visiting Deir El Bersha

  • Bring a flashlight if exploring any accessible tomb complexes - interiors can be dim and uneven.
  • Hire a knowledgeable local guide in Minya; many inscriptions and painted scenes are best explained in situ.
  • Combine with visits to other Middle Egyptian sites (e.g., Tuna el-Gebel, Hermopolis) for a fuller picture.