The tomb of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, one of the largest in southern Egypt's Valley of the Kings and Queens, was officially opened to the public Saturday after years of restoration.

Egypt's tourism and antiquities minister, Sherif Fathy, unveiled to reporters the newly refurbished site, which dates back more than 3,000 years.

Mohamed Ismail Khaled, head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, said restoration involved more than two decades of "incredibly delicate work, because the tomb was suffering severe deterioration".

Authorities led reporters on Saturday through the colossal space, which boasts floor-to-ceiling wall paintings, the bright blue of the frescoes shining even in the dim light.

In its centre, visitors observed Amenhotep's massive granite sarcophagus lid, etched with hie

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