Temple of Edfu
معبد إدفو
The best-preserved ancient Egyptian temple, dedicated to the falcon god Horus, with a 36 m tall pylon and nearly intact roofs and inner sanctuary.
The Temple of Edfu stands in the town of Edfu, between Luxor and Aswan. It was built during the Ptolemaic dynasty (237 to 57 BC) and is dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. Buried under sand for centuries, it is Egypt's most completely preserved temple. Its 36 m tall pylon, roofed multi-columned hall, inner sanctuary, and granite shrine in its original position all survive, giving a complete sense of how an ancient Egyptian temple moved visitors from the bright courtyard toward the dim, sacred inner sanctum. Granite statues of black Horus falcons flank the entrance and make a classic photo spot, and the outer walls carry relief carvings of the myth of Horus and Seth's battle. Admission is about 550 Egyptian pounds (check on site). Nile cruise ships all stop here. From the pier to the temple, you can take a horse-drawn carriage for about 10 minutes, with the fare usually included in the cruise package or payable extra as a tip. If you drive from Luxor, it takes about 2 hours. Crowds are heavy at peak times, so try to be among the first group in.
Opening hours
07:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Temple of Kom Ombo
- Daraw Camel Market
- Tombs of the Nobles (Qubbet el-Hawa)
- Aswan Souq (Sharia as-Souq)
- Monastery of St. Simeon
- Kitchener's Island (Aswan Botanical Garden)
- Mausoleum of Aga Khan III
- Elephantine Island