Contents
Edfu Temple | Introduction
The Edfu Temple, located on the west bank of the Nile in Egypt, stands amidst the wilderness where desert and river converge. Dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed deity closely associated with Egyptian pharaohs as a symbol of royal protection, Edfu Temple is one of the best-preserved temples from ancient Egypt. Its construction began during the height of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, initiated by Ptolemy III in 237 BCE and completed under Ptolemy XII in 57 BCE, spanning over 180 years.
According to legend, Edfu was the site of a great battle between Horus and the evil god Seth, symbolizing the triumph of order over chaos. The Ptolemaic Dynasty, established by Greeks, viewed Horus as an equivalent of the Greek god Apollo and named Edfu "Apollonopolis Magna," considering it a major religious center. During the prosperity of the Ptolemaic period, the construction of the temple was a testament to this era's grandeur.
Today, Edfu Temple still exudes an imposing grandeur. Built during the relatively "young" Ptolemaic period, its more recent construction actually contributed to its preservation. In 391 CE, with the rise of Christianity, the temple was abandoned and eventually became buried under 12 meters of sand and Nile silt. Local residents even built homes atop it until its rediscovery by French archaeologist Auguste Mariette in the 19th century. This unexpected preservation has kept the temple in nearly pristine condition, earning it the title of one of Egypt's most well-preserved ancient temples.
Edfu Temple | Transportation, Accommodation and Ticket Information
The Edfu Temple is located in the town of Edfu on the Nile's west bank, about 60 kilometers north of Aswan and between Aswan and Luxor. The best way to visit is via Nile cruise from Luxor or Aswan, as most cruises stop at Edfu in the early morning or late afternoon. Upon disembarking, visitors take a local horse-drawn carriage, known as a "kalèche," which takes around ten minutes to reach the temple entrance. Those with respiratory sensitivities may wish to bring a mask, as the carriage ride can stir up dust.
Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor
For those not opting for a cruise, trains from Aswan or Luxor to Edfu are available, taking about 1–2 hours. However, upon arrival in Edfu, visitors will still need a carriage or taxi to reach the temple. Due to limited accommodation options in Edfu, most visitors choose to stay in Aswan or Luxor and make a day trip to the temple. It’s recommended to visit in the morning or late afternoon, when lighting is soft and temperatures are moderate.
Looking for a stay in Aswan?
Looking for a stay in Luxor?
Tickets for Edfu Temple can be purchased on the official website.
Edfu Temple | Highlights
With the clopping of horse hooves echoing through the ancient town, visitors arrive at Edfu Temple, immersed in its historic ambiance. The journey by carriage concludes at the temple's grand entrance, where visitors disembark and walk past souvenir stalls towards the towering pylon. The architecture of the temple is a classic example of late Egyptian style, with its grand scale, strict structure, and exquisite carvings, all built from massive sandstone blocks.
The Pylon
The first sight upon entering is the impressive 36-meter-high pylon, its surface carved with reliefs. These depict Ptolemy VIII punishing enemies before Horus, showcasing strength and authority.
Originally, the top of the pylon featured four grooves where 40-meter-tall wooden flagpoles once stood, flying banners visible from afar. Two statues of Horus flank the pylon, the falcon-headed god gazing protectively upon all who enter.
Forecourt
After passing through the pylon, visitors enter the spacious Forecourt, measuring 46 by 42 meters and surrounded on three sides by 32 flower-adorned columns. The columns are topped with intricate floral and palm motifs, and the golden stone walls are carved with reliefs of Horus and Hathor. This open space amplifies the temple’s solemn atmosphere.
This courtyard was used for important rituals. Its walls display scenes of the "Feast of Joyous Union," an annual festival celebrating the divine marriage between Horus and Hathor of Dendera. According to legend, Hathor's statue would be transported by boat from Dendera to Edfu, where she would reunite with Horus.
On the rear wall of the colonnade, three rows of reliefs depict scenes of the pharaoh—likely Ptolemy IX Soter II or Ptolemy X Alexander I—conversing with the gods or standing beside the victorious god Horus. These scenes display the pharaoh’s divine authority and Horus’s majestic presence.
To the left of the entrance, there stands a surviving black granite statue of Horus, originally one of a pair. This statue of Horus wears the double crown symbolizing the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt, solemnly guarding the entrance to the temple’s inner sanctuary.
Hypostyle Hall
The Outer Hypostyle Hall, supported by 12 towering columns, features carvings of Ptolemy IX worshiping Horus. The column tops are decorated with palm and floral designs, while the ceiling depicts the ancient Egyptians' understanding of the cosmos. To the left is the library, or "House of Books," containing religious texts, while to the right is the "House of the Morning," where priests would prepare themselves for rituals.
The Inner Hypostyle Hall has 18 columns arranged in three rows, supporting the hall's ceiling. The blackened ceiling may result from fires either from ancient cooking or from Roman attempts to extinguish pagan worship.
In the Inner Hypostyle Hall, the room on the left serves as a perfume laboratory, where the walls are inscribed with recipes for incense and ritual perfumes used by priests in ceremonies. These detailed reliefs depict the process of making perfumes and show the specific types of incense dedicated to different deities. The room on the right was used as a treasury, storing treasures and precious ritual items, including gold, silver, amulets, and other sacred objects. The reliefs on the walls illustrate scenes of the pharaoh or priests presenting offerings to the gods.
The temple took decades to complete, and Egyptian artisans adorned it with numerous exquisite mythological scenes: the battle between Horus and Seth, festivals of the gods, and pilgrims from the mortal realm—all vividly depicted on the walls. The reliefs in the Inner and Outer Hypostyle Halls, as well as the surrounding corridors, are particularly notable for their depth and three-dimensional quality. These carvings employ multi-layered techniques, with clearly defined layers. The reliefs show layered figures that depict the struggle between Horus and Seth, as well as scenes of the pharaoh hunting alongside Horus, Isis, and other deities.
Sanctuary
At the heart of Edfu Temple lies the sanctuary, the temple's most sacred space, where a gold statue of Horus once stood. Dimly lit and silent, only the pharaoh and high priests were allowed inside this holy area in ancient Egypt. Sunlight filters in through small wall openings, adding to the solemn and mysterious atmosphere.
A replica of Horus’s sacred barque is placed on a granite shrine within the sanctuary, symbolizing Horus’s spirit. This shrine, crafted by Pharaoh Nectanebo II, is one of the oldest artifacts in the temple. During the annual "Feast of Joyous Union," the sacred barque would be carried in a ceremonial procession to welcome the goddess Hathor from Dendera.
Side Chambers
Nine small side chambers surround the sanctuary, each dedicated to different deities of Horus’s family, including his father Osiris, mother Isis, consort Hathor, as well as Ra, Anubis, Khonsu, and others. Each room’s walls are adorned with reliefs depicting relevant religious ceremonies and mythological stories.
Because Edfu Temple was buried under sand for centuries, its reliefs are exceptionally well-preserved, with some original colors still visible—such as blue on the ceiling and red along the corridors.
Staircase to the Roof
Next to the sanctuary, a staircase leads to the roof of the temple. Although visitors cannot access the roof today, the staircase itself is significant. During the ancient "Opening of the Year Festival," priests would carry a statue of Horus up these steps to the roof, allowing the god to receive the sun’s energy at dawn for renewed divine power. The walls along this staircase are adorned with finely carved scenes of this ritual.
Outer Walls
The temple’s outer walls feature numerous reliefs and inscriptions that document the temple's construction, religious rituals, and Egyptian mythology.
Particularly notable are scenes depicting Horus’s victory over the evil god Seth, symbolizing the triumph of justice over evil. Additional reliefs illustrate the temple’s foundation ceremony and New Year festival.
The Birth House
The Birth House, or Mammisi, is a small structure near the temple entrance. Combining Greek and Egyptian styles, it features columns decorated with floral patterns and carvings of Bes, the god of childbirth and protection.
Dedicated to celebrating the birth of Horus’s son, Harsomptus, the Birth House was the only part of the temple open to the public, allowing devotees to participate in annual festivities. The reliefs here, some still retaining vibrant colors, depict scenes of Horus’s birth and other joyful celebrations, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Egyptian festivals.
Further reading
Thank you for visiting our website.
All the content on this site is original and shared with the purpose of providing valuable information. We sustain the operation of this site through a small amount of advertising and sponsored links. If you click on links to third-party merchants on our site and make purchases, we may receive a portion of the sales as a commission. If you click on links to third-party merchants on our site and make purchases, we may receive a portion of the sales as a commission.
If you want to support my free contents, you can Buy me a coffee here!
Find more posts on a map Here.
My recommended resources for hotel bookings.
Recommended travel credit card for US-based travelers
Travel with just a backpack!
If you are interested in quoting this article or using any part of its content and images on your website or publication, please contact us via email to request permission.
