Temple of Edfu

Temple of Edfu

Dedicated to the deity Horus and located on a hill overlooking the Nile, the spectacular Temple of Edfu is considered to be the best preserved of the Ancient Egyptian shrines.

Built during the Ptolemaic Kingdom between 237 and 57 BC, the Temple of Horus at Edfu is generally regarded to be the best-preserved of the Ancient Egyptian sanctuaries. For 200 years, the structure was buried under almost 40 feet (12 metres) of desert sand and silt from the Nile, which incredibly helped to conserve it to near-perfection!

As the largest temple dedicated to Horus, one of Egypt's most important historic deities, statues of the falcon-headed god are found throughout the complex, and its extensive wall carvings have provided valuable information to historians about the Hellenistic period of Egyptian history: the exquisite reliefs give us insight into the religion, mythology and way of life during the era.

Visiting the Temple of Horus at Edfu

Aside from the archaeological site of the temple, there isn't all that much for tourists in Edfu, a city located on the Nile. It is conveniently located about halfway between Luxor and Aswan, approximately a two and a half hour drive from either, making it perfect for a day trip or as a stop on a Nile cruise.

If you're planning a day trip, we recommend combining your visit with a tour of the Temple of Kom Ombo, which is located a little over an hour north of Aswan, and around an hour and a half south of Edfu. You'll enjoy the ease and comfort of transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, all entrance fees included, and an English-speaking guide to explain the fascinating stories surrounding the ancient monuments:

  • Edfu & Kom Ombo Day Trip from Luxor
  • Edfu & Kom Ombo Day Trip from Aswan

 

Alternatively, visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu as part of a cruise up the Nile River, stopping at all of the most iconic sights between Aswan and Luxor. Get picked up from your hotel, the airport or train station, and enjoy a luxury cruise to visit the Temple of Isis at Philae, the Kom Ombo Temple, the Temples of Luxor and Karnak, Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Menmon and the Valleys of the Kings and Queens. An incredible experience!

Schedule

Daily from 8 am to 5 pm.

Price

Adults: 450 LE (US$ 9.40)
Students: 230 LE (US$ 4.80)

3 Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor 356.40 (US$ 388.10)

Transport

From Luxor or Aswan: hire a private car with driver (around a two and a half hour drive); take the train (check they stop at Edfu before boarding!); hire a felucca (Nile sailboat) or go on a Nile cruise or guided tour.