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Edfu Temple

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Historical site
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Edfu Temple (Egypt)

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The Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the falcon god Horus, is widely regarded as the best-preserved ancient temple in Egypt. Constructed during the Ptolemaic Kingdom between 237 and 57 BC, it was built on the foundations of an earlier New Kingdom structure. The temple's architecture adheres to classical Egyptian design, featuring a massive pylon standing 36 meters tall, a colonnaded courtyard, and a series of hypostyle halls leading to the inner sanctuary. Its walls are adorned with extensive hieroglyphic inscriptions that provide a wealth of knowledge regarding late Egyptian mythology, language, and cult practices, including the legendary victory of Horus over Set. For centuries, the temple was buried under desert sand and Nile silt, which served to protect its structural integrity until it was fully excavated by Auguste Mariette in the mid-19th century. Today, Edfu stands as a monumental link between the Pharaonic and Hellenistic eras, offering unparalleled insights into the religious life of the Ptolemaic period and attracting scholars from around the globe.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.

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Avg °C151722263133343432282217
Rain mm100010000000

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Temple of Edfu is open to visitors for an entrance fee. It is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt and can be explored fully both inside and out, including the rooftop.
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Typical hours
The temple is typically open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, in winter until 4:00 PM. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Short closures may occur during the noon prayer.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the temple, but without flash inside to protect the colorful reliefs. Tripods are not allowed indoors, but are permitted in the forecourt.
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Time needed
A thorough visit to the Temple of Edfu takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you also visit the small museum and the nearby Nile riverbank, allow 2 hours.
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Combine with
The Temple of Edfu is located between Kom Ombo and Aswan; combine it with the Kom Ombo Temple on the way to Aswan. Many Nile cruise ships dock directly at Edfu.
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Getting there
Edfu is about 110 km north of Aswan; you can reach the temple by taxi (about 2 hours) or by train from Aswan (about 1.5 hours). Many Nile cruises stop in Edfu.
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Insider tip
Take your time to admire the ceiling reliefs and hieroglyphs in the hypostyle hall - they are exceptionally well preserved. Some local guides offer interesting explanations of the scenes for a tip.

Geography

Coordinates
24.97810, 32.87350

Facts

  • Construction began on August 23, 237 BC, under Ptolemy III Euergetes.
  • The temple complex was officially completed in 57 BC after 180 years.
  • The main pylon stands 36 meters high and spans 79 meters in width.
  • The granite naos in the sanctuary dates back to the reign of Nectanebo II.
  • Auguste Mariette began the systematic clearance of the site in 1860.
  • It is the second largest temple in Egypt, surpassed only by Karnak.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Gabal el-HoshGabal el-Hosh13 km · WExplore →
Kom Ombo TempleKom Ombo Temple49 km · WExplore →
Benban Solar ParkBenban Solar Park52 km · WExplore →
Gabal el-HimeiyanGabal el-Himeiyan68 km · NEExplore →
LuxorLuxor71 km · EExplore →
Luxor Botanical GardenLuxor Botanical Garden72 km · EExplore →
Karnak Temple ComplexKarnak Temple Complex73 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights in the town Edfu Temple (3)

Sound & Light Show🎭 culture

This evening sound and light show illuminates the massive pylons and columns of the ancient Edfu Temple.

nice view towards Horus Temple🌿 nature

This viewpoint provides an excellent line of sight towards the imposing facade of the Temple of Horus in Edfu.

Edfu Temple📍 landmark

The Ptolemaic Edfu Temple is one of the best-preserved ancient sanctuaries in all of Egypt.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the temple open?
Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
To whom is the temple dedicated?
It is dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus.
How to get to the temple from the Nile?
Usually by horse-drawn carriage from the pier.
Is photography allowed inside?
Yes, often a separate photo ticket is required.
How much time should I plan?
About 1.5 to 2 hours for exploration.
Edfu Temple: where is it located?
Edfu Temple is located in Egypt.
Edfu Temple: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sound & Light Show, nice view towards Horus Temple, Edfu Temple.
Edfu Temple: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
Edfu Temple: why is it worth visiting?
The Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the falcon god Horus, is widely regarded as the best-preserved ancient temple in Egypt.
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Aswan — Edfu Temple (Egypt)
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The sunniest city in southern Egypt, rich in Nubian culture.
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An Upper Egyptian city famous for its exceptionally well-preserved temple.
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Lake Nasser
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History & landmarks

Nubian Museum — Edfu Temple (Egypt)
Nubian Museum
An archaeological museum located in Aswan dedicated to the history and culture of the Nubian people.
Aswan High Dam — Edfu Temple (Egypt)
Aswan High Dam
A monumental rock-fill dam built across the Nile in Aswan, creating Lake Nasser and controlling the river's annual flooding.

Nature

Lake Nasser — Edfu Temple (Egypt)
Lake Nasser
A massive reservoir in southern Egypt.

More places

Kom Ombo Temple — Edfu Temple (Egypt)
Kom Ombo Temple
An unusual double temple dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris.
Benban Solar Park — Edfu Temple (Egypt)
Benban Solar Park
One of the largest solar parks in the world, located near Aswan.
Elephantine Island Park — Edfu Temple (Egypt)
Elephantine Island Park
A peaceful park on a historic Nile island.
Kitchener&#39;s Island Botanical Garden — Edfu Temple (Egypt)
Kitchener's Island Botanical Garden
A lush garden on a Nile island in Aswan.
Philae Temple — Edfu Temple (Egypt)
Philae Temple
A temple complex on an island in the reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam, dedicated to the goddess Isis.
Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant — Edfu Temple (Egypt)
Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant
A massive hydroelectric plant at the Aswan Dam generating a large portion of Egypt's electricity.
Temple of Kalabsha — Edfu Temple (Egypt)
Temple of Kalabsha
An ancient Egyptian temple that was originally located at Bab al-Kalabsha and moved due to the dam.
Abu Simbel Temples — Edfu Temple (Egypt)
Abu Simbel Temples
Two massive rock temples in Nubia, carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Ramesses II.