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Temple of Kalabsha

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Historical site
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Temple of Kalabsha (Egypt)

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The Temple of Kalabsha, originally located at Bab al-Kalabsha about 50 kilometers south of Aswan, is one of the largest and most complete free-standing temples in Nubia. The present structure was built during the reign of Roman Emperor Augustus around 30 BC, replacing an earlier shrine established by Amenhotep II. It was primarily dedicated to the Nubian sun god Mandulis, though it also features significant representations of Isis and Osiris. In the 1960s, the construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened the temple with permanent flooding under Lake Nasser. As part of a massive UNESCO international rescue effort, the entire complex was dismantled into approximately 13,000 blocks and relocated to the island of New Kalabsha. The temple is a magnificent example of the synthesis between traditional Egyptian temple design and Roman artistic influences, boasting a grand pylon, an open courtyard, and detailed reliefs that provide insight into ancient Nubian religious practices.

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Temple of Kalabsha is open to visitors for an admission fee. It sits on a small hill overlooking Lake Nasser and can be explored both inside and out.
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Typical hours
The temple is typically open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM. In the hot summer months, closing may be earlier at 4:00 PM.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the temple grounds, including tripods. Avoid flash inside to protect the remaining paint traces on the walls.
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Time needed
A visit to the Temple of Kalabsha takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you also visit the nearby Temple of Beit el-Wali (about 1 km away), budget 1.5 hours.
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Combine with
The Temple of Kalabsha is near the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan and the Aswan High Dam. A boat ride on Lake Nasser is a popular addition.
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Getting there
The temple is accessible by taxi from Aswan; the drive takes about 30 minutes toward the Aswan High Dam. Alternatively, you can take a boat from the Aswan High Dam that docks directly at the temple.
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Insider tip
Combine the visit with a trip to the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk, as all sights are on the same route. Wear sunscreen and a hat, as there is little shade.

Geography

Coordinates
23.96100, 32.86700

Facts

  • The temple measures approximately 76 meters in length and 22 meters in width.
  • It was moved to its current location between 1962 and 1970.
  • The relocation was executed by a team of West German engineers.
  • The temple pylon is nearly 10 meters thick at its base.
  • An inscription found in the temple forbids the eating of pork in the area.
  • It is recognized as the second largest temple in Nubia after Abu Simbel.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Aswan High DamAswan High Dam2 km · NEExplore →
Philae TemplePhilae Temple6 km · EExplore →
Kitchener's Island Botanical GardenKitchener's Island Botanical Garden11 km · EExplore →
AswanAswan12 km · EExplore →
Kom Ombo TempleKom Ombo Temple46 km · EExplore →
Benban Solar ParkBenban Solar Park48 km · EExplore →
Gabal el-HoshGabal el-Hosh83 km · EExplore →
Qaryat MaqrunQaryat Maqrun85 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Temple of Kalabsha (3)

The monument of Friendship between Egypt and Soviet Union📍 landmark

Shaped like a gigantic, stylized lotus flower, this towering concrete monument commemorates the Soviet Union's assistance in building the Aswan High Dam.

Temple of Beit el-Wali📍 landmark

Hewn directly from the surrounding rock, this ancient temple showcases vivid historical reliefs from the reign of Ramesses II.

Temple of Kalabsha📍 landmark

This large freestanding temple, relocated to save it from the waters of Lake Nasser, was dedicated to the Nubian solar god Mandulis.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How to get to the temple?
By a small motorboat across the lake.
Was the temple moved?
Yes, because of the Aswan High Dam.
To whom was it dedicated?
To the Nubian god Mandulis.
When was it built?
During the reign of Emperor Augustus.
What else can be seen on the island?
The Kiosk of Qertassi and a rock temple.
Temple of Kalabsha: where is it located?
Temple of Kalabsha is located in Egypt.
Temple of Kalabsha: what is there to see?
Highlights include The monument of Friendship between Egypt and Soviet Union, Temple of Beit el-Wali, Temple of Kalabsha.
Temple of Kalabsha: why is it worth visiting?
The Temple of Kalabsha, originally located at Bab al-Kalabsha about 50 kilometers south of Aswan, is one of the largest and most complete free-standing temples in Nubia.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Aswan — Temple of Kalabsha (Egypt)
Aswan
The sunniest city in southern Egypt, rich in Nubian culture.
Idfu — Temple of Kalabsha (Egypt)
Idfu
An Upper Egyptian city famous for its exceptionally well-preserved temple.
Lake Nasser — Temple of Kalabsha (Egypt)
Lake Nasser
Lake Nasser is one of the world's largest artificial lakes, created by the Aswan High Dam and surrounded by relocated ancient Nubian monu…

History & landmarks

Aswan High Dam — Temple of Kalabsha (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.
Nubian Museum — Temple of Kalabsha (Egypt)
Nubian Museum
An archaeological museum located in Aswan dedicated to the history and culture of the Nubian people.

Nature

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

More places

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