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Temple · Aswan, Aswan
Edfu Temple
The Temple of Horus at Edfu, between Aswan and Luxor, from the Ptolemaic period, one of Egypt’s best preserved temples, with its pylon, sanctuary and sacred barque.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Edfu Temple
The Edfu temple stands on the west bank of the Nile, in the city of Edfu, about 105 km north of Aswan. Dedicated to Horus, the falcon‑headed god, it was built between 237 and 57 BCE and is one of Egypt’s most complete temples.
At the entrance, the roughly 36‑meter pylon bears reliefs of the pharaoh defeating his enemies and is flanked by granite falcon statues. Inside are the courtyard, hypostyle halls, the sanctuary with a sacred barque and corridors with reliefs that tell the story of Horus’s struggle against Seth.
The temple was buried in sand for centuries, which helped preserve it. Nile cruises stop at Edfu, and visits are commonly made by carriage from the quay.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours.
Best time
Early in the morning, when the cruises stop and the heat is lower.
How to get there
By car, about 105 km north of Aswan or 115 km south of Luxor; cruise boats stop in the town.
Tip
See the reliefs in the outer corridor, which depict Horus’s fight against Seth.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Edfu Temple
What to see in the Edfu temple?
The pylon, the courtyard, the hypostyle halls, the sanctuary with the sacred barque and the reliefs of Horus’s fight against Seth.
Where is the Edfu temple?
In the city of Edfu, about 105 km north of Aswan, between Aswan and Luxor.
Is the Edfu temple well preserved?
Yes. It is one of Egypt’s most complete temples because it was buried in sand for centuries.