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Temple of Horus at Edfu

The most complete surviving ancient temple in Egypt, guarded by two granite falcons.

Where
Edfu
Time needed
1.5-2 hr visit
Tickets
$8
Massive pylon and courtyard of the Temple of Horus at Edfu Massive pylon and courtyard of the Temple of Horus at Edfu

What to expect at Temple of Horus at Edfu

The Temple of Horus at Edfu is the second-largest temple in Egypt after Karnak, but unlike Karnak it survives essentially intact — pylons, courts, hypostyle halls, sanctuary and even ceiling slabs almost all in place. Built between 237 and 57 BC by the Ptolemies, it was buried under sand and village houses for nearly two thousand years, and when the French dug it out in the 1860s they found it remarkably preserved. Two colossal black granite falcons of Horus guard the entrance in front of the towering First Pylon.

Inside, you pass through a peristyle court, then two hypostyle halls, and finally into the dark sanctuary containing a naos of grey granite where the god's cult statue once stood. Reliefs throughout tell the mythological story of Horus's battle with Seth for the throne of Egypt, particularly on the inner walls of the ambulatory around the sanctuary — a graphic novel of divine combat. Roof access is currently limited but the ambulatory alone is fascinating for the depth of the carving and the surviving colour in shaded corners.

Most people come to Edfu as a Nile cruise stop, in a chaotic caleche procession from the boat mooring; if you're staying in Luxor, hire a taxi for a much calmer day trip (about $50 return, 1 hour each way). Combine with Kom Ombo further south for a long day, or with Esna's smaller temple on the return. Best in the morning — the sanctuary is properly dark inside so a torch helps.

Plan your visit Tickets$8 Time needed1.5-2 hr visit WhereEdfu Opening hours Daily 7:00-17:00 (winter) Daily 7:00-16:00 (summer) Hotels near Temple of Horus at Edfu

Questions about Temple of Horus at Edfu

How much is entry?

$8 for the standard ticket. Included in the Luxor Pass.

Any free entry?

No free days for foreign visitors.

How long to visit?

About 90 minutes to 2 hours on site.

Ever closed?

Open daily. Very crowded 9:30-11:30 when cruise groups arrive.

Booking needed?

No, walk-up tickets.

How do I get there?

By private taxi from Luxor about $50 return, 1 hour each way. Or by Nile cruise — every cruise between Luxor and Aswan stops here.

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