Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

What Is Edfu Temple?
The Temple of Horus is a huge structure dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. It is located in the town of Edfu in Egypt and it is considered one of the most impressive temples built during the Greco- Roman period. The temple follows a classic pylon layout including a massive gateway, open courtyard, hypostyle halls as well as the sacred sanctuary.
Although it was built between 237 BC and 57 BC it remained buried under desert sands for centuries. And today it is one of the most complete examples of Egyptian temple architecture.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

Why Is Edfu Temple Important?
This place matters for many reasons... First, it is the most complete and best preserved pylon temple in all of Egypt. Second, it sits on the spot where, according to myth, Horus defeated Set; symbolizing the win of good over evil. And finally, Edfu Temple Egypt was a major religious center and played a huge role in ancient festivals.
The carvings and texts found in this temple give us insight into their daily life, religious practices and even royal events.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

Where Is Edfu Temple Located?
You will find the Temple of Edfu on the west bank of the Nile River about 60 km north of Aswan. 
The temple sits several meters below the current city level because it was buried under sand for so long. Now the modern city surrounds it which make it super easy to reach.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

What Is the History of Edfu Temple?
The temple’s construction started in 237 BC under Ptolemy III and took around 180 years to complete ending in 57 BC during Ptolemy XII’s reign. The site though was sacred long before that.
According to ancient stories this is where Horus battled Set the god of chaos. Temple f Horus in Edfu became a place of celebration hosting events like Horus and Hathor’s marriage festival. After the rise of Christianity pagan temples like this were shut down. And over time sand buried the temple until it was rediscovered in the 19th century by French explorers.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

What Is the Architectural Style of Edfu Temple?
Although it was built during the Greek period, the temple sticks to classic New Kingdom Egyptian temple design that you can clearly see in all temple of Edfu photos. It includes all the main features like:

  • Pylon entrance
  • Open courtyard
  • Hypostyle halls
  • Sanctuary of Horus
  • Side chapels and Nilometer
  • The Mamisi (birth house)

This style gave the temple a grand yet balanced look as it is full of religious and mythological carvings that cover almost every wall.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

What Are the Main Features of Edfu Temple?
There are many cool things to see inside Temple of Horus or Edfu Temple:

  • Pylon: standing 37 meters high, decorated with scenes of Ptolemy VIII defeating enemies before Horus
  • Granite statues: two huge statues of Horus in falcon form guard the entrance
  • Open courtyard: lined with floral-columned pillars and surrounded by detailed imagery
  • Sanctuary of Horus: the holiest place in the temple. It contains a black granite shrine built by Nectanebo II
  • Hypostyle halls: large spaces filled with tall columns and carvings
  • Mamisi: a birth house showing scenes of Horus’s mythological birth

Each area tells a different part of Horus’s story and that thing makes the site even more engaging

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

What Are the Architectural Elements of Edfu Temple?
Some specific design details that make the Temple of Horus Edfu Egypt unique include:

  • Great Gate: the wooden gate leads to the open court, decorated with ritual scenes
  • Columned Halls: one hall has 12 columns; another has 18, each carved with floral designs
  • Waiting Rooms: used for presenting offerings and organizing ceremonies
  • Nilometer: a water measuring tool showing how high the Nile rose each year
  • Holy Barque Shrine: a spot inside the sanctuary for the sacred boat used in rituals

These elements show how much thought went into the design and how important each detail was.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

What Rituals and Events Took Place at Edfu Temple?
The temple hosted several major religious festivals; the biggest being the victory celebration of Horus over Set and the marriage ceremony of Horus and Hathor. During these events statues of the gods were carried in processions while music was played and rituals were held to bless the land and pharaoh.
These festivals were not only religious but they also were political events that reinforced the ruler’s connection with Gods.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

What Are Some Interesting Facts About Edfu Temple?

  • The temple’s construction lasted nearly two centuries
  • Much of it was once buried under 12 meters of sand
  • The temple’s carvings are so sharp that they feel freshly made
  • Its sanctuary still has a black granite shrine intact
  • Some early Christians defaced carvings but most are well-preserved

The site is a favorite for travelers wanting a unique temple experience especially those looking for exploring and learning opportunities.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

How Does Edfu Temple Compare to Other Temples in Egypt?
What sets Edfu Temple Egypt apart is how complete it is! Many temples are missing roofs or columns but this one stands tall with most of its parts still intact. It offers the best idea of how grand and complex ancient temples once were.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

What Can Visitors Experience Today at Edfu Temple?
When you visit Edfu Temple, expect to:

  • Walk through the massive pylon entrance
  • Take in the view of Horus statues and court designs
  • Explore inside Temple of Horus with all its carvings and shrines
  • Enjoy peaceful corners for photography or reflection
  • Learn about Egyptian myths and rituals through the wall art

Edfu temple ticket price is considered affordable especially given its historical significance as one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient temples. 
For foreign visitors, tickets cost EGP 550 for adults and EGP 275 for students… and for Arab visitors and Egyptian nationals the rate is much lower at EGP 40 for adults and EGP 20 for students.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

Why Edfu Is a Must-See?
The Temple of Horus Edfu Egypt is a living story carved in stone. Want to see it for yourself? Visit Step To Egypt to plan your stop at Edfu as part of a custom tour or Nile cruise.., and don’t miss the chance to walk in Horus’s footsteps!

Temple of Edfu sits on the west bank of the Nile River north of Aswan city and it was dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. It is also called Temple of Horus in Edfu and it is known as one of the best-preserved temples in the country. It is a massive structure that was built during the Ptolemaic period and it gives us a deep look into ancient religion, architecture & art. 
This guide breaks everything down for you from its design and history to what you’ll find inside.