Edfu

In Edfu’s enduring monuments, Pharaonic history springs to life.

Edfu is a small Egyptian city located on the west bank of the Nile between Aswan and Luxor. It is home to the best-preserved ancient monument in Egypt, the Temple of Horus. The Ptolemaic temple is an impressive sandstone building with an intact roof and seamless hallways opening to the holiest sanctuaries in the country. Although it was constructed much later than the New Kingdom temples of Aswan and Luxor, it is an impeccable example of Pharaonic architecture. The reliefs and inscriptions decorating the temple’s interior depict intriguing stories.

At the heart of the temple is the sanctuary of Horus, the falcon god of Ancient Egypt. The site once hosted important rituals and offerings in the name of gods. Their supreme power still echo through the colossal halls leading up to the shrine.

Day trips in Edfu offer further insight into the Ptolemic era in the sites surrounding the majestic Temple of Horus. Within walking distance lie the ruins of the ancient village that once stretched over the temple and concealed it from sight. Edfu’s diverse culture lives on in the colorful markets and pottery shops at the center. Here, you will experience Egyptian town life at its best.