EdfuOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

Edfu's Ancient Settlement and Early Temples

Edfu, known as Behdet in ancient Egypt and later as Apollinopolis Magna by the Greeks and Romans, has a history spanning millennia. Archaeological excavations at Tell Edfu, an ancient settlement mound 50 meters west of the Ptolemaic temple, show occupation from the Old and Middle Kingdoms. These findings include mastaba tombs and burials. During the New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BCE), a smaller temple dedicated to Horus stood on this site; its pylon remains today, east of the current temple.

The Ptolemaic Temple of Horus

The city's main landmark, the Temple of Horus, was built during the Ptolemaic Kingdom. Construction began on August 23, 237 BCE, under Ptolemy III Euergetes I. The initial phase, including a pillared hall, two transverse halls, and a barque sanctuary, was completed within 25 years under Ptolemy IV Philopator, with the last stone placed in 212 BCE. Decoration and additions continued for nearly 180 years.

Work on the enclosure wall, the main courtyard, and the monumental pylon was started by Ptolemy VIII Euergetes II and finished by Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos. The temple was officially completed in 57 BCE with the installation of the main entrance wooden doors between the two pylons. Despite being built by Greek rulers, the Temple of Horus follows traditional ancient Egyptian architectural styles and religious practices. This was a deliberate effort by the Ptolemies to gain favor with the local population.

After the Roman period, the Temple of Horus was buried by desert sand and Nile silt. This natural process protected it from the elements and human interference for centuries. It remained largely forgotten until its rediscovery and excavation by French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette in 1860. This preservation is why the Temple of Horus is one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temples, showing ancient religious life and architectural methods.

• —Temple of Horus — This is the main site in Edfu. It is a well-preserved Ptolemaic temple in Egypt, showing a complete ancient Egyptian sanctuary. It has pylons, a courtyard, two hypostyle halls, and an inner sanctuary. The walls are covered in hieroglyphs and reliefs showing mythological narratives, including the conflict between Horus and Seth, and pharaohs making offerings to the gods.
• —Great Pylon — These entrance pylons are 36 meters high. They have reliefs showing Ptolemy VIII smiting his enemies before Horus. Four depressions on the facade show where 40-meter-high wooden flagpoles once stood.
• —Processional Avenue — This avenue leads to the Great Pylon. It was used for religious processions and ceremonies. It shows the scale of the temple complex as it appeared in antiquity.
• —Ancient Quay on the Nile — This quay on the Nile's west bank was the landing point for boats carrying pilgrims and offerings to the temple. It shows the river's role in ancient Egyptian religious life and transport. Steps lead down to the water.
• —Kiosk of Nectanebo I — Remnants of an earlier structure, including this kiosk, are near the ancient quay. It shows earlier worship at Edfu, predating the current temple. The shrine within the sanctuary of the Temple of Horus was made by Nectanebo II (360-343 BCE), predating the main construction by about a century.
• —South Enclosure Wall — The exterior of the temple's southern wall has carvings and shows the complex's defensive architecture. The inscriptions here are part of the "Edfu Texts" that cover the temple's surfaces.

Visit Edfu during the cooler, drier winter months, from October to April. Daytime temperatures are 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), making outdoor exploration comfortable. December to February is peak tourist season, with mildest weather but more crowds and higher prices. For fewer crowds, visit in October-November or March-April. Avoid the summer months from May to September, when temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F), making sightseeing difficult. Many outdoor activities are uncomfortable in the midday heat during summer.

Edfu is on the west bank of the Nile River, between Luxor and Aswan. Most visitors arrive via Nile cruise, with ships docking at Edfu port. Transport to the temple is often included. Independent travelers can use Edfu's railway station, with trains from Luxor (1.5 hours) and Aswan (2 hours). From the train station, take a taxi or a horse-drawn carriage (caleche) to the Temple of Horus, which is 4 km away. Negotiate carriage fares; a round trip should be around LE150-200. Tuk-tuks are available for short distances. If driving, parking is at the temple's visitor center. The Temple of Horus opens from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Visit early morning to avoid heat and large tour groups. Tipping (baksheesh) is customary; carry small Egyptian Pound denominations.