Temple of Edfu (Horus)

Located halfway between Luxor and Aswan, the Temple of Edfu is a marvel of the ancient world. It is the best-preserved temple in all of Egypt, retaining its roof, walls, and even its doors. Built during the Ptolemaic era over a span of 180 years, it is dedicated to Horus Behdet (the Falcon God) and stands on the mythological battlefield where he defeated his evil uncle Seth. [1]

Quick facts Encyclopedic guide FAQ
Edfu (West Bank) Falcon God Horus 36m High Pylon

Quick facts

A fast snapshot of the Temple of Edfu—its size, its builders, and its unique preservation.

Location

City of Edfu (ancient Djeba), on the west bank of the Nile, approx. 110km south of Luxor. [1]

Dedicated to

Horus of Behdet, the falcon-headed sky god, his wife Hathor of Dendera, and their son Harsomtus. [2]

Construction

Built entirely during the Ptolemaic Period (237 – 57 BC), started by Ptolemy III and finished by Ptolemy XII (father of Cleopatra). [3]

Scale

It is the second largest temple in Egypt after Karnak. The main pylon stands 36 meters high and is 79 meters wide. [1]

Highlights

The black granite falcon statues, the "Passage of Victory" (myth of Horus vs. Seth), the intact roof, and the Holy of Holies with its granite naos. [2]

Opening hours

Open daily from 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM. Visitors usually arrive by horse carriage from the Nile dock.

Encyclopedic guide

Step into the legend of the Falcon God—from the colossal pylons to the dark sanctuary where the god slept.

The House of the Falcon

The Temple of Edfu is a time capsule. Because it was buried under sand and mud from the Nile for nearly 2,000 years, it is almost perfectly intact. Villages were built over it, protecting the roof. It wasn't until the 1860s that Auguste Mariette cleared the sand to reveal this masterpiece. It represents the height of Ptolemaic temple design, blending traditional Egyptian architecture with Greek attention to symmetry. [1]

Pylon of Edfu Temple
The First Pylon of Edfu Temple, one of the largest in Egypt. Notice the scenes of Ptolemy XII smiting enemies, a traditional pharaonic motif.

Key Features

  • The Great Pylon: Stands 36m high. The two towers are decorated with huge figures of the king smiting enemies before Horus. [2]
  • Falcon Statues: Two colossal black granite statues of Horus as a falcon wearing the double crown stand guard at the entrance to the hypostyle hall. [1]
  • The Mammisi: In front of the temple is the "Birth House," where the birth of the divine child Harsomtus was celebrated annually. [3]

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to common questions about the Temple of Edfu.

When the temple was abandoned and buried in sand, people built mudbrick houses on top of it and inside the upper parts of the halls. The soot from their cooking fires over centuries blackened the ceilings. Restoration teams are slowly cleaning it to reveal the colors underneath. [2]
This is Horus (specifically Horus of Behdet). He is the son of Osiris and Isis, who avenged his father's murder by defeating Seth. The Pharaoh was considered the "Living Horus" on earth. [1]
Yes! Like Kom Ombo, Edfu has a Nilometer (a structure to measure the Nile's water level) connected to the temple. It was used to calculate taxes based on the expected harvest. You can see the stairs leading down on the eastern side. [3]

Sources & further reading

References supporting the historical data, architectural details, and dates presented in this guide.

  1. Wilkinson, Richard H. The Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt. Thames & Hudson, 2000.
  2. Cauville, Sylvie. Edfu. Institut Français d'Archéologie Orientale (IFAO), 1984.
  3. Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities (Egypt), Temple of Edfu. View
  4. Fairman, H. W. The Triumph of Horus: An Ancient Egyptian Sacred Drama. (Translation of the Edfu play).

Note on visiting: Opening hours and ticket prices are subject to change by the Ministry of Tourism. Please check official sources prior to your visit.

Last updated: February 17, 2026