The Temple of Horus at Edfu is one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt, built by the Ptolemies between 237 and 57 BC. It stands about 110 km north of Aswan and is usually visited on a day trip with Kom Ombo or as a Nile cruise stop. Allow about 1.5 hours and check tickets and hours first.
At a glance
| Ticket | EGP 550 for foreign adults, EGP 275 for students (checked October 2026) |
| Built | 237 to 57 BC, under the Ptolemies |
| Why go | The best-preserved temple in Egypt, with its roof and sanctuary intact |
| Time needed | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Where | West bank of the Nile in Edfu, between Luxor and Aswan |
| Combine with | Kom Ombo on the same day |
Edfu is a Ptolemaic temple dedicated to Horus the falcon god, with a huge entrance pylon, an open court, columned halls and a dark sanctuary. Because sand buried it for centuries, it is the most complete temple you can walk through in Egypt.
Construction began in 237 BC under Ptolemy III and was completed under Ptolemy XII in 57 BC. After the temples were closed in late antiquity, sand and a village covered much of it. It was cleared in the 19th century.
It was the home of Horus of Behdet and the stage for ritual dramas, including the annual meeting with Hathor of Dendera. The walls record the rituals and the foundation of the temple.
It is one of the clearest places to understand how an Egyptian temple worked, from the gate to the sanctuary, and the carved walls are in excellent condition.
Yes. It is less crowded than Luxor and Karnak and easy to reach from Aswan or on a Nile cruise. Do not skip it if you have a spare half day.
Edfu is on the west bank of the Nile, about 110 km north of Aswan and about 1.5 to 2 hours by road.
Go early to beat the heat and the cruise groups. October to April is the best season.
By road about 1.5 to 2 hours, or as a stop on a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan. A private day trip combines Edfu and Kom Ombo. Many visitors ride a horse carriage from the town to the temple; agree the price first.
About 1 to 1.5 hours at the temple.
Light, modest clothes, a hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes.
Yes. Use a licensed operator, agree prices for the carriage in advance and keep valuables close in the crowded parking area.
Not required, but the reliefs are dense and a guide makes the visit much clearer. It is worth it here.
Tickets are paid at the gate and the foreign adult price changes, so check the current price at egymonuments.gov.eg or the ticket office.
The site opens in the morning and closes in the afternoon or evening depending on the season. Check the current hours at the gate or on egymonuments.gov.eg.
Edfu is the one to choose if you want a nearly complete Egyptian temple. Go early, look up at the pylon, and pair it with Kom Ombo for an easy day from Aswan.
Book this experience: Kom Ombo and Edfu temples day trip from Aswan from $25.
Edfu Temple of Horus – A Complete Guide for New Visitors
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