Edfu Temple
The temple of Horus, the second-largest temple in Egypt after Karnak and the best preserved.
- 237 BCconstruction began
- 30 m+height of the great pylon
- ≈180years to finish it
- 2ndlargest temple in Egypt
Why it matters
Construction of Edfu Temple began under Ptolemy III in 237 BC and continued for roughly two centuries, finishing under Ptolemy XII. It is dedicated to Horus in his falcon form. It lies about an hour and a half's drive south of Luxor.
The temple is known for its massive pylon, over thirty metres high, and the granite falcon statues of Horus at the entrance. Its walls carry long inscriptions describing the temple's construction and rituals, and scenes telling the conflict between Horus and Seth. Having lain buried under sand for centuries, it survives almost complete.
Plan your visit
| Hours | Daily 07:00 – 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Foreign adult EGP 550 Student EGP 275 (valid ID) |
| Photos | Phone photography free |
| Time | About 1.5 hours |
| Best time | Early morning, before the heat and the cruise groups |
| Where | Edfu, about 110 km south of Luxor |
Prices and hours checked October 2026. Always confirm at the ticket office. Card payment only at most ticket offices.
Your route through Edfu
- 1
Great pylon & falcons
Granite statues of Horus the falcon guard the huge entrance.
- 2
Court of Offerings
A wide colonnaded court where offerings were brought to Horus.
- 3
Hypostyle halls
Two halls of columns leading into the darkness of the temple.
- 4
The sanctuary
A granite shrine and a replica of the sacred boat of Horus.
- 5
Outer corridor
Long reliefs of the fight between Horus and Seth.
Good to know
- Avoid the midday hours; there is little shade outside.
Hear the full story on the free audio guide
Free app, 11 languages, works offline — no signal needed inside the tombs and temples.
