Overview:

The Temple of Edfu is an Egyptian archaeological site located in the city of Edfu, located in the Upper Egyptian region of the Nile Valley. It is one of the best-preserved and most thoroughly excavated of all the temples of the ancient Egyptian world. The temple was built in the 2nd century BC by Ptolemy III, and dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. The temple has a vast layout, with an impressive main court, a well-preserved inner court, multiple sanctuaries and rooms, and a colonnade of over sixty stone columns, all surrounded by walls adorned with carvings and reliefs depicting the life and deeds of Horus. This makes it one of the most important representations of Egyptian mythology in Egypt – and a popular tourist destination. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

1. Pylon: The first and most recognizable feature of the Edfu Temple is its imposing entrance pylon, which measures 37 meters high and 33 meters wide. It is decorated with reliefs that depict scenes of religious importance, including images of pharaohs offering sacrifices to the gods. 2. Court of Offerings: Flanked by colossal statues of Horus, the Court of Offerings would have been used for offerings of food, drink and oils in honor of the gods. 3. Hypostyle Hall: This great hall is composed of 21 colossal papyrus columns that are adorned with intricate carvings and mythological scenes. 4. Sanctuary: The sanctuary at the very heart of the temple is home to a number of shrines and chapels. The temple also contains the Birth House, which was dedicated to Horus’ mother Isis, and a special sanctuary dedicated to Horus’ father Osiris. 5. Grand Staircase: The grand staircase in the inner court of the temple was used by priests to access the sanctuary and was a grand way to show visitors how important the temple was. 6. Lumen Room: This open room just beyond the grand staircase was once used for magical rituals, with its wood columns dressed with images of the Sun God Ra. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

The Temple of Edfu is an ancient temple located in the town of Edfu, between the cities of Luxor and Aswan in Egypt. It is believed to be the second largest temple in Egypt and one of the most well preserved in all of Egypt, due to the efforts of archaeologists and historians who have worked hard to preserve it. The temple was built sometime during the Ptolemaic period (around 237-57 BC) by the Ptolemaic Pharaohs as a tribute to the falcon god Horus, and it has served as a major religious site for Egyptians ever since. The temple is made up of two main parts: the Inner Shrine and the Outer Precinct. The Inner Shrine is the heart of the temple, and consists of two parts: an ancient forecourt and a large hypostyle hall, featuring an impressive roof of massive columns. Inside the hall are 12 chapels, each dedicated to a separate god, providing a unique insight into Ancient Egyptian mythology. The Outer Precinct is an enclosed area of the temple, featuring a series of open galleries and a large outer wall. This wall contains many inscriptions and symbols, which have been used to interpret and understand the beliefs, customs, mythology and religious practices of the ancient Egyptians. The temple of Edfu is still the focus of many important religious ceremonies in Egypt, and it remains an important part of the country's culture and history. Despite its age, the temple is still remarkably intact and still continues to attract many visitors each year. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Temple of Edfu is located in the city of Edfu on the west bank of the Nile River, between Luxor and Aswan in Upper Egypt. 2. It is one of the most well-preserved ancient temples in Egypt, and due to its complete state and well-preserved hieroglyphs, the temple is a prime example of ancient Egyptian architecture. 3. The temple was built between 237 and 57 BC, in the Ptolemaic period of Ancient Egypt, under the rule of the Ptolemaic Dynasty. 4. It was dedicated to the worship of Horus, the falcon god of Upper Egypt, and was believed to house the Wedjat Eye, one of two eyes that represented the protective power of Horus. 5. According to myth, Edfu Temple was built in one night, as part of a mythical battle between Horus and Seth, gods of Upper and Lower Egypt. 6. There are two main entrances to the temple, one on north side and one on the south side, both of which are marked with well-preserved hieroglyphs and hieratic reliefs, including some of the oldest examples of writing found in Egypt. 7. The main courtyard of the temple was used as a ritual space for festivals and offerings, and a sacred lake was used as a source of ritual purification for the reliefs of deities and kings depicted in the temple’s walls. 8. Inside the temple stands the obelisk marking the place where divine oracles were previously given. 9. The temple also contains two huge quartzite statues of Horus, both 15 meters high and weighing over 50 tons each. 10. The Temple of Edfu is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Egypt, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era