Overview:

The Temple of Horus at Edfu is a large temple complex located in Upper Egypt, just south of the city of Edfu. It was constructed over the course of two centuries by the Ptolemaic dynasty, beginning in 237 BC and ending around 57 BC. The temple was dedicated to the falcon-headed Sky and Sun god Horus. The complex consists of a grand hypostyle hall, five inner sanctuaries, and a multitude of subsidiary shrines and chapels. The temple is significant for its rich decoration and extremely well-preserved hieroglyphic inscriptions. It was used for religious festivals, offerings, and even royal coronations. The temple stands as an example of Ptolemaic architectural techniques and symbols of Egyptian gods, making it an important site for Egyptologists and tourists alike. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

The Temple of Horus at Edfu is an ancient Egyptian temple located in Edfu, Upper Egypt. Built during the Ptolemaic period between 237 and 57 BCE, the Temple of Horus is perhaps the best preserved temple in all Egypt. The temple's two main features are its gateway and the immense sandstone temple complex within. The gateway of the temple is decorated with elaborate depictions of gods and goddesses, and the sandstone walls of the complex are carved with hieroglyphics and painted with scenes from the age-old myth of Horus and Seth. Inside the temple, statues and other artifacts from the Ptolemaic period have been preserved. Today, the Temple of Horus at Edfu continues to be a popular attraction and is widely regarded as an important source of information about ancient Egyptian culture and religion. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

The earliest records of the Temple of Horus at Edfu date back to the 12th Dynasty (1991–1802 BC) during the reign of Senusret I. A stone tablet from 3200 BC indicates that King Khasekhemwy dedicated the temple to the sun god Horus, also known as Horus of Edfu. The temple complex was expanded over time, with additional structures and chapels added throughout the 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties. By the time of the Roman conquest in 30 BC, the temple complex was near completion. The complex was destroyed by earthquake and fire during the reign of Augustus and remained in ruins for hundreds of years, until it was rediscovered and excavated in 1860. The majority of the current stones in the temple complex were quarried and moved to Edfu during the Greco-Roman period (332 BC-395 AD) or even later. Some of the stone walls were reinforced with granite blocks, and a crypt dedicated to Hathor, one of the oldest structures in the temple complex, was built using stones from the time of Ptolemy IX Soter II (80-51 BC). Since its excavation in 1860, the Temple of Horus at Edfu has become a popular tourist destination and has been featured in various films and television shows. It is considered a landmark in ancient Egyptian architecture and is considered to be the most completely preserved temple in Egypt. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Temple of Horus at Edfu is one of the best preserved temples in Egypt and the second largest after Abu Simbel. 2. Built during the reign of Ptolemy III (246-222 BC), it is located about 60 miles (100 kilometers) north of Luxor, on the left bank of the Nile. 3. The main temple structure features a massive pylon that stands over 30m (90 feet) high, made of sandstone, which was dedicated to the gods Horus and Hathor. 4. Inside the pylon is an impressive and ornate hypostyle hall, with 14 columns decorated to imitate bundles of papyrus plants and topped with lotus-bud capitals. 5. The temple also features over 60 carved reliefs, telling the story of Horus’s miraculous and triumphant victory over the God Set, who had killed Horus’ father Osiris and usurped the throne of Egypt. 6. Other temple features include the sanctuary of Horus, the chapel of Hathor, the temple’s library, and the offering chamber. 7. Outside the temple, visitors can find an enormous quay or breakwater which was used by sacred barques carrying the statue of Horus during grand processions and festivals. 8. Get even closer to the real spirit of Egypt than most tourists do by taking part in a nocturnal ceremony at the temple. Legends propose that praying at night will bring a person's wishes to life. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era