The Temples of Egypt are one of the most important testimonies of the grandeur and historical legacy of ancient Egypt. If you are organizing a trip to this country, you will undoubtedly want to know which are the most important temples and which ones you cannot miss. Among them are the Temple of Karnak at Luxor, the Temple of Abu Simbel and an amazing monument built by Ramses II in honor of himself and his wife Nefertari.
From the mysterious Temple of Luxor, with its impressive columns and statues, to the Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the god Horus and considered the finest example of Ptolemaic architecture, each temple tells a fascinating and unique story. Touring these sacred sanctuaries gives you an unmatched insight into the religious and cultural life of ancient Egypt, taking you back to a time of splendor and devotion.
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What are the most important temples in Egypt?
1. Abu Simbel, the most famous of Egypt’s temples
Abu Simbel is a fascinating and impressive place in Egypt that you can’t miss. It is located near the shores of Lake Nasser, close to the border with Sudan. And it houses two majestic temples built by Ramses II in the 13th century BC. The main temple is notable for its four colossi of more than 20 meters high at the entrance, representing the pharaoh Ramses II on his throne. Inside, there are rooms adorned with reliefs narrating the victories and achievements of the ancient ruler. The second temple, dedicated to Queen Nefertari, is equally impressive, with a decorated facade and reliefs honoring the Egyptian gods.
The greatness of Abu Simbel lies in its capacity to immerse visitors in the fascinating ancient era of Egyptian history. In addition to its awe-inspiring architecture, the site is famous for the “Abu Simbel Solstice” phenomenon. Twice a year, at dawn, the sun’s rays penetrate the main temple, illuminating the statues and creating a unique spectacle. In short, Abu Simbel, besides being one of the most famous temples in Egypt, is a destination that arouses admiration. Its architectural beauty, rich history and the striking solar phenomenon offer visitors an unforgettable experience in the ancient Egyptian world.
2. Temple of Luxor
Located in the city of the same name, the Temple of Luxor is another gem you should visit in your search for the best temples in Egypt. Built during the New Empire, this majestic temple stands as an impressive testimony to the grandeur and splendor of ancient Egypt. The temple is dedicated primarily to the god Amun-Ra, but it also honors other gods such as Mut and Jonsu.
The Temple of Luxor stands out for the impressive facade, also flanked by huge statues of giants, and its magnificent avenue of sphinxes that connects with the Temple of Karnak. Entering the temple, visitors encounter beautiful courtyards, columns decorated with reliefs, chapels and hypnotic halls. The Temple of Luxor is especially impressive at sunset, when the lights illuminate its columns and walls. It all creates a magical and evocative atmosphere.
3. Temple of Karnak
The Temple of Karnak, in Luxor, is an impressive and emblematic religious complex that you cannot miss. It is one of Egypt’s greatest architectural achievements and is located about 3 kilometers from the center of Luxor.
The complex encompasses a large area that includes several temples, obelisks, pylons, hypostyle halls and monumental columns. Among the most prominent buildings are the Great Temple of Amun-Ra and the Great Temple of Amun-Ra. But you should also set aside time to explore the Sacred Lake, the obelisks and the hypostyle hall. From the impressive pillared hall to the carved obelisks and detailed reliefs, every corner of the temple tells a unique story. This place will immerse you in the past.
4. Temple of Hatshepsut
The Temple of Hatshepsut, also known as Deir el-Bahari, is one of the most outstanding and unique temples in Egypt. Located on the west bank of the Nile, also near Luxor, this impressive temple was built in honor of the queen-pharaoh Hatshepsut. She was one of the few women who ruled in ancient Egypt. The temple is notable for its architecture with stepped terraces and imposing columns.
In its interior, there are magnificent reliefs and paintings that narrate the achievements and life of Hatshepsut. In addition, the temple houses a number of shrines and chapels dedicated to different Egyptian gods. Its location in the Valley of the Kings, along with other important monuments, makes it an essential stop for those interested in discovering the fascinating legacy of the ancient Egyptian civilization.
5. Temple of Kom Ombo
The Temple of Kom Ombo, located on the banks of the Nile River in southern Egypt, is another archaeological treasure that captivates everyone who visits the temples of the country. This temple is unique, as it is the only double temple preserved in Egypt. It is dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. The symmetry of the temple is impressive, with two identical sections, each with its own colonnades and shrines.
The Temple of Kom Ombo offers a fascinating experience as you explore its architecture and well-preserved reliefs. Inside, you can admire representations of Egyptian medicine and surgery, as well as a museum dedicated to the mummified crocodiles found in the temple. In addition, its panoramic location next to the Nile River provides breathtaking views.
6. Temple of Edfu
The Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the god Horus, is one of the best preserved temples in Egypt and a must-see for lovers of history and architecture. Located in the city of Edfu, in the Nile Valley, this Ptolemaic temple stands out for its impressive facade adorned with detailed reliefs and statues of Horus. When you enter the temple, it is impossible not to marvel at its spacious halls, colonnades and sanctuaries. They tell the history and legends of ancient Egypt.
To explore the Temple of Edfu is to immerse yourself in the splendor of the Ptolemaic era and gain a fascinating insight into Egyptian religion and mythology. The meticulously carved reliefs and architectural details make this temple a historical gem.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What to eat in Egypt
During your tour of Egypt’s temples, you can’t miss out on the country’s delicious and varied cuisine. Start by treating yourself to koshari, a signature dish that combines rice, lentils, pasta and fried onions, all topped with a savory spicy tomato sauce. Accompany your meal with a falafel, delicious fried croquettes made from chickpeas, served with pita bread and a selection of sauces.
Fish lovers can’t miss the opportunity to try fresh fish from the Nile, prepared in a variety of ways depending on the region. If you prefer meat, don’t miss the tasty kebabs and koftas, served with rice and salad. And to sweeten your palate, try the exquisite Egyptian desserts, such as baklava. Explore the local markets and try traditional dishes that will immerse you in the culture and history of this fascinating country.
What should I know before visiting the temples of Egypt
- The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP).
- We recommend that you exchange money before your trip to Egypt, as it will be cheaper than at the airport.
- The best months to travel around Egypt and see its temples are October to April.
- Cairo is a fairly safe city for tourists, although it is always advisable to be careful with your belongings in crowded areas.
- To enter Egypt you will need a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months and a visa.
- Always drink bottled water.
- Take sunscreen with you, especially in the summer months, as well as light clothing that covers you from the sun’s rays. And stay hydrated.
- Hedge yourself against possible medical emergencies: travel insured.
- Get an eSIM card to have internet connection on your trip to the Egyptian temples.
How to organize a trip around the temples of Egypt
Sign up or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.
- Get inspired by the experiences of other travelers.
- Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions into it.
- Add the stops you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest we indicate in this post as a reference).
- Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes presented in the post)
- Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
- Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you visited on your trip to the app and recommend to other travelers the best temples in Egypt
If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
Frequently asked questions about the temples of Egypt
The climate in Egypt is mainly desert, with high temperatures and low precipitation. In general, Egypt has two main seasons: a long, hot summer and a milder winter. The temperatures are extremely high, especially in southern Egypt. In summer, daytime temperatures can easily reach 40-50°C in areas such as Luxor and Aswan. In the north, near the Mediterranean coasts, temperatures are slightly more moderate. During the winter, temperatures are milder and more pleasant, especially in the north. Daytime temperatures range from 15-25°C in the north and can be slightly lower in the south. Nights can be cool, with temperatures of 5ºC.
The best time to travel to Egypt is from October to April, when temperatures are milder. Avoid summer (June-August) due to the extreme heat.
Abu Simbel Temple: 9.50 €
Luxor Temple: 5. 43 €
Among the main temples in Egypt is Abu Simbel, in southern Egypt almost on the border with Sudan. The temple was ordered to be built by Pharaoh Ramses II in honor of his wife Nefertari. And in 1979 It was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
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