"Best Preserved Cult Temple in Egypt" Idfu by atufft

Idfu Travel Guide: 56 reviews and 362 photos

Idfu (Edfu) is an Ancient Religious Center

The name appears phonetically related to the Coptic name for the city, Atbo, which in turn appears related to the ancient Egyptian name, Tbot. The Greeks called the city Apollinopolis Magna. Near the temple there is a mound of rubble believed to be the original town of Djeba. In any case, the town is the capital of the second nome (Horus) and has been a religious center for a very long time. The town remains today an important tranportation center, which, if were also a market town, would have provided cause in ancient times for it to also be founded as a religious center. The temple is devoted to the god Horus.

The Temple is Often Overlooked by Tourists

Enclosure wall is very near a residential area

The city of Idfu surrounds the Temple closely, reducing it's land access popularity. Most tourists, therefore, find the temple by way of a cruise up or down river; however, as we typically do things the hard way, we came by local mini-van transport to the crossroads near the highway. From there, we had to ride in the back of a mini pick-up truck transport that had benches on either side for seating and a low overhead shell to shade us from the sun. We wouldn't have it any other way. We had plenty of time to browse the temple, before returning to the van stop and catch another destine for Luxor. Idfu is a sugar and pottery center, some 53 km of Esna, which itself is south of Luxor. It's a friendly town with few vendors to bother the visitor, except along a well defined section just before the Temple.

The Temple was Greek Built...

Main street of Idfu near Temple of Horus

The last of the great Ptolemaic projects begun in 237BC by Ptolemy III and completed some 200 years later under Ptolemy the XIII--Cleopatra's father. Lonely Planet writer's argue that the temple is basically a copy of archaic architectural forms--the pylon and hypostyle hall--lacking unique architectural design, but that it also represents a clear model for understanding the earlier temples found at Luxor. At any rate, the temple is in excellent condition, having a solid foundation above the river and retaining most of its original stone roof.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Has excellent state of preservation and not so crowded with tourists
Cons:Somewhat off the beaten path for those in a hurry...
In a nutshell:Idfu is a high priority for those wanting a comprehensive tour of Egypt's ruins

Last visit to Idfu: Jan 1997
Intro Written May 23, 2006
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Reviews (4)

Out building Colonnade with Color Paint - Idfu

Outbuilding and Exterior Images of... Things to Do (4)

These remaining images are devoted to the exterior walls which are large and in great condition. The reliefs require... more travel advice

Chamber with Painting of Goddess Nut on Ceiling - Idfu

Temple of Horus Reliefs and Paint Things to Do (4)

There are numerous passageways, and I have many photos of them. The images here are a sample of what may be seen. One of... more travel advice

Greek Style Capitols in the Great Hypostyle Hall - Idfu

Great Hypostyle Hall at Temple of Horus Things to Do (4)

Second in size only to Karnak, the great Hypostyle Hall is in a much better state of preservation. The Greek style... more travel advice

First Pylong Relief of Horus Slaying Seth - Idfu

Temple of Horus Entrance and Forecourt Things to Do (4)

The first pylon is huge and has a comparatively large entrance gate, to the right of which stands a statue of the god... more travel advice

Comments (5)

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TheWanderingCamel May 17, 2008 at 9:04 AM

I MUST get back to Egypt one day! More incredible photos - leyle
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SLLiew Jan 21, 2008 at 2:29 AM

Nice temple pictures and tips. I love Egyptian temples. Thanks for sharing.
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smeagol13 Aug 7, 2007 at 9:45 AM

great photography that leaves no need for lonelyplanetimages :) the "blue" and the l\use of light in your pictures are outstanding along with the useful tips.
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ATXtraveler May 7, 2007 at 6:49 AM

This place was phenomenal. Thanks for sharing.
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uglyscot Jun 26, 2006 at 6:47 AM

And another place I wish I'd seen.