Egyptian Temples – 11 Most Famous

Egyptian temples were religious and political centers of ancient Egypt, where people worshiped their gods and pharaohs. Temples were considered as the dwelling places of the gods on earth and were often built on sites that were believed to have been chosen by the gods themselves.

The construction of temples was a major undertaking, involving not just architecture, but also sculpture, painting, and writing.

Egyptian temples were designed to be grand and impressive structures that reflected the power and wealth of the pharaohs and their gods.

The temples were often built with great precision, incorporating astronomical alignments and other features that reflected the religious beliefs of the time.

The temples were typically divided into different sections, including the main sanctuary, where the statue of the god was kept, and various other halls and chambers for rituals and offerings.

They also often included courtyards and colonnades, where people would gather for festivals and other public events.

Overall, Egyptian temples were central to the religious and social life of ancient Egypt and played a crucial role in maintaining the power and legitimacy of the pharaohs.

Famous Egyptian Temples

1. Karnak Temple Complex

Karnak Temple Complex

The Karnak Temple Complex is one of the most impressive and largest ancient Egyptian temples. It is located in Luxor, on the east bank of the Nile River, and was dedicated to the worship of the god Amun.

The temple complex covers a vast area of over 100 hectares and includes several temples, chapels, and other structures.

The construction of the Karnak Temple Complex began during the Middle Kingdom (around 2000 BCE), but it was mainly developed during the New Kingdom (around 1500 BCE). The complex was continually expanded and modified by various pharaohs, including Amenhotep III, Tutankhamun, and Ramesses II.

The main temple within the complex is the Temple of Amun, which consists of several sections, including the Great Hypostyle Hall, the Court of Ramesses II, the Obelisk of Hatshepsut, and the Sacred Lake.

The Great Hypostyle Hall is particularly impressive, as it features 134 massive columns, the tallest of which are over 20 meters high and weigh up to 70 tons.

The Karnak Temple Complex was not only a place of worship, but also a center of economic and political activity, with the temple owning vast amounts of land and having significant influence over the administration of ancient Egypt.

Today, the Karnak Temple Complex is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

2. Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple

The Luxor Temple is an ancient Egyptian temple located on the east bank of the Nile River in the city of Luxor. The temple was built during the New Kingdom period (around 1400 BCE) and was dedicated to the god Amun, his wife Mut, and their son Khonsu.

The Luxor Temple was built by several pharaohs, including Amenhotep III, Tutankhamun, and Ramses II. The temple covers an area of approximately 25 hectares and includes several structures, such as pylons, obelisks, and shrines.

The main entrance of the temple is through a massive pylon, which leads to a courtyard surrounded by colonnades with large columns decorated with scenes of pharaohs, gods, and offerings.

The temple also features a hypostyle hall with 32 columns, which leads to the inner sanctuary, where the statues of the gods were kept.

One of the most notable features of the Luxor Temple is the Avenue of Sphinxes, which originally connected the temple with the Karnak Temple Complex, located about three kilometers away. The avenue was lined with over 1,000 sphinxes, each with a human head and a lion’s body.

The Luxor Temple was not only a religious center but also served as a political and economic hub. It was a site of important ceremonies, including the Opet Festival, which celebrated the union of the god Amun with his wife, Mut.

Today, the Luxor Temple is a popular tourist destination and is considered one of the most significant ancient Egyptian temples. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

3. Abu Simbel Temples

Abu Simbel Temples

The Abu Simbel Temples are two massive rock-cut temples located in Nubia, near the southern border of Egypt. The temples were built during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II (around 1279 BCE – 1213 BCE) and are dedicated to him and his wife, Queen Nefertari.

The temples were carved directly into the side of a mountain and were designed to be a grand display of the power and wealth of the pharaoh. The facade of the temples features four colossal statues of Ramesses II, each standing over 20 meters high, and smaller statues of his family members.

Also Read: Abu Simbel Facts

The larger temple, known as the Great Temple of Abu Simbel, is dedicated to Ramesses II and features several halls and chambers with intricate carvings and paintings. The most significant feature of the temple is the inner sanctuary, which houses four massive statues of Ramesses II, each over 20 meters tall and representing the god Ra.

The smaller temple, known as the Temple of Nefertari, is dedicated to Queen Nefertari and features several halls and chambers decorated with paintings of her and her husband. The facade of the temple is adorned with six statues, including two of the queen herself.

The Abu Simbel Temples are famous not only for their grand architecture but also for their historical significance. In the 1960s, the temples were at risk of being submerged by the waters of the newly created Lake Nasser, as a result of the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

An international effort was made to move the temples to a higher location, and they were successfully dismantled and reconstructed on higher ground, where they remain today as a testament to the engineering and preservation efforts of the time.

4. Philae Temple

Philae Temple

The Philae Temple is an ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the island of Philae in the Nile River, near the city of Aswan. The temple was built during the Ptolemaic dynasty (around 380 BCE) and was dedicated to the goddess Isis.

The Philae Temple complex consists of several structures, including a large main temple, smaller shrines, and various other buildings. The temple was designed to be a grand display of the power and wealth of the Ptolemaic rulers, and it features impressive colonnades, courtyards, and other architectural features.

The main temple of Philae is dedicated to the goddess Isis and features several halls and chambers, including a sanctuary that housed the statue of the goddess. The temple also features several other smaller shrines dedicated to other deities, including Osiris and Horus.

One of the most notable features of the Philae Temple is its decoration, which includes intricate carvings and paintings depicting scenes from Egyptian mythology and history. The temple was also a site of important ceremonies, including the annual flooding of the Nile, which was believed to be caused by the tears of the goddess Isis.

Like many other ancient Egyptian temples, the Philae Temple was at risk of being submerged by the waters of Lake Nasser after the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

In the 1960s, an international effort was made to move the temple complex to a higher location, and it was successfully dismantled and reconstructed on the nearby island of Agilkia.

Today, the Philae Temple complex is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a testament to the architectural and artistic achievements of ancient Egypt and an important cultural site for people around the world.

5. Temple of Edfu

Temple of Edfu

The Temple of Edfu is an ancient Egyptian temple located in the city of Edfu, on the west bank of the Nile River. The temple was built during the Ptolemaic dynasty (around 237 BCE – 57 BCE) and was dedicated to the god Horus.

The Temple of Edfu is one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temples, and it provides a significant insight into the architecture and religious practices of the Ptolemaic era. The temple complex consists of several structures, including a large main temple, a courtyard, a sacred lake, and various other buildings.

The main temple of Edfu is dedicated to the god Horus and features several halls and chambers, including a sanctuary that housed the statue of the god. The temple also features several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities, including Hathor and Maat.

One of the most significant features of the Temple of Edfu is its decoration, which includes intricate carvings and paintings depicting scenes from Egyptian mythology and history.

The temple also includes several important inscriptions that provide valuable information about the religious practices and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.

The Temple of Edfu was not only a site of religious worship but also served as a political and economic hub. It was a center of trade and commerce, and it was also a site of important ceremonies, including the annual festival of Horus, which attracted pilgrims from all over Egypt.

Today, the Temple of Edfu is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is considered one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temples and is an important cultural site for people around the world.

6. Kom Ombo Temple

Kom Ombo Temple

The Kom Ombo Temple is an ancient Egyptian temple located on the east bank of the Nile River in the city of Kom Ombo, about 30 kilometers north of Aswan.

The temple was built during the Ptolemaic dynasty (around 180 BCE) and was dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god.

The temple is unique in that it is a double temple, with two identical sections dedicated to each god. The temple complex consists of several structures, including two main temples, a courtyard, a hypostyle hall, and several smaller shrines.

The main temple of Kom Ombo is divided into two symmetrical halves, with each section dedicated to one of the gods. The temple features several halls and chambers, including a sanctuary that housed the statue of each god. The temple also includes several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities, including Hathor and Khonsu.

One of the most notable features of the Kom Ombo Temple is its decoration, which includes intricate carvings and paintings depicting scenes from Egyptian mythology and history.

The temple also includes several important inscriptions that provide valuable information about the religious practices and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.

The Kom Ombo Temple was not only a site of religious worship but also served as a center of trade and commerce. It was a site of important ceremonies, including the annual festival of the god Sobek, which attracted pilgrims from all over Egypt.

Today, the Kom Ombo Temple is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is considered one of the most unique and well-preserved ancient Egyptian temples and is an important cultural site for people around the world.

7. Temple of Hatshepsut

Temple of Hatshepsut

The Temple of Hatshepsut, also known as the Djeser-Djeseru Temple, is an ancient Egyptian temple located in Deir el-Bahri, on the west bank of the Nile River near the city of Luxor.

The temple was built during the New Kingdom period (around 1479 BCE – 1458 BCE) and was dedicated to the goddess Hathor and the pharaoh Hatshepsut.

The Temple of Hatshepsut is one of the most impressive ancient Egyptian temples, and it is considered a masterpiece of architecture and engineering. The temple complex consists of several structures, including three terraces, a hypostyle hall, several shrines, and various other buildings.

The main feature of the temple is the three-tiered terrace, which was built into the side of a cliff and is connected by ramps and stairs. The terraces feature several impressive colonnades and statues, including a series of massive statues of Hatshepsut herself.

The hypostyle hall is another notable feature of the Temple of Hatshepsut, featuring several massive columns and decorated with intricate carvings and paintings depicting scenes from Egyptian mythology and history.

One of the most significant aspects of the Temple of Hatshepsut is its historical importance. Hatshepsut was one of the most successful and influential pharaohs of ancient Egypt, and her temple was designed to not only honor her but also to solidify her place in history and legitimize her reign.

Today, the Temple of Hatshepsut is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is considered one of the most important and impressive ancient Egyptian temples and is an important cultural site for people around the world.

8. Ramesseum Temple

Ramesseum Temple

The Ramesseum Temple is an ancient Egyptian temple located on the west bank of the Nile River in the city of Luxor. The temple was built during the New Kingdom period (around 1279 BCE – 1213 BCE) and was dedicated to the pharaoh Ramesses II.

The Ramesseum Temple was designed to be a grand display of the power and wealth of Ramesses II, and it features several impressive architectural features, including massive statues, ornate columns, and intricate carvings and paintings.

The main feature of the temple is the hypostyle hall, which features several massive columns decorated with scenes from Egyptian mythology and history. The temple also includes several smaller chambers and shrines, including a sanctuary that housed the statue of Ramesses II.

One of the most notable features of the Ramesseum Temple is the colossus of Ramesses II, a massive statue of the pharaoh that stands over 17 meters tall and weighs over 1,000 tons. The statue is one of the largest ever built in ancient Egypt and is a testament to the grandeur and power of Ramesses II.

The Ramesseum Temple was also a site of important ceremonies, including the Opet Festival, which celebrated the union of the god Amun with his wife, Mut.

Today, the Ramesseum Temple is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is considered one of the most impressive ancient Egyptian temples and is an important cultural site for people around the world.

9. Temple of Khonsu

Temple of Khonsu

The Temple of Khonsu is an ancient Egyptian temple located in the city of Karnak, near Luxor. The temple was built during the New Kingdom period (around 1170 BCE – 943 BCE) and was dedicated to the god Khonsu.

The Temple of Khonsu is a relatively small temple compared to other major temples in Egypt, but it is known for its impressive decoration and architectural features.

The temple complex consists of several structures, including a large entrance pylon, a hypostyle hall, several courtyards, and a sanctuary that housed the statue of Khonsu.

One of the most notable features of the Temple of Khonsu is its decoration, which includes intricate carvings and paintings depicting scenes from Egyptian mythology and history. The hypostyle hall, in particular, is decorated with impressive reliefs depicting the pharaohs making offerings to the gods.

The Temple of Khonsu was not only a site of religious worship but also served as a center of trade and commerce. It was a site of important ceremonies, including the festival of Khonsu, which celebrated the god’s birth and renewal.

Today, the Temple of Khonsu is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is considered one of the most impressive examples of ancient Egyptian temple architecture and is an important cultural site for people around the world.

10. Dendera Temple Complex

Dendera Temple Complex

The Dendera Temple Complex is an ancient Egyptian temple complex located in the city of Dendera, about 60 kilometers north of Luxor. The complex was built during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods (around 300 BCE – 30 BCE) and was dedicated to the goddess Hathor.

The Dendera Temple Complex is one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temple complexes, and it provides a significant insight into the architecture and religious practices of the Ptolemaic and Roman eras. The complex consists of several structures, including a large main temple, a hypostyle hall, several shrines, and various other buildings.

The main temple of Dendera is dedicated to Hathor and features several halls and chambers, including a sanctuary that housed the statue of the goddess. The temple also features several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities, including Isis, Osiris, and Horus.

One of the most significant features of the Dendera Temple Complex is its decoration, which includes intricate carvings and paintings depicting scenes from Egyptian mythology and history.

The temple also includes several important inscriptions that provide valuable information about the religious practices and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.

The Dendera Temple Complex was not only a site of religious worship but also served as a center of trade and commerce. It was a site of important ceremonies, including the annual festival of Hathor, which attracted pilgrims from all over Egypt.

Today, the Dendera Temple Complex is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is considered one of the most important and impressive ancient Egyptian temple complexes and is an important cultural site for people around the world.

11. Abydos Temple

Abydos Temple

The Abydos Temple is an ancient Egyptian temple located in the city of Abydos, about 160 kilometers north of Luxor. The temple was built during the New Kingdom period (around 1550 BCE – 1069 BCE) and was dedicated to the god Osiris.

The Abydos Temple is one of the most important ancient Egyptian temples, and it is considered a pilgrimage site for followers of the cult of Osiris. The temple complex consists of several structures, including a large main temple, several smaller chapels, and various other buildings.

The main temple of Abydos is dedicated to Osiris and features several halls and chambers, including a sanctuary that housed the statue of the god. The temple also features several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities, including Isis and Horus.

One of the most notable features of the Abydos Temple is its decoration, which includes intricate carvings and paintings depicting scenes from Egyptian mythology and history. The temple also includes several important inscriptions that provide valuable information about the religious practices and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.

The Abydos Temple was not only a site of religious worship but also served as a center of trade and commerce. It was a site of important ceremonies, including the festival of Osiris, which celebrated the god’s resurrection and renewal.

Today, the Abydos Temple is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is considered one of the most important ancient Egyptian temples and is an important cultural site for people around the world.