Egypt is the land of pharaohs, pyramids, tombs, and temples . Today we're going to talk about the most important temples in Egypt. We'll learn how many there are, which ones they are, and who they are dedicated to.
We will take a tour of them, explaining a little what we could find when visiting them.
The most important temples in Egypt
When discussing the most important temples of Egypt, we want to explore this land of the Pharaohs, who left their mark for posterity. Imposing, enormous, and highly decorated structures, adorned with sculptures of gods and pharaohs, and carved with hieroglyphs that narrate their history. To better understand these temples, it is also important to learn about the social organization of Egypt.
Get to know the 7 most important temples
Abu Simbel
Located 280 kilometers from Aswan, Abu Simbel is one of Egypt's most iconic sites. It was partially discovered in 1813 by the Swiss explorer Burkhard, a feat continued four years later by the Italian Giovanni Battista Belzoni. Since then, the structures built during the reign of Ramses II between 1279 and 1213 BC have been visible . Studying the history of these temples is fundamental to understanding the art and architecture of the period, and it is also interesting to learn more about the construction of the Egyptian pyramids.
Temple of Ramses II
Abu Simbel is a complex comprised of several buildings, most notably the Temple of Ramses II, with its famous facade of colossal figures, 20 meters tall, carved directly into the rock. This image is one of the symbols of Egypt.
However, the temple is not just a facade; the interior rooms are decorated with very well-preserved frescoes and guarded by fences of even more enormous sculptures.
The temple was oriented so that twice a year, on February 21st and October 21st, the sun shines through it at dawn, illuminating the statues of the gods inside. This feat, achieved by humankind harnessing nature's resources, yields a result that seems both magical and mystical.
Nefertari Temple
Next to the Temple of Ramses II stands the Temple of Nefertari , also known as the Temple of Hathor. This temple was commissioned by the pharaoh in honor of his wife, Queen Nefertari. It is one of the few examples of large temples dedicated to a woman in Ancient Egypt. Inside, columns adorned with the heads of the goddess Hathor are displayed (hence its name). The exterior, while colossal, is less striking than that of Ramses II, and also features sculptures depicting pharaohs wearing various crowns or bearing the attributes of gods.
Both temples are part of the six rock-cut temples that were built during the reign of Ramses II.
Temple of Luxor
Located in the city of Luxor, from which it takes its name, it is a temple built between 1400 and 1000 BC. It was constructed in several periods and by several pharaohs: Amenhotep III and Ramses II, in honor of the god Amun. The complete temple measures 260 meters in length.
The Luxor and Karnak Temples were originally connected by an avenue over 3 kilometers long, lined with more than 600 sphinxes. Today, the beginning of this avenue can be seen at the entrances to both temples, directly linking to Egypt's rich architectural and cultural heritage, which can also be explored in the Valley of the Kings.
Today, the lighting that has been installed makes it a magical place when night falls.
Karnak Temple
One of the largest and most important temples in Egypt, it was connected to Luxor Temple by the Avenue of Sphinxes. Located on the banks of the Nile River, it was expanded and embellished by various pharaohs in honor of the god Amun.
One of the most distinctive features of this temple is the hypostyle hall, filled with enormous columns decorated with hieroglyphic engravings and polychrome paintings, some of which have been preserved. It has a total of 134 columns, each 23 meters tall.
Kom Ombo Temple
North of Aswan lies a rather interesting temple, Kom Ombo, dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris. Sobek is the god of the waters, the creator of the Nile River, and is usually depicted with the body of a man and the head of a crocodile. Haroeris is Horus the Elder.
When you arrive at the temple you can see two independent entrances at the same time and that is because it is as if they were two temples that are partly separated and partly united. The southern part is the temple of Sobek and the northern part is Haroeris and each has its own courtyards, chapels and sanctuaries that are in symmetry on one side with the other. But in addition, there are spaces that both temples share.
In the images and reliefs of the temples, we can find Sobek, Haroeris, and surgical instruments on a back wall, reminiscent of modern instruments. It is also interesting to learn more about the Egyptian symbols found in this temple.
Hatshepsut Temple
This Egyptian temple is one that is close to the Valley of the Kings and is dedicated to the only woman who reigned in Egypt for more than 20 years.
What's interesting about this temple is that its architecture is very different from the others. Access is via ramps that connect three terraces whose facades are built while the rest is carved into the mountain rock itself.
Unfortunately, many images of the pharaoh were destroyed by her stepson Thutmose III, but some of them are still preserved, as well as colored reliefs depicting the pharaoh with Amun-Ra.
Temple of Philae
This temple was submerged beneath the waters of the Aswan Dam and was moved stone by stone to a nearby islet. This project was made possible thanks to the support of UNESCO.
The temple is dedicated to the goddess Isis, the goddess of love, magic, and motherhood. Legend says that when King Osiris was murdered by his brother, his wife Isis gathered all of Osiris's pieces and took refuge with them on the Island of Philae to reassemble his body.
Besides the Temple of Isis, other temples can be seen on the island, such as the Temple of Hathor, Trajan's Gate, and the pylons. Interestingly, these temples can only be reached by boat.
Edfu temple
If you go to Egypt, the Temple of Edfu is another essential site to see. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, it is one of the best preserved, having been buried under desert sand for a long time.
It was built between 237 and 57 BC under the orders of Ptolemy III. It is a temple with the characteristics of Egyptian temples, comprising a parion, hypostyle halls, a pylon, an offering chamber, a central hall, and a sanctuary. In the sanctuary, one can see a replica of the ceremonial barque, the original of which is now in the Louvre Museum.
Numerous details of the construction of this temple are known because the many carved reliefs tell us not only about the temple's construction but also about important aspects of life in Ancient Egypt. Furthermore, one can delve into the economy of Ancient Egypt to understand the context of these constructions.
