8 Ancient Egyptian Temples You Must Visit

The ancient land of pharaohs and pyramids, Egypt, has an age-old romance that attracts globetrotters and adventurers alike. Its proudest gems are its intricate and ancient temples, standing testaments to a heritage that thrived for thousands of years. The towering columns, intricate carvings, and striking hieroglyphs of these sacrosanct places provide a vivid insight into the religious beliefs, artistic skills, and lifestyle of the ancient Egyptians. You can step inside their weathered walls and, in so doing, you have stepped back in time to experience a civilization that influenced the course of human history. Go Kite travel also has the Explore Egypt Packages for travelers who seek to discover the wonders of this old land.

The Temples of Ancient Egypt You Must Visit

Karnak Temple (Luxor):

It's not just one temple but the Grandison of Temples that include different temples and chapels, with many acres of thin area, Karnak is a complex cityof sanctuaries, kiosks, pylons and obelisks dedicated primarily to Theban Triad of Amun, Mut and Khonsu. The hypostyle hall [[Gods and temples]] of Karnak, is a forest of papyrus Common elements were tons that also gave the people an idea of future (was cut down by 351 BC) –in nature, are truly one of the most impressive pieces ever built. Experience the incredible size and grandeur as you walk around its holly lake, stand under the mighty obelisk of Thutmose I or Hatshepsut. Over 2,000 years, each ruler added their mark establishing a historical and architectural tapestry.

Luxor Temple (Luxor):

Also on the east bank, at the southern edge of the Luxor built-up area, and in gratifying contrast to the scale of Karnak. A large, worship complex next to Karnak constructed largely by the Pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramses II The fancy yet regal colonnades, the stupendous pylons embellished with combat scenes, and the holy of holies where the god-king communed with Divinity feel more than a bit awe-inspiring. Luxor Temple is specially enchanting when lit up at night.

Abu Simbel Temples (Aswan):

The twin temples of Abu Dubbel were also probably Egypt's most iconic landmarks, and are carved into a rock cliff along Lake Nasser. The older one is The Temple of Ramses II, which has four colossal statues of Ramses at the entrance. The smaller temple, shown in the picture above, is dedicated to his queen and wife Nefertari where statues of equal size making company with gods that stood at their sides. The undisputed architectural highlight of Egypt's Nile River Valley are the Temples of Abu Simbel; that they had to be moved over 300 feet during the construction of Aswan High Dam simply adds to their magnificence.

Hatshepsut Temple —

Deir el-Bahari, LuxorCalled a New Kingdom masterpiece of ancient Egyptian architecture, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is one-of-a-kind when compared to other temples. Constructed by the female pharaoh Hatshepsut and adorned with a remarkable series of terraces that blend subtly into the sheer limestone cliffs around it. The two-part colonnades of the temple are decorated with carved reliefs illustrating her divine birth and her successful expedition to the Land of Punt, and thus provide much information about Hatshepsut's time as pharaoh and ancient trade networks.

Temple of Horus at Edfu:

The Temple of Horusat Edfuis one of the most well-preserved temples from ancient Egypt and offers an excellent opportunity to learn about temple architecture and religious beliefs in the Ptolemaic period. The temple is dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, and features monumental pylons oozing awesome battle scenes. The sanctuary and the offering hall are well preserved chambers with a similar atmosphere inside. The intricate inscriptions that cover the temple are an important source of information about ancient Egyptian mythologies and rites.

Temple of Kom Ombo –

In another example o the duality that permeated all aspectsof ancient Egyptian religion, this unique temple is dedicated to both Sobek and Haroeris (A form of Horus with a falcon head). The structure itself is also symmetrical with dual entrances, two sanctuaries and twin chambers. These reliefs show that Egyptian doctors carried out surgery (and amputations), much as the Greeks did. And to top that off, the temple sits on the bank of a river making it even more picturesque.

Philae Temple (Aswan):

Once situated on Philae Island, this lovely temple complex honoring the goddess Isis was moved interchangeably to Agilkia Island in order to spare it from the rising channels of Nile after the development of the Aswan High Dam. The serene island setting, together with its ornate pylons and colonnades decorated with fine carvings make it a captivating sight. Built during the Roman period, the Temple of Isis was one of very few pagan temples still in use at this time.

Abydos Temple (Abydos):

One of the most significant archaeological sites in Egypt, Abydos served as an important cult center for the god Osiris. In particular, the Temple of Seti I is famous for its beautifully carved relief workran illustration, which includes some of the best in Egypt. It also contains the Abydos King List which is a chronological list showing cartouches of most dynastic pharaoh of Egypt from the first dynasty to Ramses 1. The mystery surrounding Abydos, and its ancient roots, have turned it into the perfect place for those who pursue an interest in Egypt's early history and religious orientation.

Conclusion

A trip to see the ancient temples of Egypt transports us back in time and provides a concrete link to an ancient culture that has become one of the most fascinating chapters in human history. From the monumental scale and ambition of Karnak, to the graceful beauty of Philae; from Kom Ombo's dual dedication to the hospital temples that cared for pilgrims at Kom Ombo, each temple brings us closer than we would ever have imagined to gods and scorpion kings, crocodile cults and divine cows. Unchanged for centuries, the great pillars are still watching and listening, patient to history with quiet dignity proud. Take your own Egyptian adventure with Go Kite travel and see for yourself the wonder that was these ancient wonders.