Ancient Egyptian Temples and Tombs
Below is an illustrated index of the 17 Ancient Egyptian Temples and Tombs profiled on Sacred Destinations so far. For photo credits, please see corresponding articles.
For the Egyptians, Abydos was one of the holiest sites in the world. It was the cult center of the god Osiris and the gateway to the underworld, and therefore a popular place of pilgrimage and burial.
Built by Pharaoh Sneferu, the Bent Pyramid was the first true pyramid, as opposed to a step pyramid. Its unusual angle probably results from a necessary last-minute adjustment to the angle.
Dendera was an ancient healing center dedicated to Hathor, wife of Horus. Built in Roman times, its temple decorations depict Roman emperors alongside Egyptian gods.
Dating from the Ptolemaic Dynasty, the Temple of Horus at Edfu is the best-preserved and the second-largest temple in Egypt. It is a popular stop located about halfway between Luxor and Aswan.
Constructed at least 4,500 years ago and shrouded in fascinating mystery, the pyramids of Giza are the only Ancient Wonder of the World to survive today.
Shrouded in mystery and having alleged connections to Atlantis, this great sculpture continues to fascinate visitors. It is thought to be an ancient guardian of Khafre's pyramid.
This vast temple complex in Luxor is dedicated primarily to Amun and dates from as early as 2000 BC. It is an impressive sight and second only to the Great Pyramids of Giza in popularity.
The Temple of Sobek (the crocodile god) and Haroeris (a form of Horus) in Kom Ombo dates from about 180 BC during the Ptolemaic era, with additions made into Roman times.
Near Karnak and also dedicated to Amun is the huge Luxor Temple, dating from the 1300s BC. It is full of monumental statues, tall walls and ancient carvings, and is beautifully lit at night.
Erected around 1180 BC, this is the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III, a huge complex second only to Karnak in size and better preserved. It has a huge pylon and many reliefs, plus an older temple by Hatshepsut.
Philae Island is home to the great Temple of Isis, a major place of pilgrimage in the ancient world and one of the last sanctuaries to be converted to Christianity.
This is the mortuary temple of Pharaoh Ramses II, who ruled for 67 years during the 13th century BC, the apogee of Ancient Egypt's power and glory.
The Red or North Pyramid in Dahshur is the third largest pyramid in Egypt. It belonged to the Fourth Dynasty Pharaoh Sneferu, father of Khufu, who built the Great Pyramid of Giza.
The Step Pyramid at Djoser was the first of the Egyptian pyramids to be built. Its architect, Imhotep, was later deified and identified with the Greek god of healing, Asclepius.
This three-tiered mortuary temple is dedicated to Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh who reigned 1503-1482 BC. Built against a cliff face, the great complex contains ancient statues and carvings.
Beautifully situated on a reflecting pool near the Plaza de España, this Egyptian temple dates from the 4th century BC and was brought to Madrid in 1971.
This famed valley on the West Bank of the Nile was the burial place for pharaohs and nobles from 1539 BC to 1075 BC. It contains some 60 tombs, including the famous King Tut's Tomb.
