Edfu is an Egyptian city, located between Aswan and Esna on the west bank of the Nile River, about 100 km from south Luxor. The city has a population of about 150,000 people. Edfu is the site of ancient settlement “Tell Edfu” and Ptolemaic Temple of Horus. About 5 km to the south of the city we can find the remains of ancient pyramids.
The city is well -known as a large agricultural town, its main products being pottery and sugar cane. The climate of the city is a hot desert climate as you would expect.
History
In the days of the Ancient Egyptians, the city was the capital of the second region in Upper Egypt. Archaeological excavations since the end of the 19th century have revealed its importance in the early ages of the ancient history of Egypt, especially the cemetery dating back to the era of the Old Kingdom in the third millennium BC. M., plus the tombs that were found in the area.
The city was a cemetery and settlement from around 3000 BC onward. It was the cult centre and home of “Horus of Behdet”, the falcon god, however the Temple of Horus as it exists today is Ptolemaic.
Edfu was a flourishing Greek city in ancient times, it was commonly known back then as Apollinopolis Magna.
What to do?
The top attraction of the city is the temple oh Horus, it’s built from sandstone blocks, and its one of the best preserved temples in the whole country, the origins of the temple date back to the Ptolemaic times, between 237 and 57 BC. You can also visit the Pyramids ruins, which are the remains of 7 small pyramids built along the Nile about 5.5 km south Edfu.
The Coptic Monastery of Pachomius is also an interesting option, it’s one of the oldest monasteries built during the Roman persecution of Christians in the Old Testament in Egypt, and it is located near Edfu in a town called “Hager”.
You can try the horse carriage and enjoy a short tour through the narrow streets of the city, where you can find many small open shops and markets.
What to eat?
Edfu is a part of the city of Aswan, so, you can find a lot of good restaurants serving different variety of food from the Egyptian cousin and the International cousin as well, but we recommend trying the traditional Egyptian food.
For breakfast, its typical Egyptian dishes such as Fool (Fava beans) with tahini, fried eggs, eggplant and French fries, and of course the famous Balady bread.
For launch/ Dinner, the traditional theme continues, Must-try items include stuffed pigeon and moloukhiya soup, Mahashi. On the other hand and as a result of the city’s location alongside the Nile River, fish is also served on many restaurants.
Night Life
Edfu Sound and Light Show is a must, the show takes place on The spectacular Temple of Horus, and believe me you will be pleasantly surprised by the show.