Travel bucket list idea:
Luxor, Upper Egypt, Egypt
Abydos was believed to be the burial place of the head of the god Osiris, and it was used as a necropolis for mortals from 4,000 BC- AD 600. One of Egypt’s finest temples was built here by Seti I in 1279 BC and dedicated to Osiris, Isis and their son Horus.
A little-visited temple, it retains an air of grandeur and mystery. The reliefs in the second hypostyle hall are some of the best of any surviving temple.
Inside the temple is the corridor known as the ‘Gallery of Kings’, with an invaluable list of all the pharaohs who came before Seti I and his son Ramses II.
At the back of the main temple, look for a structure built below ground level, now partly flooded, believed to be Osiris’ tomb.
If you are visiting Abydos on a day trip from Luxor, stop by the well-preserved Graeco-Roman temple of Hathor at Dendera, the ‘twin’ of the temple of Horus at Edfu.
The easiest way to visit Abydos is by joining a tour from Luxor.
Individual travellers can arrange a private taxi for the day, or take a train from Luxor to Balyana and get a taxi or pickup from there to Abydos.
A good information booklet The Holy City in Ancient Egypt by Dorothy Eady (also known as Oum Sety), is available at the nearby Osiris Camp. You could also read the biography by Jonathan Cott, The Search for Omm Sety, about the English woman who lived here and believed she was a temple priestess and lover of Seti I.
Stay overnight
For more time in this very special temple, spend the night at the hotel/healing centre House of Life. The House of Life also offers courses in ancient Egyptian healing.
The site is open all year round, seven days a week.
There’s little shade in Abydos, so better to avoid the scorching heat of midday and the summer months if possible.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Luxor
Price $100
Min age 1
Rating 4.71 / 5 [7 ratings]
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