TEMPLE OF HORUS

Thanks to its exceptional state of preservation (the best in Egypt), the Edfu temple leaves a lasting impression. Its dimensions are impressive: it's the third-largest temple in Egypt after Karnak and Medinat-Abu. Construction began in 237 BC and took almost two centuries. The temple retains a perfect homogeneity in both structure and decoration, and vividly recreates the atmosphere that must have reigned there in ancient times. The sanctuary itself - the holy of holies - was accessible only to the local king and high priest. Dedicated to Horus, the great sky god, it is remarkable for its bas-reliefs, notably those depicting the annual meeting of Horus and Hathor, and those representing the goddess Nut in the New Year's chapel. Take time to observe the detail of some of the 18,000 hieroglyphs in near-perfect condition: impressive.

The 36 m-highpylon has retained the vertical grooves used to erect the wooden flagpoles. After crossing the forecourt of columns with capitals in the shape of palm, lotus or papyrus, you enter the first hypostyle hall, whose walls are decorated with scenes of offerings. Once again, the ensemble evokes nature, a marsh or a wood; plant motifs are found on every column. The room has 18 columns, 6 of which are enclosed halfway up by a wall that conceals the room's interior. To the left of the entrance, you'll notice a pink granite statue of Horus, and another broken one.

A second, smaller but more eleganthypostyle hall , supported by 12 columns, leads to several chambers where offerings were stored and rituals prepared. The next 2 rooms provide access to other chambers or chapels via staircases. The sanctuary, which retains its chapel carved from a single block of granite, dates from the reign of Nectanibis II. It originally featured a doorway and housed the sacred statue of Horus. The altar in front of the statue supported the god's bark.

Around the sanctuary, a corridor leads to 10 chambers. In one of these, a processional boat has been reconstructed. An open-air ambulatory takes you almost all the way around the building. Take your time to decipher the countless scenes depicted, and you'll be able to review Egyptian mythology. At the end of the visit, the subtle interplay of light and shadow within the edifice leaves its mark.