Abydos Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the Suhaj region of Egypt lies the ancient city of Abydos, a captivating destination that holds a wealth of historical and cultural treasures. Known as the "City of the Dead," Abydos boasts a rich heritage that dates back over 5,000 years, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

One of the most prominent attractions in Abydos is the Temple of Seti I, a majestic temple dedicated to the god Osiris. This magnificent structure is adorned with intricate carvings and hieroglyphics, showcasing the artistic prowess and religious beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. As you explore the temple, you will be transported back in time, surrounded by the grandeur of a civilization that revered the afterlife.

Another highlight of Abydos is the Osireion, a mysterious underground tomb believed to be the burial place of Osiris himself. The Osireion is an architectural marvel, featuring massive columns and intricate stone carvings that depict ancient mythological scenes. Walking through this ancient burial chamber is a surreal experience, evoking a sense of wonder and awe.

For those interested in delving deeper into the history of Abydos, a visit to the Abydos Archaeological Site is a must. This sprawling complex is home to numerous ruins and temples, offering a glimpse into the city's past. Be sure to explore the Temple of Ramses II, dedicated to the powerful pharaoh who left an indelible mark on Egypt's history.

Beyond its historical significance, Abydos also offers a serene and picturesque landscape. The surrounding desert and the nearby Nile River create a striking contrast, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank or embark on a scenic boat ride to fully appreciate the tranquility and breathtaking vistas that Abydos has to offer.

In addition to its historical and natural wonders, Abydos is also home to a vibrant local community. Interact with the friendly locals, sample traditional Egyptian cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage that this city has to offer.

A journey to Abydos is a journey through time, where ancient wonders and modern discoveries intertwine. Experience the allure of this captivating city and uncover the secrets of Egypt's past.

Local name: أبيدوس Architectural style: Ancient EgyptElevation: 256 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 26°11'4"N, 31°55'9"E

Location

SuhajEgypt

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Abydos Top Attractions

Abydos Attractions - What to See and Explore

Abydos offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Temple of Seti I, Umm El Qa'ab, Pyramid of Ahmose, Osireion. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Ruins
Temple of Seti I
The temple of Seti I also known as the Great Temple of Abydos is one of the main historical sites in Abydos. The temple was built by pharaoh Seti I. At the rear of the temple there is the Osireion.
Tomb
Umm El Qa'ab
Umm El Qaʻāb is a necropolis of the Early Dynastic Period kings at Abydos, Egypt. Its modern name means "Mother of Pots" as the whole area is littered with the broken pot shards of offerings made in earlier times.
Pyramid
Pyramid of Ahmose
The Pyramid of Ahmose was built not as a tomb, but a cenotaph for pharaoh Ahmose I at the necropolis of Abydos, Egypt. It was the only royal pyramid built in this area. Today only a pile of rubble remains, reaching a height of about 10 m. The pyramid was first examined by Arthur Mace and Charles Trick Currelly in 1899. In 1993 Stephen P.

Ruins
Osireion
The Osirion or Osireon is an ancient Egyptian temple. It is located at Abydos, to the rear of the Mortuary Temple of Seti I. It is an integral part of Seti I's funeral complex and is built to resemble an 18th Dynasty Valley of the Kings tomb.
Historical place
Helicopter hieroglyphs
The helicopter hieroglyphs is a name given to part of an Egyptian hieroglyph carving from the Temple of Seti I at Abydos. In paleocontact hypothesis circles the hieroglyphs have been interpreted as an out-of-place artifact depicting a helicopter as well as other examples of modern technology.
Tomb
Tomb of Anedjib
The Tomb of Anedjib is in Abydos, Egypt, in the Umm el-Qa'ab necropolis. Anedjib was a ruler of the First Dynasty of Egypt, who reigned around 2900 BC. To date, the tomb has only been excavated once, by Flinders Petrie between 1899 and 1900.
26°11'22"N • 31°54'30"E
Shunet El Zebib
Shunet El Zebib, alternatively named Shuneh and Middle Fort, is a large mudbrick structure located at Abydos in Upper Egypt. The edifice dates to the Second Dynasty, and was built by the ancient Egyptian king Khasekhemwy.
26°11'4"N • 31°55'9"E
Abydos King List
The Abydos King List, also known as the Abydos Table, is a list of the names of 76 kings of ancient Egypt, found on a wall of the Temple of Seti I at Abydos, Egypt. It consists of three rows of 38 cartouches in each row. The upper two rows contain names of the kings, while the third row merely repeats Seti I's throne name and nomen.
26°11'33"N • 31°54'41"E
Kom El Sultan
The area now known as Kom El Sultan is located near Abydos, in Egypt. It is a big mudbrick structure, the purpose of which is not clear and thought to have been at the original settlement area, dated to the Early Dynastic Period.
Town
Wah-Sut
Wah-Sut is a town located south of Abydos in Middle Egypt. The name of the town indicates that it was originally built as an outlying part of Abydos, set up by the Egyptian state as housing for the people working in and around the funerary complex of pharaoh Senusret III of the Twelfth Dynasty, at the peak of the Middle Kingdom.

Day trips

Abydos – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Abydos, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Dendera Temple complex (Qena), White Monastery (Sohag), Red Monastery.

47 milesE
Historical place, Ruins, Archaeological site
Dendera Temple complex, Qena
Dendera Temple complex is located about 2.5 kilometres south-east of Dendera, Egypt. It is one of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt. The area was used as the sixth nome of Upper Egypt, south of Abydos.
30 milesNW
Monastery
White Monastery, Sohag
The Coptic White Monastery, also The Monastery of Abba Shenouda and The Athribian Monastery is a Coptic Orthodox monastery named after Saint Shenouda the Archimandrite.
32 milesNW
Monastery
Red Monastery
The Red Monastery or The Monastery of Apa Psoi is a Coptic Orthodox monastery named after an Egyptian saint called Psoi or Pishoy. It is located near the Upper Egyptian city of Souhag, and about two and a half miles north-west of the White Monastery.
29 milesNW
Mosque
Sidi Arif Mosque, Sohag
The Sidi Arif Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Sohag Governorate. It was built for the first time at the 14th century and was reconstructed several times; the last one was in 1968 and being renewed in 1998 for the last time. At the corners of the facade are two minarets, and the roof is crowned by a dome.
28 milesN
City, Area
Akhmim, Sohag
Akhmim is a city in the Sohag Governorate of Upper Egypt. Referred to by the ancient Greeks as Khemmis or Chemmis and Panopolis, it is located on the east bank of the Nile, four miles to the northeast of Sohag.