Background

Temple of Khnum, Elephantine Island

Discover the ancient Temple of Khnum on Elephantine Island, dedicated to the Egyptian god of creation and the Nile's life-giving floods.

Explore the ancient Temple of Khnum on Elephantine Island in Aswan, dedicated to the god of creation and the Nile's inundation. Discover its rich history dating back to the Third Dynasty and its Ptolemaic reconstruction, featuring statues of Khnum, Satis, and Anuket.

A brief summary to temple Khnum 2

  • 3VPV+95X، شياخة أولى، قسم أسوان،, Aswan 1, Sheyakhah Oula, Aswan Governorate, EG

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain within the temple complex.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
  • Bring water and sunscreen, as there is limited shade.
  • Consider hiring a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the temple's history and significance.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the Aswan Museum, also located on Elephantine Island.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Ferry

    From Aswan's Corniche, take the public ferry to Elephantine Island. Ferries depart regularly from the El Sadat pier near the KFC. A one-way trip costs around 5-10 EGP. The ride is short, lasting only 10-15 minutes. Upon arrival at Elephantine Island, the Temple of Khnum is located on the southern end of the island, near the Aswan Museum.

  • Taxi

    From anywhere in Aswan, take a taxi to the Corniche. Agree on a fare before starting your ride. Taxi fares in Aswan start at 10 EGP, with an additional 3.5 EGP per kilometer. A 5km ride will cost around 27.5 EGP. From the Corniche, board the public ferry to Elephantine Island. Once on the island, walk south towards the Aswan Museum; the temple is nearby.

Unlock the Best of temple Khnum 2

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about temple Khnum 2

The Temple of Khnum, located on the southern tip of Elephantine Island in Aswan, is an ancient site with a history stretching back to around 3000 BC. The largest structure on the island, the partially reconstructed temple, was originally built to honor Khnum, the god of inundation, during the Old Kingdom and later extensively rebuilt in Ptolemaic times. Khnum was believed to be the creator god responsible for controlling the annual flooding of the Nile, a crucial event for fertilizing the fields. Inside the temple, visitors can find statues of Khnum along with other gods such as Anuket and Satis. Khnum formed a sacred trinity with the goddesses Satis and Anuket on Elephantine Island. Satis was known as a war goddess who protected this Egyptian strategic region and later represented the annual Nile flooding, with Anuket identified as their daughter. The cult of Satis is known to have originated in Aswan, and Khnum was considered her consort, who was later associated with pottery and the creation of the bodies of humans. Records indicate that a temple dedicated to Khnum existed in this vicinity since the Third Dynasty. The remaining parts are known to have been built during the 3rd and 6th Dynasties. The temple of Khnum occupies an interesting site because it is located about nine meters below the ground level on Elephantine Island, and records indicate that it was constructed on top of a previous temple. Historians believe that the temple was constructed in the era of King Thutmose III.

Popular Experiences near temple Khnum 2

Popular Hotels near temple Khnum 2

Select Currency