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Kom Ombo Temple

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Historical site
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Kom Ombo Temple (Egypt)

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The Temple of Kom Ombo is a unique architectural marvel in ancient Egypt, distinguished by its perfectly symmetrical double design. Situated on a scenic promontory overlooking the Nile, it was primarily constructed during the Ptolemaic period between 180 and 47 BC. The temple is split along its longitudinal axis to accommodate two different sets of deities: the southern half is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek, lord of fertility and the Nile, while the northern half honors the falcon god Haroeris, or Horus the Elder. This duality is reflected in every structural element, from the twin entrances and courtyards to the dual sanctuaries. Among its most significant features are the detailed reliefs depicting ancient surgical instruments, which indicate the site's importance as a center for ancient Egyptian medicine. Additionally, a nearby nilometer was used to monitor the river's water levels, crucial for agricultural planning. Today, the adjacent Crocodile Museum houses dozens of mummified crocodiles found at the site, further emphasizing the sacred role Sobek played in this unique religious center.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151822273134353532292217
Rain mm100000000000

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Kom Ombo Temple is open to visitors for an admission fee. It is a double temple dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris, fully accessible for exploration.
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Typical hours
The temple is typically open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, in winter until 4:00 PM. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. An evening sound and light show is available.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the temple, but without flash inside. The Crocodile Museum on site has its own photography rules; flash is usually prohibited there.
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Time needed
A visit to the Kom Ombo Temple takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you also want to see the Crocodile Museum and the mummy exhibit, allow 1.5 hours.
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Combine with
The temple lies directly on the Nile; combine it with a Nile cruise or a visit to the Edfu Temple, about 60 km north. Many tour groups visit both temples in one day.
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Getting there
Kom Ombo is about 45 km north of Aswan; you can reach the temple by taxi (about 1 hour) or by train (about 45 minutes) from Aswan. Nile cruise ships dock directly at the temple.
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Insider tip
Visit the attached Crocodile Museum - it houses many mummified crocodiles found at the temple. Go in the late afternoon when the light beautifully highlights the temple's dual structure.

Geography

Coordinates
24.45220, 32.92820

Facts

  • Construction began under Ptolemy VI Philometor around 180 BC.
  • It is the only temple in Egypt designed with two identical and parallel axes.
  • Wall reliefs depict over 20 ancient medical tools, including forceps and lancets.
  • A deep well-like nilometer on site was used to measure Nile floods.
  • The adjacent museum displays 22 mummified crocodiles discovered on the grounds.
  • Significant parts of the structure were damaged by Nile flooding in the 19th century.

Explore nearby

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IdfuIdfu49 km · EExplore →

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Sights in the town Kom Ombo Temple (3)

Camel market, Sunday 5-10 am📍 landmark

Hundreds of camels are traded at this traditional livestock market held every Sunday morning.

Daraw camel market📍 landmark

The Daraw camel market is one of the largest trading hubs in Egypt for dromedaries arriving from Sudan.

Temple of Kom Ombo📍 landmark

The Temple of Kom Ombo is a unique double architectural complex built right on the banks of the Nile.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is unique about this temple?
It is a double temple for Sobek and Haroeris.
Are there crocodiles to see?
Yes, there are mummies in the adjacent Crocodile Museum.
Can you visit the temple at night?
It is often spectacularly illuminated in the evening.
Where exactly is the temple located?
Directly on the Nile bank between Aswan and Edfu.
Are the hieroglyphs well-preserved?
Yes, especially the depictions of medical instruments.
Kom Ombo Temple: where is it located?
Kom Ombo Temple is located in Egypt.
Kom Ombo Temple: what is there to see?
Highlights include Camel market, Sunday 5-10 am, Daraw camel market, Temple of Kom Ombo.
Kom Ombo Temple: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
Kom Ombo Temple: why is it worth visiting?
The Temple of Kom Ombo is a unique architectural marvel in ancient Egypt, distinguished by its perfectly symmetrical double design.
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History & landmarks

Nubian Museum — Kom Ombo Temple (Egypt)
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An archaeological museum located in Aswan dedicated to the history and culture of the Nubian people.
Aswan High Dam — Kom Ombo Temple (Egypt)
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A monumental rock-fill dam built across the Nile in Aswan, creating Lake Nasser and controlling the river's annual flooding.

Nature

Lake Nasser — Kom Ombo Temple (Egypt)
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Philae Temple — Kom Ombo Temple (Egypt)
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Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant — Kom Ombo Temple (Egypt)
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A massive hydroelectric plant at the Aswan Dam generating a large portion of Egypt's electricity.
Temple of Kalabsha — Kom Ombo Temple (Egypt)
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An ancient Egyptian temple that was originally located at Bab al-Kalabsha and moved due to the dam.
Edfu Temple — Kom Ombo Temple (Egypt)
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One of the best preserved shrines in Egypt, dedicated to the falcon god Horus.
Abu Simbel Temples — Kom Ombo Temple (Egypt)
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