Dendera Temple
Dendera, dedicated to the goddess Hathor, is a highlight for many travelers precisely because it is so complete. Recent cleaning has revealed astonishingly vivid ceiling colors, and the temple's rooftop chapels and crypts can be explored.
The famous Dendera zodiac once decorated a ceiling here; the original is now in the Louvre, with a cast in place. About an hour north of Luxor, it is usually visited together with Abydos.
Gallery
Historical background
The present temple is Greco-Roman, built between the 1st century BCE and 1st century CE, on a much older sacred site.
What to see there
- Recently cleaned, vividly colored ceilings
- The Dendera zodiac (cast in place)
- Rooftop chapels and underground crypts
- Far fewer crowds than the Luxor core sites
Visitor tips
- Do not miss the rooftop chapels and the crypts.
- Bring a small torch to appreciate the ceiling colors.
- Combine with Abydos to make the drive worthwhile.
- It is much quieter than Karnak, so linger.
Dendera Temple: common questions
The original is in the Louvre in Paris; a cast remains in the temple where it was found.
About one hour by road to the north, usually combined with Abydos.
A careful cleaning project removed centuries of soot to reveal the original painted ceilings.
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