Dendera is a fascinating archaeological site located near Qena, about 60 kilometers north of Luxor and around 235 kilometers from Hurghada. It is best known for the *Dendera Temple Complex, which houses the Temple of Hathor, one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt. A visit to Dendera offers a unique opportunity to explore ancient Egyptian art, architecture, and history in a serene setting away from the more crowded tourist sites.

Description of a Visit to Dendera:

1. *Dendera Temple Complex:

The main highlight of Dendera is the *Temple of Hathor*, dedicated to Hathor, the ancient Egyptian goddess of love, music, dance, and fertility. The temple complex itself is quite extensive and includes several structures that date back to the Greco-Roman period, around the late Ptolemaic period to Roman times (about 200 BC to 100 AD).

2. Temple of Hathor:

– The Temple of Hathor is the most prominent building within the complex and is known for its impressive state of preservation. The temple is notable for its grand entrance, flanked by massive columns decorated with Hathor-headed capitals. The temple’s facade and inner walls are covered with intricate carvings, hieroglyphs, and reliefs depicting scenes of pharaohs, gods, and ceremonies.

– Inside the temple, you’ll find *the Hypostyle Hall*, with 18 columns featuring Hathor’s face and other detailed carvings. The ceiling is beautifully painted with celestial scenes, including depictions of the zodiac and constellations.

– The *Rooftop Sanctuary* offers a unique perspective, providing access to the temple’s roof. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding area and see the small chapels dedicated to Osiris, decorated with stunning reliefs depicting the resurrection myth of Osiris.

3. Crypts and Underground Chambers:

The temple features a series of crypts and underground chambers, some of which were used for storage, and others were believed to hold sacred relics or treasures. You can explore these hidden areas to see more intricate carvings and hieroglyphic texts that provide insights into the religious practices and beliefs of ancient Egyptians.

4. The Dendera Zodiac:

One of the most famous features of the Dendera Temple is the *Dendera Zodiac*, an astronomical relief found on the ceiling of one of the temple’s chapels. It depicts a circular representation of the sky, with the 12 zodiac signs and various constellations. The original relief was removed and is now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, but a replica is displayed in its original location in the temple.

5. The Birth House (Mammisi):

The *Birth House*, or Mammisi, is a small chapel adjacent to the Temple of Hathor. It was dedicated to the divine birth of the child god Ihy, son of Hathor and Horus. The chapel’s walls are adorned with scenes depicting the divine birth and the rituals associated with the birth of a god.

6. The Sacred Lake:

The Dendera complex also contains a *Sacred Lake*, which was used for purification rituals by the priests of the temple. Although it is now dry, it adds to the overall understanding of the religious practices that took place here.

7. Roman Mammisi:

A smaller Roman temple, also called a *Mammisi*, can be found in the complex, showcasing Roman influence on Egyptian architecture. The building has a mixture of Roman and Egyptian architectural styles and features detailed reliefs.

8. Relaxed Atmosphere:

Unlike some of the more crowded archaeological sites in Egypt, Dendera offers a more relaxed and tranquil experience. The site is less frequented by tourists, allowing for a more peaceful exploration of its ancient wonders.

Highlights of a Visit to Dendera:

– *Impressive Architecture and Art

– *Rich Historical and Cultural Insights

– *Unique Features

*Tips for Visiting Dendera: *

– Combine with a Trip to Abydos: Many tours combine a visit to Dendera with a trip to Abydos, another significant archaeological site known for the *Temple of Seti I*. This allows for a more comprehensive exploration of ancient Egyptian history.

An Abydos trip is a journey to one of the most important and ancient archaeological sites in Egypt, located about 160 kilometers north of Luxor and around 300 kilometers from Hurghada. Abydos was a significant religious center in ancient Egypt, primarily associated with the worship of Osiris, the god of the afterlife. The site is known for its magnificent temples, especially the *Temple of Seti I*, which is one of the best-preserved and most beautiful temples in Egypt.

Trip includes:

• Transportation
• Entrance fees
• Guiding
• Lunch (drinks are not includes)

*Crypts and Underground Chambers: fees are not included

* Child 6-11 Years 45 €

* Child 0-5 Years free

* Starting from 05:00 to 16:00

• Private Tour (2 Persons) 130
• Private Tour (3-5 Persons) 110 €/P