
Qasr el-Aguz Temple Egypt
A serene Ptolemaic temple dedicated to Thoth, the god of scribes, offering unique insights into ancient Egyptian astronomy and writing.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Qasr el-Aguz Temple Egypt
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Ptolemaic temple dedicated to Thoth, the god of scribes, offering unique insights into ancient Egyptian astronomy and writing.
"A little-known small temple not five minutes from Medinet Habu, highly interesting and often overlooked."

Combine with Medinet Habu
Easily accessible from Medinet Habu; ask the guardian for entry. :ticket:
Quiet Exploration
Enjoy the tranquility of this less-visited temple. Perfect for history buffs! :scroll:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Temple of Thoth
Near Medinet Habu
Dedicated to Thoth, the god of scribes, this temple offers insights into ancient writing and lunar calendars.

Lunar Calendar Reliefs
Temple interior
Intricate carvings depicting lunar cycles and eclipse tracking, showcasing ancient astronomical knowledge.

Scribe Statues
Temple interior
Discover statues of scribes with remnants of ink palettes, hinting at the vibrant history of writing.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Discover the Hidden Gem of Thoth
Accessing Qasr el-Aguz
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Combine with Medinet Habu
Easily accessible from Medinet Habu; ask the guardian for entry. :ticket:
Quiet Exploration
Enjoy the tranquility of this less-visited temple. Perfect for history buffs! :scroll:
Archaeological Interest
May find archaeologists documenting and restoring the site. :magnifyingglasstilted_right:
Tips
from all over the internet
Combine with Medinet Habu
Easily accessible from Medinet Habu; ask the guardian for entry. :ticket:
Quiet Exploration
Enjoy the tranquility of this less-visited temple. Perfect for history buffs! :scroll:
Archaeological Interest
May find archaeologists documenting and restoring the site. :magnifyingglasstilted_right:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Qasr el-Aguz as a hidden gem, offering a peaceful and insightful experience dedicated to Thoth. Its proximity to Medinet Habu makes it an easily accessible, often overlooked site with fascinating details about ancient scribal practices and astronomy.
"Visited on 31 October 2022.
Entrance included with the Luxor Pass.
Little known small temple not five minutes from Medinat Habu.
Temple dedicated to Thoth the scribe.
It appears the temple was being documented and restored as there was a team of archaeologists there when we visited."
S Hetherington
"Between Medinet Habu and the remnants of the sacred lake that belonged to the temple of Amenhotep III at Malkatta, a small Ptolemaic temple-chapel known as Qasr (or Kasr) el-Aguz (lit., the castle of the old lady), also known as the chapel of Thoth-Ibis, is situated about 200 metres to the southwest of Medinet Habu.
Even those who have visited Luxor repeatedly may not be aware of it, despite the fact that it is highly interesting.
Therefore, it is important to offer current colour photographic coverage, which is nearly complete owing to Christian Mariais' amazing cooperation and the addition of his images to mine
Although the temple's interior is not the same even if its architecture is almost intact, the condition of its decoration has changed."
AHMED BADAWI
"The lunar calendar reliefs track eclipse cycles of twenty five years. The scribe statues' ink palettes still contain carbon residue. A hidden room contained thirty thousand reed pens bundled by quality grade. A majorly historic location."
Arman Khachatryan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Qasr el-Aguz Temple is located very close to Medinet Habu, just about 200 meters to the southwest. Many visitors combine their trip to Medinet Habu with a visit here. You can walk from Medinet Habu.
The temple is situated on the West Bank of Luxor, near Medinet Habu. It's a short drive or taxi ride from the main Luxor area, typically part of a West Bank tour.
Entrance to Qasr el-Aguz is often included with the Luxor Pass, especially if it's bundled with Medinet Habu. It's always best to confirm with the ticket vendors or your tour guide.
The most convenient way is to hire a taxi or arrange a private car for the day to explore the West Bank sites, including Qasr el-Aguz and Medinet Habu.
Public transport directly to smaller sites like Qasr el-Aguz is limited. Taxis or organized tours are the most practical options for tourists.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Often, your ticket for Medinet Habu will grant you access to Qasr el-Aguz. It's recommended to ask the guardian at Medinet Habu, as they can often escort you to the smaller temple.
The opening hours generally align with the main archaeological sites on the West Bank of Luxor, typically from early morning until late afternoon. It's best to check current hours upon arrival.
This temple is significantly less crowded than major sites like Karnak or the Valley of the Kings, offering a more peaceful experience.
Tickets for the main sites like Medinet Habu can be purchased on-site. For Qasr el-Aguz, it's usually accessed with a Medinet Habu ticket or by arrangement with the guardian.
As it's a historical site, respectful behavior is expected. Access might be managed by a guardian, especially for certain areas within the temple.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
It's known as the 'Temple of Thoth-Ibis' and is a small Ptolemaic temple-chapel dedicated to Thoth, the god of scribes and wisdom. It features unique reliefs and insights into ancient Egyptian life.
You can see reliefs depicting lunar calendars, eclipse cycles, and statues of scribes with remnants of ink palettes. The architecture is well-preserved.
Yes, it's a great spot for photography, especially for those interested in ancient Egyptian art and architecture. The lighting can be beautiful in the morning or late afternoon.
A visit to Qasr el-Aguz typically takes about 30-60 minutes, especially if you're combining it with Medinet Habu.
Facilities are generally limited at smaller sites like Qasr el-Aguz. It's advisable to use restrooms at Medinet Habu before visiting and carry your own water.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the detailed reliefs of the lunar calendar, the scribe statues, and the temple's architectural elements. The interplay of light and shadow can be very dramatic.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted inside certain areas to preserve the ancient artwork. Always check for signage.
The golden hours of early morning or late afternoon offer the most beautiful light for photography, creating a warm glow on the temple walls.
Drone photography is typically prohibited at archaeological sites in Egypt without special permits. It's best to assume it's not allowed.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the temple's architecture, while a macro lens can highlight the intricate details of the reliefs. A tripod might be helpful in low light, but check if it's permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Bring water and snacks, as facilities are minimal. Consider it a brief, educational stop on a larger West Bank tour. The focus on scribes and writing can be a good introduction to ancient Egyptian culture without overwhelming young minds.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeologists
This site provides a more intimate and less commercialized experience, allowing for closer examination of decorative elements and architectural features. It's a chance to connect with the intellectual and administrative aspects of ancient Egyptian civilization, often overshadowed by pharaonic grandeur.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Thoth
Visitors can see evidence of this dedication through the temple's reliefs and iconography. The presence of scribe statues, complete with remnants of ink palettes, offers a tangible connection to the past. The temple's connection to lunar calendars and eclipse cycles further underscores Thoth's role in understanding time and the cosmos. It's a place that speaks to the intellectual and spiritual pursuits of the ancient Egyptians.
Architectural and Decorative Details
The scribe statues are particularly fascinating, with some still bearing traces of carbon residue in their ink palettes. Imagine the ancient scribes meticulously recording history and religious texts within these walls. One account even mentions a hidden room containing thirty thousand reed pens, bundled by quality grade, hinting at the scale of scribal activity. This level of detail provides a unique window into the daily lives and sophisticated practices of ancient Egyptian scholars and administrators.





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