Qasr el-Aguz Temple Egypt - Image 1
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Qasr el-Aguz Temple Egypt

4.6
·24 reviews·, Egypt

A serene Ptolemaic temple dedicated to Thoth, the god of scribes, offering unique insights into ancient Egyptian astronomy and writing.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Qasr el-Aguz Temple Egypt - Image 1

Qasr el-Aguz Temple Egypt

Best Time

Morning

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Ptolemaic temple dedicated to Thoth, the god of scribes, offering unique insights into ancient Egyptian astronomy and writing.

4.6
(24 reviews)

"A little-known small temple not five minutes from Medinet Habu, highly interesting and often overlooked."

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Temple of Thoth

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

Lunar Calendar Reliefs

Temple interior

Intricate carvings depicting lunar cycles and eclipse tracking, showcasing ancient astronomical knowledge.

Scribe Statues

Scribe Statues

Temple interior

Discover statues of scribes with remnants of ink palettes, hinting at the vibrant history of writing.

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Planning Your Visit

Discover the Hidden Gem of Thoth

Qasr el-Aguz, a lesser-known Ptolemaic temple dedicated to Thoth, offers a unique glimpse into ancient Egyptian scribal practices. It's a peaceful escape near Medinet Habu, often overlooked by tourists.

Accessing Qasr el-Aguz

While not always listed on standard passes, your Medinet Habu ticket might grant access. Inquire with the guardian for entry, as it's a small site often visited in conjunction with its larger neighbor.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The tomb of King Tut. #kingtut #luxorhotel #tutankhamun #inspiringphilosophy #ancientegypt #egyptianhistory #christiantiktok #egypttiktok #historybuffs
@inspiringphilosophy
4.6K likes • 67.7K views

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:

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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

4.6
(24 reviews)

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

Hidden gem status
Peaceful atmosphere
Fascinating Thoth dedication

What People Dislike

Limited facilities

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

As it's a historical site, respectful behavior is expected. Access might be managed by a guardian, especially for certain areas within the temple. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ 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. Reddit

You can see reliefs depicting lunar calendars, eclipse cycles, and statues of scribes with remnants of ink palettes. The architecture is well-preserved. Reddit

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. TikTok

A visit to Qasr el-Aguz typically takes about 30-60 minutes, especially if you're combining it with Medinet Habu. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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

Qasr el-Aguz offers a quieter, more manageable experience for families compared to larger, bustling sites. Its smaller scale means less walking, which can be a relief with younger children. The unique depictions of Thoth as an ibis might capture a child's imagination, making it a fun 'spot the animal' activity. TikTok

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. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeologists

For those deeply interested in ancient Egyptian history and archaeology, Qasr el-Aguz is a treasure. Its dedication to Thoth, the god of wisdom and scribes, and the presence of astronomical reliefs offer profound insights. The mention of a hidden room with reed pens and the ink palettes on statues are details that resonate with a deep appreciation for the past. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Significance of Thoth

Qasr el-Aguz is dedicated to Thoth, the ancient Egyptian god of writing, magic, wisdom, and the moon. He was often depicted as an ibis or a baboon. Thoth was considered the scribe of the gods and the inventor of hieroglyphs. His association with knowledge and record-keeping made him a crucial deity in Egyptian society. The temple's focus on Thoth highlights the importance of scribal arts and astronomical observation in ancient Egypt. Reddit

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. Reddit

Architectural and Decorative Details

This small Ptolemaic temple-chapel, though its interior decoration has changed over time, retains much of its architectural integrity. Unlike grander temples, Qasr el-Aguz offers a more intimate look at religious structures. The lunar calendar reliefs are a standout feature, meticulously tracking eclipse cycles over twenty-five years, showcasing advanced astronomical knowledge. Reddit

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. Reddit 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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