Tourism in Qena Governorate

The best-preserved temple in Egypt, Dendera is located on the west bank of the Nile, opposite the city of Qena. It features vivid scenes that portray the Roman emperor, Trajan, paying homage to the Ancient Egyptian goddess Hathor among other mythical projections ornamenting this Graeco-Roman temple. The exquisitely elaborate inscriptions in the 2,000-year-old temple feature amazingly vibrant original colors. Spreading over a large area of 40,000 square meters, the complex is surrounded by an enclosed wall. It comprises the main temple (Hathor temple), the Temple of the birth of Isis, and the Sacred Lake in addition to other pharaonic and Roman monuments. If you find yourself near Qena Governorate, you have to visit Denderah Temple. A walk through its colorful engraved walls would make you feel like walking through history.

About 2.5 hours north of Luxor, and technically in Sohag Governorate, Abydos is easiest to reach from Qena Governorate and most people include it in a day tour to Denderah since the distance between both is reasonable. Abydos is one of the oldest cities of ancient Egypt, it was one of the most important religious sites for ancient Egyptians. The site of the old city comprises several temples, with the largest and most significant one being the Temple of Seti I. Died before completing the construction of the temple, Seti I was the father of Ramesses II, who completed the construction process and left the temple in his father’s name.

A huge mosque in the center of the city, Sheikh el-Qenawi mosque was built in 1195 after the death of the famous imam who built a Sufi center in Qena. The Sheikh settled in Qena upon his return from Mecca and taught religion in his center there. Tourists now can enjoy visiting the beautiful mosque that was built above the ancient school.