Sat On The West Bank Of The Nile Is An Underrated Temple With Breathtaking Inscriptions

There's nothing quite like a trip to Egypt. From the endlessly fascinating ancient city of Cairo, to the history lessons embodied in the country's many ancient sites, and the beauty of other cities, like Luxor and Aswan, any thorough journey of this rich country would take ages to complete. One of the must-see spots in Egypt is the Nile River, the longest river on the planet. Eventually flowing into the Mediterranean Sea, the Nile runs through nearly a dozen countries. Located on the west bank of the Nile's Egyptian portion, and in between Luxor and Aswan, is Esna, a city filled with thousands of years worth of Egyptian heritage. Of particular interest here is the Temple of Esna, also known as the Temple of Khnum, dedicated to the ancient Egyptian god of the same name.

If you're ready to explore beyond the cacophonous atmosphere of Cairo, Esna is only a few hundred miles away and offers a change of pace. From its beautiful temple to its historic market, a stop in Esna promises to be unforgettable, showing you a side of Egypt seldom seen by tourists.

The ancient god Khnum was one of the most important gods for the ancient Egyptians, a creator deity representing the fertility and abundance that would come with the flooding of the Nile River. In ancient times, between the months of May and September, the Nile's banks would swell and overflow until it flooded the plains surrounding it. The floodwaters would leave nutrient-rich silt which would then make the land itself more fertile. This led the Egyptians to associate Khnum with a good harvest.

In gratitude towards Khnum and all the prosperity he offered, the ancient Egyptians built the Temple of Esna to honor the ram-headed deity and other gods. Inside the temple they also built a library and a school to educate their society. The ancient Egyptians are still remembered today for having one of the most advanced civilizations in history, and their innovative prowess is no better exemplified than at the Temple of Esna, with its giant columns covered from head to toe in magnificent carved hieroglyphics, and with an exceptionally detailed astrological ceiling that has still preserved its colors today.

This lesser-known temple in Egypt is a great place to visit to avoid the overwhelming crowds that you might find at popular tourist destinations such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Although not as famous as the pyramids, the Temple of Esna remains one of the most incredible human-made architectural wonders that history has known. This was once an important site for trading and political gatherings, as it was located at the intersection of two major trade routes that connected Egypt to the rest of the world, and therefore has great historic significance.

It's recommended to arrive at Esna early, to avoid the blistering midday heat and beat the lines. You'll also want to visit the age-old Al-Qisariyya street market, where you can find traditional garments, crafts, and other assorted trinkets. A trip to Esna is also best combined with a visit to the cities of Luxor or Aswan, or a Nile cruise, which will show you the most important monuments and locations on the bank of the famous river. Discover the creativity and mastery of the ancient architects of Egypt, whose legacy has left its mark on the rest of the world.