Kom Ombo

An unusual double Temple of Sobek and of Haroeris built in the reign of Ptolemy VI (186-147 BC); there were earlier shrines but little remains of those. The temple was damaged in the earthquake of 1992 but has been repaired. You enter through a pylon on the west side into a courtyard of partly-coloured columns. From here pass into the pronaos, the inner columned hall, intricately carved. The ceremonial doorway on the north side (left) is for falcon-headed Haroeris, the doorway south side (right) is for crocodile-headed Sobek. From there pass further antechambers and shrines or chapels to the inner temple. Outside on the east flank is an intriguing depiction of the Roman Emperor Trajan presenting surgical instruments to Haroeris. Other partially restored or incomplete buildings dot the site. The adjacent Crocodile Museum (included in your ticket) shows items of the cult of Sobek. Over 300 mummified crocodiles were found here, you'll probably be content with the handful on display. Exploration of the temple complex is far from complete and in 2018 a sphinx was found, 28 cm by 38 cm, of similar date to the temple.

15 km north of Kom Ombo, at a point where cliffs pinch the river channel. In the 18th Dynasty (circa 1500 BC) its sandstone became prized for monumental work, and was quarried here for use across the country. The quarries were both sides of the river but most points of interest are on the west bank. These include the Temple (or "Speos") of Horemheb, the two associated chapels of Panehesy and Paser, and various cenotaphs and inscriptions; plus the channels and tunnels of the quarry workings. On the east bank is the Temple of Kheny, and yet more quarries. You'll need a car or taxi to get here, or come on an organised tour.