Temple of Kalabsha
Temple Ancient Egyptian temple moved to save it from flooding
Relocated to higher ground after the Aswan High Dam, the Temple of Kalabsha offers Ptolemaic and Roman reliefs and inscriptions; tourists pair the site with Aswan’s Nubian museums and boat trips on Lake Nasser.
The Temple of Kalabsha is a Roman-period Nubian temple originally built near Bab al-Kalabsha and dedicated primarily to the sun god Mandulis; it was moved in the 20th century to a new site near Aswan.
The re-erected temple complex is an open-air sandstone structure with well-preserved reliefs and inscriptions on its walls and pylons. Its scale is larger than many nearby relocated Nubian temples, allowing visitors to walk around and inspect the masonry and carved scenes.
Construction dates to the early Roman imperial period, with later additions and inscriptions from subsequent authorities. During the 1960s UNESCO-led salvage operations carried out in response to the Aswan High Dam project, the temple was dismantled and reconstructed on higher ground to prevent flooding.
The temple now sits on the west bank of the Nile in the Aswan region of southern Egypt, close to other relocated Nubian monuments and the Aswan reservoir.
- Relocation: Relocated in the 1960s as part of the UNESCO Nubian salvage program, it was dismantled and reassembled on higher ground to avoid inundation from the Aswan High Dam.
- What to look for: The temple is one of the larger free-standing Nubian temples accessible near Aswan and displays extensive carved reliefs on sandstone blocks.
How to Get to Temple of Kalabsha #
Kalabsha is located near Aswan and is commonly visited as part of Nile cruise itineraries or day trips from Aswan city. Boats from Aswan or organized land tours can reach the relocation site; private drivers can reach Kalabsha via the Aswan-Kom Ombo road.
Tips for Visiting Temple of Kalabsha #
- See the large granite gateway and the reliefs of Nubian kings-guides will point out where later rulers added their names.
- Combine with visits to nearby Philae and the Unfinished Obelisk for a full Aswan archaeology day.
- Book a boat trip earlier in the day: water levels and light make the temple's reliefs crisper in morning light.
Best Time to Visit Temple of Kalabsha #
Best during the cooler months (November-February); avoid peak summer heat.
Weather & Climate near Temple of Kalabsha #
Temple of Kalabsha's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 9°C to 41°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 9°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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April
April is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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May
May is hot with highs of 39°C and lows of 24°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is hot with highs of 41°C and lows of 25°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 41°C and lows of 26°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is hot with highs of 41°C and lows of 26°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is hot with highs of 39°C and lows of 24°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is hot with highs of 36°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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