Tour to Osireion Temple Abydos from Luxor

This strange structure is adjacent to the western wall of the Temple of Seti I in Abydos. Osirion was discovered by archaeologists Flinders Pitrey and Margaret Murray, who excavated the site from 1902-1903. Osirion was cleared of sand only in 1914, and now this strange structure, half immersed in water, is a place of attraction for tourists from around the world.

The purpose of Osirion is still not clear, but its architectural features are unique. Osirion is immersed in a depression at the level of the ground. The central hall is surrounded by ditches, around which there are 17 rocky niches, in front of each of which was a ledge. The central hall approaches from the east and west down a narrow staircase, and then leads from the water channel to the “island” in the center. The main part of the building was built by Seti I and was completed by Merenpta, the son of Ramses II.