Abydos

About

Abydos has been inhabited by the rulers of Egypt since before the days of the Pharaohs, and was used up until the 4th century BC and the arrival of the Ptolemaic dynasty. During its heyday, it was the center of the Cult of Osiris, and a major pilgrimage site for Egyptians. Today, Abydos is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the country for its ancient temples, and royal necropolis, though much of the city is now buried beneath a modern highrise. The main attraction is the Temple of Seti I, which is an unusual L-shape rather than the regular rectangle. Within this imposing building are some stunning carvings, many of which are still beautifully colored, and the pièce de résistance: a list of almost all the pharaohs that ruled Egypt. Nearby, you’ll find the smaller Temple of Ramesses II, and an elegant temple that was devoted to the beloved Queen Nefertari.