Sun temple of Nyuserre

The sun temple of Nyuserre is an ancient shrine near Abu Gorab with a rectangular courtyard and a central limestone altar. The complex includes storage chambers with alabaster offering basins along the walls and substantial remains of the original temple structure.

The temple was built during the Fifth Dynasty by Pharaoh Nyuserre Ini in the 25th century BCE. It was part of a series of solar temples constructed near Cairo to support the worship of the sun god Ra.

Carved reliefs on the walls show scenes of the sed-festival and farming activities tied to the Egyptian seasons and religious ceremonies. These images give visitors insight into how rituals and daily life were connected in ancient Egypt.

The site is located about 15 kilometers south of Cairo and is relatively easy to reach. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes as the ground is uneven and the sun can be intense.

The temple was originally crowned by a massive obelisk resting on a granite-cased limestone base that reached an impressive height. This structure was one of the most striking architectural elements of early pharaonic sun worship.