Gebel Silsila

Practical Information for Visiting Gebel el Silsila: A ‘Secret’ Place for the General Public

Gebel el Silsila, also known as Gebel Silsila, Gebel Silsileh, or simply ElselseLah, is an Ancient Egyptian site that offers a unique experience for visitors: it receives very few visitors per day due to its challenging accessibility, as we will see below. Therefore, those who make the effort to visit are rewarded with a peaceful and solitary experience, enhanced by the beautiful riverside landscape that surrounds it.

If you’re interested in visiting Gebel Silsila, this page will provide you with practical information on how to access it and general tips for planning your visit. To ensure a smooth trip, we recommend using a reliable agency like ours, Egipto Exclusivo, to help plan your journey and make the most of your experience.

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Where is Gebel el Silsila and What is it Like?

Gebel el Silsila is located approximately 20 km north of Kom Ombo and 60 km north of Aswan. While Luxor is further away, this site is still located about 150 km south of the city. It is situated in the Aswan Governorate, with the closest towns being Al Madiq, Kalabsah, and Al Kajuj, all located on the east bank of the Nile.

Gebel el Silsila’s geographical location is quite unique: the fertile Nile valley, several kilometers wide to the north and south of this point, is abruptly interrupted here by rocky cliffs rising on both banks, making agriculture impractical.

However, the significance of Gebel el Silsila in Ancient Egypt lies in the fact that it was used as a sculpture workshop at first and later as a quarry in Roman times. These rocky cliffs provided blocks of the best quality sandstone, which were used in some of the most majestic monuments of that period, such as the Colossi of Memnon in Luxor. Its location next to the Nile was an advantage, as it facilitated the transport of those blocks, and the properties of the rock also earned it a great reputation, particularly in the Middle Kingdom and the New Kingdom.

Mining at Gebel el Silsila was carried out on both banks of the Nile, with greater intensity on the eastern side. However, most of the main temples that have survived to this day are located on the western side, which is where visitors spend most of their time during organized tours.

After the decline of Ancient Egyptian civilization, the site’s exploitation came to an end and it remained largely forgotten until the early 20th century, despite its discovery in the previous century. In-depth research on the site was first published in the 1960s, and its popularity has since grown in tandem with Nile cruises, which have become more popular since the construction of the Aswan High Dam that allowed for permanent control of the river’s flow.

Archaeological work at Gebel Silsila has continued, and in recent decades, new discoveries have been integrated into visitors’ tours. One such discovery was a sphinx with a ram’s head that represents the god Amun and dates back to the time of Amenhotep III (18th Dynasty, New Kingdom), which was uncovered in recent years.

This concentration of temples demonstrates that, in addition to its importance as a quarry, Gebel el Silsila must have also been a place of reference at a religious level. Nevertheless, many of these temples are mutilated and in ruins because their blocks were reused in various periods, especially during the Amarna Period under the reign of Akhenaten. These are the most outstanding.

Gebel silsila

What to See in Gebel Silsila

The main attractions in Gebel Silsila are located near its banks, particularly on the western side. They are religious structures carved into the rock, with a speos typology, which preserves fascinating decorative and structural elements. Their location next to the river enhances their beauty, and they remain illuminated at night, adding to their charm for those on boats that navigate or dock here after sunset.

This concentration of temples suggests that, besides being an important quarry, Gebel el Silsila must also have been a significant religious site. Unfortunately, many of these temples are now in ruins because their blocks were reused in various periods, especially during the Amarna Period under the reign of Akhenaten. Nonetheless, these temples still offer a captivating glimpse into ancient Egyptian religious life.

Temple of Horemheb

Located on the western bank and built during the reign of this pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty, the Temple of Horemheb is probably the most interesting structure in Gebel el Silsila. Dedicated to several deities, its decoration includes scenes of monarchs making offerings to the gods, both inside and outside. It is also the largest construction in Gebel el Silsila and features two notable chapels within its structure: the chapel of Panehesy and the chapel of Paser.

Temple of Kheny or Sobek

The Temple of Kheny or Sobek was probably the main temple on the eastern bank, although today only the foundations of what was once a grand structure remain. As its name suggests, it was dedicated to Sobek, the “crocodile god”, who was greatly venerated in these lands, as evidenced by the nearby Kom Ombo temple.

Vistas nilo interior Gebel Silsila

How to Travel to Gebel Silsila

The best way to travel to Gebel Silsila is by boat, through Nile cruises on small sailing boats like diahabiyas or falucas. These boats are the only ones that can dock at the piers located next to the site. On the other hand, large motor vessels are not allowed to dock, and their passengers have to settle for seeing the monument in passing while sailing by.

Although they are small, they offer all the onboard amenities you need for a comfortable journey. Egipto Exclusivo can provide more information on the different packages available.

Alternatively, you can travel to Gebel Silsila by car. However, you will need to do it with a private vehicle and a professional, local driver as the site is not easily accessible. You’ll need to take a detour from the Aswan-Giza road, on the outskirts of Nagaa El-Hamam.

Public buses are not a viable option as no major tourist companies organize trips here. The nearest railway station is Klasbha, about 3 km away from Gebel Silsila, but it is a small station that does not receive tourist traffic, , so it will not be the most comfortable and recommended option.

In summary, if you want to visit Gebel Silsila safely and comfortably without missing any details of the site, contact Egipto Exclusivo. We can help you book a Nile cruise with a stop at Gebel Silsila or provide you with a private vehicle and driver to travel from Aswan or any other city.

Plan your trip to Gebel Silsila

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