Like Mecca is today Abydos was the Pilgrimage for the Ancient Egyptian.

The temple of Osiris is at its centre. Many Pharaohs constructed smaller temples around and so Abydos covered a vast area filled with temples for various gods.

The most popular of these and mostly intact is that of Seti I, although it was finally completed by his son, Ramses II.

Full of beautiful reliefs, and with endless chambers to discover and explore you really need to allow at least half a day here if not a full one.

The Temple itself gives an insight into the many different types of architecture and is a great prelude to visiting Karnak.