Visitors exploring De Taffeh Hall at the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden during reopening

Temple Of Taffeh

Temple of Taffeh Leiden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Visitor Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Temple of Taffeh is an extraordinary ancient Egyptian monument, now preserved in Leiden, Netherlands. Originally built in Nubia during the reign of Roman Emperor Augustus, it was relocated to the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden as part of a historic international effort to save Nubian monuments threatened by the Aswan High Dam. Today, the temple stands as a symbol of cultural exchange and heritage preservation, offering visitors a rare chance to step into the world of Roman Egypt. This guide provides all the essential information on visiting hours, tickets, accessibility, historical background, architectural highlights, and practical tips to make your visit memorable (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden; Atlas Obscura; Nova on the Road).

Interior view of the De Taffeh Hall at the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden with ancient Egyptian temple artifacts

Princess Beatrix leaving the Taffeh temple at the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden in 1979

1. Historical Background and UNESCO Relocation

Origins and Construction

The Temple of Taffeh was constructed between 25 BCE and 14 CE in the Nubian village of Taffeh, southern Egypt. Built from local sandstone, its design reflects the fusion of Egyptian and Greco-Roman styles characteristic of the early Roman period in Egypt. The temple likely honored regional deities, with reliefs and inscriptions depicting pharaohs, Roman emperors, and gods, showcasing the multiculturalism of Roman Egypt (NilePop; History Hit).

The UNESCO Nubian Monuments Campaign

In the 1960s, the construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened to submerge vast areas of Nubia, endangering invaluable archaeological sites. UNESCO’s International Campaign to Save the Monuments of Nubia mobilized expertise and funding worldwide. In gratitude for their significant technical and financial help, Egypt gifted the Temple of Taffeh to the Netherlands. The temple was meticulously dismantled, each block numbered and shipped to Leiden, where it was reassembled in a specially designed museum wing in 1979 (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden; Atlas Obscura).

2. Cultural and Artistic Significance

The Temple of Taffeh is more than just an architectural marvel; it is a testament to centuries of cultural transformation. Its sandstone walls feature pharaonic reliefs, Roman inscriptions, a Christian cross from its later use, and even a simple cow drawing—each layer reflecting a different chapter in its long history. The temple’s preservation in Leiden underscores the global importance of protecting shared heritage and the complexities of cultural displacement (Atlas Obscura; NilePop).

3. Location and Practical Visitor Information

Museum Location

Address: Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Rapenburg 28, 2311 EW Leiden, Netherlands (RMO)
Access: The temple is displayed in the museum’s entrance hall, which is freely accessible during museum opening hours.

How to Get There

By Train: Leiden Central Station is a 15-minute walk from the museum.
By Bus: Multiple bus lines stop near Rapenburg.
Parking: Paid parking is available nearby, with a free shuttle from the Haagweg parking lot (Visit Leiden).

4. Visiting Hours and Tickets

Temple of Taffeh (Entrance Hall)

Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00–17:00. Closed Mondays (except certain holidays).
Ticket: Free — no museum admission required to view the temple in the entrance hall.

Rijksmuseum van Oudheden

Museum Admission: Required for the museum’s full collections and exhibitions.
- Adults: €14–€15
- Students/Seniors: Discounted rates
- Children under 18: Free (RMO Official Website)
Tickets: Purchase online or at the entrance; advance booking is recommended during peak periods.

5. Architectural Highlights

Structure and Layout

Dimensions: Approx. 6.5 meters wide, 8 meters deep, 5 meters high.
Design: Compact rectangular plan with a pronaos (porch) and sanctuary.
Sandstone Construction: Precisely fitted blocks, no mortar, typical of Nubian craftsmanship.

Notable Features

Entrance Façade: Modest pylon, two columns with Roman-influenced capitals, and an Egyptian cornice.
Interior Sanctuary: Flat ceiling, smooth floor with ancient graffiti, and traces of original pigments in red, blue, and yellow.
Reliefs and Inscriptions: Pharaonic scenes, Roman emperors depicted as pharaohs, deities, and multi-lingual graffiti (hieroglyphic, demotic, Greek, and Latin).
Later Additions: Christian cross and cow drawing.

Conservation

The modern glass pavilion housing the temple ensures climate control and optimal lighting, preserving the sandstone and enhancing the visitor experience (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden).

6. Visitor Experience

Accessibility

The museum and temple area are fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators and ramps throughout.
Assistance for mobility-challenged visitors is available upon request.

Photography

Photography is permitted in the entrance hall (no flash or tripods unless permitted).
The glass pavilion provides excellent lighting for photos.

Facilities

Café: Light meals and snacks available.
Shop: Egyptology-themed books, replicas, and souvenirs.
Restrooms and Lockers: On-site.

Guided Tours and Events

The museum offers guided tours and audio guides focusing on the Temple of Taffeh and Egyptology (check the event calendar for schedules).
Special exhibitions, workshops, and a daily sound-and-light show (1:30 PM, English) are regularly held (Lonely Planet).

7. Nearby Leiden Attractions

Leiden’s Old Town: Canals, historic buildings, and vibrant cafés.
Leiden Botanical Garden: Among Europe’s oldest.
Museum De Lakenhal: Dutch art and history.
Bibliotheca Thysiana: Rare books and historical architecture.
Hortus Botanicus Leiden: A peaceful green retreat.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Temple of Taffeh’s visiting hours?
A: The temple is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–17:00, closed Mondays (except holidays).

Q: Is there an admission fee to see the Temple of Taffeh?
A: No, the temple in the entrance hall is free to view; museum admission is required for the rest of the collections.

Q: Is the temple accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Yes, the museum is fully accessible with ramps and elevators.

Q: Can I take photographs inside the Temple of Taffeh?
A: Yes, without flash; tripods require permission.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, check the museum’s website or inquire at the information desk.

Q: How do I reach the museum?
A: The museum is a 15-minute walk from Leiden Central Station; accessible by bus, bicycle, or on foot.

9. Recommendations and Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for a quieter experience.
Special Events: Check the museum’s event calendar for themed tours and lectures.
Combine Your Visit: Explore the full museum collection for a deeper dive into ancient history.
Respect the Monument: Please avoid touching the sandstone blocks to aid preservation.

10. Cultural Reflection

The Temple of Taffeh’s relocation is not only a tale of international rescue and cooperation but also a reminder of the complexities of heritage and cultural displacement. The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden acknowledges this context and provides interpretive materials and events to foster appreciation and dialogue about Nubian and Egyptian history (NilePop; Nova on the Road).

11. Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

Consult the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden’s official website for up-to-date visiting hours, ticket information, and event schedules.
Download the Audiala app for guided audio tours and the latest news on heritage sites.
Follow the museum and Audiala on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and special offers.