The origins of the present Chelva town can be found in the 11th century, when the ruling Moors established a fortress. The original city center was developed adjacent to the castle. It was enclosed by a wall with four gates (one is still visible, San Cristobal). Because of these fortifications, Chelva was a town of considerable importance during the Muslim rule.
The castle was converted as a palace where the Viscount of Chelva stayed from the late 14th century. The building evolved architecturally, eventually presiding over the Main Plaza. An Iberian occupation from the 4th century B.C. has recently been discovered, and the location of Chelva’s first Christian church within the castle walls from the 13th century has been confirmed.
The Temple of Edfu is one of the best preserved ancient shrines in Egypt. It was built in the Ptolemaic Kingdom between 237 and 57 BC.
Edfu was one of several temples built during the Ptolemaic Kingdom, including the Dendera Temple complex, Esna, the Temple of Kom Ombo, and Philae. Its size reflects the relative prosperity of the time. The present temple initially consisted of a pillared hall, two transverse halls, and a barque sanctuary surrounded by chapels. The building was started during the reign of Ptolemy III Euergetes and completed in 57 BC under Ptolemy XII Auletes. It was built on the site of an earlier, smaller temple also dedicated to Horus, although the previous structure was oriented east–west rather than north–south as in the present site.