Located approximately 55 km south of Luxor, on the west bank of the Nile, is the city of Esna, with a population of 70.000. Esna is considered the center of Coptic Christianity. Among the city's attractions are the Temple of Khnum and the weir, which, until the construction of the Aswan High Dam, supplied water to the cotton fields surrounding Esna and now serves only as a bridge.

The Temple of Esna, the ancient Egyptian Temple of Khnum, was dedicated to the ram-headed Khnum, who was considered the creator of both humans and gods. The only remaining part of the temple is the pronaos (entrance hall). Supported by 24 columns and still retaining an intact roof, the hall stands in the center of the city.