Philae Temple: A Nubian Gem on Agilkia Island

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Discover the relocated Philae Temple on Agilkia Island, a mesmerizing blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman history and architecture dedicated to the goddess Isis.

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Philae Temple

The Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, is a relocated ancient Egyptian temple complex now situated on Agilkia Island near Aswan. Saved from the rising waters of the Nile, it showcases stunning Greco-Roman and Egyptian architecture, offering a captivating glimpse into ancient religious practices and artistic achievements.

A brief summary to Philae Temple

2VGM+6JQ, Aswan 1, البحر الأحمر, EG

Monday 7 am-4 pm
Tuesday 7 am-4 pm
Wednesday 7 am-4 pm
Thursday 7 am-4 pm
Friday 7 am-4 pm
Saturday 7 am-4 pm
Sunday 7 am-4 pm

Local tips

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Hire a local guide to gain deeper insights into the temple's history and significance.
Bring water and snacks as the on-site café can be overpriced.
Negotiate the boat fare to Agilkia Island before boarding.
Check for cultural events or the Sound and Light Show for a richer experience.

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Getting There

Taxi

From Aswan city center, take a taxi to Philae Marina, located a few miles south of Aswan. Agree on a fixed price with the driver before starting the journey; a one-way trip should cost around 150 EGP. From the marina, negotiate a round-trip boat fare to Philae Temple on Agilkia Island. The boat ride takes about 10-15 minutes. Ensure the agreed price covers the return trip and waiting time. Boat fares typically start high, so be prepared to haggle. A reasonable price for a private boat is around 400 EGP. Alternatively, shared taxis or minibuses from Aswan city center to the Philae Temple parking area cost around 10-20 EGP. Parking at the marina costs approximately 10 EGP.
Public Transport

Take a minibus or shared taxi from Aswan city center to the Philae Temple parking area. This typically costs about 10-20 EGP. From the parking area, you will need to take a motorboat to reach the temple itself. Negotiate the boat fare, which is approximately 100 EGP per person for a round trip.

Discover more about Philae Temple

Philae Temple, originally located on Philae Island, was a significant religious center in ancient Egypt dedicated primarily to the goddess Isis. The name 'Philae' comes from the Greek word for 'the end,' marking the southern boundary of Egypt. The temple's history spans from the Ptolemaic period (332–30 BC) through the Roman era. Construction began around 280 BCE under Ptolemy II and continued through the reigns of various Roman emperors. The temple is dedicated to Isis, Osiris, and Horus, central figures in Egyptian mythology. Isis, revered as the goddess of healing, magic, and motherhood, plays a prominent role in the temple's mythology. The walls of the temple depict scenes of Isis bringing Osiris back to life and giving birth to Horus. The story of Osiris's murder by his brother Seth, Isis's search for his body parts, and the resurrection of Osiris, followed by Horus's triumph over Seth, are central themes. In the 1960s, due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam, the temple was dismantled and moved to Agilkia Island to save it from the rising waters of the Nile. UNESCO and the Egyptian government collaborated on this massive project, which involved moving over 50,000 stones. Today, the Philae Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the Temple of Isis, the Temple of Hathor, and the Kiosk of Trajan, all adorned with intricate carvings and hieroglyphs. The site represents a blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural styles. The last known hieroglyphic inscription, known as the Graffito of Esmet-Akhom, is found here, dating back to 394 AD.