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The Temple of Philae is one of the three best-preserved Ptolemaic temples of ancient Egypt. Dedicated to Isis, the goddess of fertility and reproduction in ancient Egyptian mythology, the temple was originally located on a small island in the Nile River south of the Aswan High Dam. Construction of the Aswan Dam in 1962 submerged Philae Island. In 1980, the Egyptian government decided to relocate the island's ancient monuments to Aegliqa Island, 500 meters north of Philae, and reconstruct the site to its original appearance.
It is famous for its splendid and unique architecture, magnificent and vivid stone carvings and mythological stories on the stone reliefs. Together with the pyramids, it became one of the first world cultural heritage sites in Egypt.
The carvings and murals in the temple describe the life and stories of the gods. The carvings are very delicate and the characters are vivid. Although they describe the stories of the gods, the images are completely from life, and the bulging abdominal muscles and knee joints are clearly visible.
The tropical desert climate is best for travel in spring and autumn.
2~3 hours
60 Egyptian pounds
7:00-16:00
The Temple of Philae, originally located on the island of Philae, was dedicated to the goddess Isis and was a major religious center in ancient Egypt. The temple complex was relocated to Agilkia Island in the 1960s due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam and the rising waters of Lake Nasser. It is famous for its well-preserved monuments and intricate hieroglyphic carvings, which depict the worship of Isis, Osiris, and other deities. The site remains a significant symbol of Egypt's ancient religious practices.
The Temple of Philae is located on Agilkia Island in Lake Nasser, near Aswan, Egypt. To reach the temple, visitors typically take a boat ride from the Aswan city waterfront to the island. There is no direct metro, bus, or walking route to the temple, as it is situated on an island in the lake.
The Temple of Philae is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat, especially during the hotter months from April to October. Additionally, visiting during the cooler months (November to March) is ideal for more comfortable exploration.
The entrance fee for the Temple of Philae is around 100 EGP for foreign visitors. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance gate in Aswan or at the boat station for the temple island. It’s recommended to purchase tickets on-site, as online ticketing may not always be available.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, as tickets can be purchased directly on-site. However, it may be beneficial to book a boat trip or guided tour in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (November to March).
A visit to the Temple of Philae typically takes 1 to 2 hours to fully explore, depending on your interest in the detailed carvings and history of the site. If you choose to take a boat tour of the surrounding area or visit additional nearby temples, you may need more time.
Guided tours are available in various languages, including English, French, German, and Arabic. Audio guides in multiple languages can also be rented on-site for a more detailed exploration of the temple's history and significance.
Start your visit with the boat ride to the island and enjoy the approach to the temple. Once on the island, begin by exploring the large courtyards and pylons before moving into the inner sanctuaries. Don’t miss the Kiosk of Trajan and the beautiful reliefs along the temple walls. Finally, take time to visit the sacred pool area and the other smaller shrines around the temple grounds.
There is no regular night visiting available, but the Temple of Philae is sometimes part of a special light show event that takes place in the evening. The sound and light show offers a captivating experience of the temple’s history and mythology, with vivid lighting highlighting the carvings and architecture.
The Temple of Philae can be busy during the peak tourist season (November to March), especially around midday. To avoid the crowds, try visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon on weekdays. The site is less crowded during the off-season (April to October), though the heat can be more intense.
There are basic facilities at the site, including public toilets and a small gift shop. You can purchase water, snacks, and souvenirs, but it is advisable to bring your own supplies, especially water, as the site can get very hot in the summer months.
The Temple of Philae is relatively accessible for elderly and children, though the terrain can be uneven in certain areas. Some sections of the temple may be difficult for visitors with mobility impairments, as the site involves some walking and stairs. Wheelchair accessibility is limited.
Cash is required for purchasing tickets, souvenirs, and food at the site. Credit cards and mobile payments are not commonly accepted, so it’s recommended to carry cash (preferably Egyptian pounds) for most transactions.
There are a few restaurants and cafes near the Aswan waterfront and in the city center, offering traditional Egyptian cuisine and international options. The area around the temple itself is limited in terms of dining options, so it’s advisable to eat before or after visiting the temple in Aswan.
Vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options are available at restaurants in Aswan. The city's local eateries serve a variety of traditional Egyptian dishes, many of which are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the temple, as well as in Aswan. Common souvenirs include miniature statues of Egyptian gods, hieroglyphic carvings, papyrus art, and jewelry made from local materials.
