Philae Temple

Last updated on November 1st, 2026 at 10:05 pm

Philae Temple is the Temple of Isis, a Ptolemaic and Roman sanctuary on Agilkia Island in Aswan, reached by a short boat ride. It was moved stone by stone when the High Dam flooded its original island. Allow about 2 hours, go early, and check tickets and hours before you go.

Philae is a temple complex dedicated to the goddess Isis, built mostly in the Ptolemaic period and added to by the Romans. It stands on Agilkia Island in the Nile at Aswan. Highlights are the Pylon of Isis, the Temple of Hathor, Hadrian Gate and the Kiosk of Trajan.

Philae was an important cult centre of Isis for centuries and is often described as one of the last places where ancient Egyptian religion was practised. It was closed in the 6th century AD under Christian rule. When the Aswan High Dam threatened to flood the island, UNESCO ran a rescue campaign and the temples were dismantled and rebuilt on Agilkia in the 1970s.

It was the main sanctuary of Isis, goddess of healing and motherhood, and pilgrims from Egypt and Nubia came to worship here. The reliefs show Isis, Osiris and Horus.

The island setting, the quiet water and the well-preserved reliefs make it one of the most photogenic temples in Egypt, and the boat ride is part of the experience.

Yes. It is not as big as Karnak or Abu Simbel, but it is easy, close to Aswan and often less crowded early in the morning. Combine it with the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk.

The temple is on Agilkia Island in Lake Nasser just south of the Aswan Low Dam. Boats leave from the Shellal landing, around 10 to 15 minutes from the dock.

• The first pylon with large reliefs of the king smiting enemies.
• The Temple of Isis and its inner sanctuary.
• The Temple of Hathor with musician gods.
• Trajan Kiosk, the best-known view of the island.
• Hadrian Gate and the Osiris reliefs.

Go early morning for cooler weather and softer light. October to April is the most comfortable season, while summers are very hot.

Take a taxi or tour transport to the Shellal landing, then a motorboat to the island. Agree the boat price and waiting time first. A guided Aswan tour includes the transfers and the boat.

Plan about 1.5 to 2 hours on the island, plus the boat ride.

Light, modest clothes, a hat, sunscreen and flat shoes with grip for stone paths.

Yes. Take the official boats, agree prices and watch your step on uneven stone.

• Go early to avoid the heat and the tour groups.
• Carry water and small notes for the boatmen.
• Ask the boat captain to circle the island for photos.
• An evening sound and light show runs on some nights: check the schedule.

Not required, but a guide explains the reliefs and the rescue story. It is worth it if you want more than photos.

Tickets are paid at the gate and the foreign adult price changes, so check the current price on the official site egymonuments.gov.eg or at the ticket office. The boat is paid separately.

The site is usually open from early morning to late afternoon, with longer hours in summer. Check the current hours at the gate or on egymonuments.gov.eg.

Philae is the prettiest temple setting in Aswan and an easy half day. Go in the morning, take the boat across, and walk to Trajan Kiosk for the best view.

Philae temple – A Complete Guide for New Visitors

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