The temple of Isis, taken apart and rebuilt stone by stone on a different island to save it from the dam — and the last place in Egypt where the old religion was still practised.
Philae is reached only by motorboat, from a jetty south of Aswan, and the approach is part of it: the temple rises out of the water with nothing else around it.
The island you land on is not the island it was built on. Philae proper is underwater. What you walk around was cut into forty thousand blocks, lifted, and rebuilt on higher ground nearby.
The rescue is the story, and knowing it changes the visit. After the first Aswan dam was completed in 1902 the temple spent most of each year submerged; tourists were rowed between the tops of the columns and looked down through green water at the capitals. When the High Dam was planned it would have gone under permanently. Between 1972 and 1980 a UNESCO campaign built a coffer dam, pumped the site dry, numbered and dismantled the whole complex, and reassembled it on Agilkia island, reshaping that island to match the original topography. The joins are visible if you look for them.
It is also the last surviving corner of ancient Egyptian religion. The cult of Isis continued here for centuries after the rest of Egypt had turned Christian, and the last dated hieroglyphic inscription anywhere — AD 394 — is carved on this site, along with the last known inscription in demotic some decades later. The temple was finally closed under Justinian in the sixth century.
And the building itself is unusually easy to like. It is Ptolemaic and Roman rather than pharaonic, which means it is smaller, more decorative and better preserved than the great New Kingdom temples, with a kiosk on the water's edge that is the most photographed structure in Aswan.
The main temple is dedicated to Isis and was built largely under the Ptolemies from the third century BC, with substantial Roman additions. Philae was a pilgrimage site, and its Isis cult drew worshippers from well beyond Egypt.
The Kiosk of Trajan, usually called Pharaoh's Bed, dates from the early second century AD. It was never finished — the column capitals are only partly carved — and it is the building most people picture when they think of Philae.
When the temple was converted to Christian use, crosses were carved into the walls of the hypostyle hall and some of the reliefs were deliberately chiselled away. Both the crosses and the damage are still there, side by side with the Egyptian carving.
The 1902 dam and its later heightenings put the island under water for most of the year for seven decades. The staining left by that submersion is still visible on the lower courses of the stone, which is the simplest way to see how high the water stood.
Early morning or late afternoon. October to April is comfortable; the island holds heat in summer.
Opening hours: Daytime hours with seasonal variation. The sound and light show runs in the evening on its own schedule.
Opening hours and ticket prices may change. Please confirm the latest details before visiting.
The traditional lateen-sailed boat of the Nile — an hour of it at Aswan is the cheapest good thing in Egypt.
Painted houses, domed roofs and a distinct language and cuisine — the Nubian settlements on the west bank and the islands at Aswan.
The island in the middle of the river at Aswan — Egypt's ancient southern frontier post, with a Nilometer, a ruined town and two Nubian villages on top of it.
A thousand-tonne obelisk still lying in the quarry where it cracked — the best evidence anywhere of how Egyptian stone was actually worked.
The dam that ended the Nile flood, created the largest reservoir in Africa, and rewrote Egyptian agriculture, archaeology and politics in a decade.
An upscale private journey that combines Cairo highlights, a polished Luxor stay, and a refined Aswan finish.
Experience an extraordinary 9-day expedition through the heart of Egypt and Nubia, where ancient history and vibrant culture intertwine. Begin in Cairo, home to the timeless pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, then journey south to Luxor and Aswan to uncover the temples, tombs, and treasures of the pharaohs. Sail along the Nile aboard a deluxe cruise, visit the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel temples, and immerse yourself in the warmth and traditions of the Nubian people. This journey offers a perfect blend of discovery, relaxation, and cultural connection.
A classic Nile cruise itinerary with temple visits, river views, and a comfortable four-night rhythm.
Set sail on a captivating 4-day Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, where the ancient world unfolds before your eyes. Journey along the legendary Nile River and uncover Egypt’s most iconic temples and monuments. Begin in Aswan with visits to the High Dam and the enchanting Philae Temple, then continue to Kom Ombo and Edfu to explore magnificent sanctuaries dedicated to ancient gods. As you sail northward, reach Luxor—the open-air museum of Egypt—home to the grand Karnak and Luxor Temples and the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings. With expert-guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and full
Set sail on a remarkable 4-day, 3-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, where the grandeur of ancient Egypt unfolds before your eyes. Journey along the legendary Nile River aboard a comfortable cruise ship, visiting some of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. Discover the enchanting Temple of Philae in Aswan, the twin sanctuaries of Kom Ombo, and the magnificent Temple of Horus in Edfu. Continue to Luxor to explore the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the colossal statues of Memnon on the West Bank, before concluding your adventure at the awe-inspiring Karnak
Set out on a remarkable full-day adventure from Aswan to Luxor, the world’s largest open-air museum. This private excursion immerses you in the splendor of ancient Egypt, where monumental temples and royal tombs reveal the legacy of the pharaohs. Designed for travelers eager to witness Luxor’s most iconic landmarks in a single day, this tour blends history, culture, and comfort for an unforgettable experience.
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