A Ptolemaic and Roman temple moved block by block to New Kalabsha on Lake Nasser in the early 1960s, usually reached by a short boat ride from near the High Dam.
The Temple of Kalabsha stands on the shore of Lake Nasser at New Kalabsha, near the High Dam south of Aswan. It was not built here. It was dismantled and rebuilt on this site because the original location would have been flooded once Lake Nasser began to fill.
Its architecture combines two eras: an earlier Eighteenth Dynasty sanctuary was replaced under Ptolemy VIII, and a larger Roman temple was later built under Augustus. The dedication is to the Nubian god Mandulis.
It shows what the Nubian salvage campaign of the 1960s actually involved. The temple was cut into roughly 13,000 blocks and re-erected on higher ground, and Kalabsha is one of the clearest examples of that effort.
It is reached across the water. A short boat trip is part of the visit, which makes it feel more like an excursion than an ordinary temple stop.
It is a good companion to the Nubia Museum in Aswan, which explains why these monuments were moved.
A German team, working with the construction company Hochtief, chose to take the temple apart and rebuild it elsewhere. Wikipedia gives the work as October 1962 to October 1963, while other sources give 1962 to 1970 or the late 1960s, so the date of completion depends on what is counted.
Other monuments were moved to the same site, including the Kiosk of Qertassi and Beit el-Wali.
A gate from the temple's foundations was given to West Germany and has been in Berlin since 1973, according to one source.
Morning, for the light and the heat. October to April is the comfortable season.
Opening hours: From 07:00, last entry 15:00 in all seasons, including Ramadan. Ministry portal, checked 13 August 2026. Hours change, so confirm before you go.
Opening hours and ticket prices may change. Please confirm the latest details before visiting.
Aswan's museum of Nubian history, opened in 1997 with more than 3,000 pieces, and the place that explains why Philae, Kalabsha and Abu Simbel were moved.
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.
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.
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.
Uncover the beauty and history of southern Egypt on this immersive Aswan day excursion. Begin your journey at the impressive High Dam, a modern engineering achievement that reshaped Egypt’s landscape and created the vast Lake Nasser. Continue to the ancient granite quarries to witness the Unfinished Obelisk, an enormous monument that reveals the remarkable stone-carving skills of ancient craftsmen.
Want to include The Temple of Kalabsha, Lake Nasser in your Egypt itinerary? Browse our tours or ask for a custom plan.