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Overview
Philae Temple
The Temple of Philae — officially the Temple of Isis on Agilkia Island — is one of the last temples built in the classical pharaonic style and the place where ancient Egyptian religion survived longest, with active worship continuing until at least 550 CE. The temple complex sits on Agilkia Island in the reservoir between the Aswan Low Dam and the Aswan High Dam, accessible only by motorboat and surrounded on all sides by still granite waters. The island setting, well-preserved reliefs, and historical resonance make Philae one of the most atmospheric temple complexes in Egypt.
The complex is centered on the Temple of Isis, begun by Ptolemy II Philadelphus in the 3rd century BCE and expanded by successive Ptolemaic rulers and Roman emperors. Philae was considered the site where Osiris was buried, and pilgrims from across the Mediterranean world traveled here to venerate Isis, whose cult spread throughout the Roman Empire.
Following construction of the Aswan Low Dam in 1902, Philae was partially submerged for half the year. The UNESCO salvage campaign of 1972–1980 dismantled all structures from the original island (now permanently submerged) and reassembled them on nearby Agilkia island, reshaping it to match the original topography.
Photo Gallery
Interesting Facts
The last hieroglyphic inscription ever written was made at Philae on August 24, 394 CE — marking the definitive end of ancient Egyptian as a written language
Active pagan worship continued at Philae until around 550 CE — over 150 years after Christianity became the state religion of the Roman Empire
The UNESCO salvage campaign (1972–1980) dismantled and reassembled the entire island complex on nearby Agilkia island after shaping it to match the original Philae topography
The original island of Philae was believed to be one of the burial sites of Osiris — making it one of the most sacred locations in the ancient Mediterranean world
The cult of Isis from Philae spread throughout the Roman Empire; Isis temples have been excavated in Rome, Pompeii, London, and across North Africa
History & Significance
The original island of Philae was considered sacred as one of the burial sites of Osiris and the southernmost point of Egypt proper. The earliest structures date to the 25th Dynasty (c. 690 BCE), but the main temple was built beginning with Ptolemy II (282–246 BCE). Subsequent Ptolemaic rulers added colonnades, pylons, a birth house, and subsidiary temples.
The cult of Isis at Philae became one of the most significant religious traditions in the Mediterranean. After Theodosius I closed pagan temples in 391 CE, Philae was exempted at the request of Nubian tribes. The temple continued to function until around 550 CE, when Emperor Justinian finally ordered its closure. The last hieroglyphic inscription ever written — dated 394 CE — and the last demotic inscription (452 CE) were both made at Philae.
The temple was converted to a church in the 6th century, and many reliefs were defaced with Christian crosses or coated with plaster. Some of these areas have since been cleaned to reveal the original carvings beneath.
What to See
Boat Approach
The motorboat journey to the island gives a gradually expanding view of the temple colonnade rising from the water — one of the most memorable arrivals at any Egyptian site.
Outer Colonnade
A 145-meter curved colonnade leads from the first pylon's approach to the main entrance, framing the water view on one side and the temple walls on the other.
Temple of Isis
The main temple's two pylons, hypostyle hall, and sanctuary retain painted and carved reliefs in good condition, including scenes of Isis rituals and the Osiris myth.
Kiosk of Trajan
A Roman-era open kiosk with towering columns on the island's east bank — often called the 'Pharaoh's Bed' and one of the most photographed structures in Aswan.
Sound and Light Show
An evening show illuminates the temple complex from the water, reflecting colored light off the Nile surface and narrating the Isis and Osiris myth.
Philae Temple Tickets and Prices (2026)
Philae is the island temple of the goddess Isis near Aswan, and the only way to reach it is by boat. You pay for two things:
| Ticket | Price (foreign visitors) |
|---|---|
| Philae Temple entry | about EGP 550 (students half price) |
| Motorboat from Shellal (Marina Philae) to the island and back | paid to the boatman, per boat; agree the price before you board |
| Sound and light show (evening) | separate ticket |
The entry price is the figure given by 2026 guides; check it at the ticket office at the jetty. Children under six enter free. Phone photography is free. On our tours the ticket and the boat are arranged for you.
Opening Hours and the Best Time to Visit
The temple is open daily from about 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and the sound and light show runs most evenings. Morning, before 10:00 AM, is the quietest time; late afternoon gives soft light on the colonnades. The boat ride is part of the pleasure, so sit where you can watch the temple rise from the water.
Why Philae Was Moved
Philae was the last great temple of the old Egyptian religion: worship of Isis continued here until the 6th century AD, and the last known hieroglyphic inscription, dated 394 AD, is carved on its walls. After the first Aswan Dam was built in 1902, the island was flooded for most of each year, and visitors rowed among the half-sunken columns. When the High Dam threatened to drown it for good, a UNESCO campaign moved the whole complex, stone by stone, to the higher island of Agilkia between 1972 and 1980, landscaped to look like the original.
What to See
- The Temple of Isis with its great pylons, and the birth house where the goddess was honoured as the mother of Horus.
- The Kiosk of Trajan, the open, columned pavilion by the water, the most photographed building on the island.
- The Hadrian Gate, with a relief of the source of the Nile.
- Crosses cut into the walls by early Christians, who later used part of the temple as a church.
How to Get There and How Long You Need
Take a car or taxi from central Aswan to the Shellal jetty (about 15 minutes), then the motorboat to Agilkia (about 10 minutes). Allow about two hours in total. Philae is part of the Aswan sightseeing on our Nile cruises and multi-day trips such as the Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel tour, and fits well with the Abu Simbel temples on another day.
Philae Temple: Common Questions
How do you get to Philae Temple?
By motorboat from the Shellal jetty, south of Aswan. The ride takes about ten minutes, and the boat waits to bring you back.
How long do you need at Philae?
About an hour on the island, or two hours including the drive and the boat.
Is the Philae sound and light show worth it?
If you have an evening free in Aswan, yes: the walk through the lit temple is the highlight, more than the narration.
Why is Philae Temple on a different island?
It was moved to Agilkia Island between 1972 and 1980 to save it from the rising waters behind the Aswan dams.
Philae Temple Tours
Philae sits on an island, so every Philae Temple tour starts with a short motorboat ride from Aswan. Our Aswan Highlights tour visits it with the High Dam, and most Nile cruises include it.
These packages visit this site as part of the itinerary.
Cairo, Fayoum & Nile Cruise Signature Tour
Experience the best of Egypt in eight incredible days, from the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the bustling streets of...
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2 nights Cairo & 7 nights Nile Cruise
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Embark on a 11-day journey through Egypt's greatest treasures, from a scenic Nile cruise past ancient temples to the iconic...
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Egypt Round Tour: Cairo, Alexandria & Nile Cruise
Immerse yourself in 12 days of Egypt's rich history and culture, from the Great Pyramids of Giza and Alexandria's coastal...
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$1690 per person
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