The Temple of Philae is a majestic temple located on Agilkia Island in Southern Egypt. This legendary site was built in 690 BC to honor Isis, Egypt’s goddess of healing and magic. During the construction of the Aswan Dam, the Temple of Philae was moved from Philae Island to Agilika Island, about 550 meters northeast of its original location. The Temple of Philae was built by the Ptolemies, the last dynasty of ancient Egypt. This temple is now one of the most beautiful and best preserved ancient temples in Egypt. To reach this temple, you need to take a boat to the island.
The construction of the Temple of Philae began during the reign of Pharaoh Nectanebo I between 380-362 BC, and the temple was expanded by the Ptolemaic kings that followed. The temple complex is dedicated to Isis, Osiris and Horus. The temple walls depict mythological scenes such as Isis bringing Osiris back to life, giving birth to Horus and mummifying Osiris after his death.
Philae Island was considered sacred by both Egyptians and Nubians in antiquity. Therefore, only priests were allowed to live on the island. The temple was built during the Ptolemaic period and later developed during the Roman period and dedicated to Isis and Hathor. King Nectanebo I improved the temple and added inscriptions and drawings to its walls.
The Temple of Philae fascinates its visitors not only with its architecture but also with its mythological stories. The Temple of Philae is a unique structure that reflects the religious and cultural richness of ancient Egypt. It fascinates its visitors with both its historical importance and architectural beauty.
Transportation options from Aswan Airport to Temple of Philae
Temple of Philae is located on Agilkia Island, south of Aswan. Transportation to this island is only by taxi-boats. You can take a taxi from Aswan Airport to Philae Pier. You can cross to the island by taxi-boats from the pier.
A taxi from Aswan city center to the pier costs approximately 50 Egyptian pounds. Alternatively, you can also use the local minibuses in Aswan city center. These minibuses run on the main street along the Nile River and are a very economical option. When you see a minibus, you can stop it by raising your hand and ask the driver if it is going to Philae Pier. The minibuses stop at an intersection about 20 minutes walk from the pier. Once you reach the pier, you need to rent a boat to get to the temple. The boat ride takes approximately 10 minutes.
The visiting hours of the Temple of Philae are usually between 07:00-17:00. The entrance fee is 180 Egyptian pounds for foreign visitors and 90 Egyptian pounds for foreign students. The temple is an unforgettable stop for visitors who want to explore the rich cultural heritage of ancient Egypt.