Philae Temple

Philae Temple, Aswan

Philae Island is located between the old Aswan dam and the high dam in Aswan. It is one of the most important places to be visited and the top things to do in Egypt. The name is derived from the word “Pilak,” which means the remote place or the end, referring to the boundary with Nubia. The temple was relocated by the organization UNESCO to another island, avoiding the risk of being covered by the Nile. The relocation was a very complicated process imitating the same original shape in 1979.

Philae Island was dedicated to the goddess Isis in the Ptolemaic dynasty, and it was a center for worshipping goddess Isis. The temple was flourishing for worshipping till the end of the reign of Justinian I (527–565 CE); after that, the temple was converted to a church. The temple was exposed to partial flooding, and the salt started to damage the decoration of the temple paints. In 1970 the decision was taken to relocate the temple to a higher and safer island of Agilika. Its near location from the Nile River makes it one of the most visited destinations during Nile cruise tours between Luxor and Aswan. 

The goddess Isis 

She was one of the most important goddesses in ancient Egypt, and her cult spread during the Roman Empire. She, as a goddess, was connected with the dead for her power to cure sick people and bring the dead to life; she was a role model for Egyptian women. In the pyramid texts, she is mentioned many times when she is offering assistance to the dead king.

Aswan Travel Guide 

Through Cairo Top Tours, you can check Egypt tours and the famous landmarks in all the Egyptian cities in which you can have an unforgettable vacation. Aswan attractions are most attractive in Egypt Classic Tours, where you can learn more about the Egyptian civilization that embraces various ages and civilizations. Aswan offers its visitors a unique experience to watch the massive temples of the Egyptian rulers and the enchanting beauty of nature represented in the beautiful island on the banks of the Nile, with unique trees and plants. 

The magical city of the Nile includes various activities like seeing the High Dam and the unfinished Obelisk beside Philae Temple. You can also visit the Kom Ombo and Edfu temples, where you will find miraculous architectural creations surrounded by the Nile River and its cool vibes. Be in touch with Cairo Top Tour’s professional team and choose one of its itineraries or customize your itinerary to enjoy your vacation. 

Temple of Philae: The Beautiful Temple of Isis

Located on the beautiful island of Agilkia in Aswan, Egypt, Philae Temple is a stunning work of ancient Egyptian art and spirituality filled with devotion. This temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Isis, is surely a dwelling of love, magic, and motherhood. Its beauty and history will forever leave the visitors captivated.

The main parts of the Philae Temple were constructed in the 4th century BCE during the Ptolemaic age, with Roman emperors building on it afterward. The temple served as a center of worship that drew crowds from far and wide to venerate the goddess Isis, one of the most famous gods in the Egyptian pantheon.

However, when the Aswan High Dam was constructed and the areas around the temple became submerged around the middle of the 20th century, the temple came under severe threat. To protect this structure, which was deemed not only to have outstanding architectural merit but also to pose a great threat, a campaign was organized by UNESCO in the 1960s. The whole temple complex was carefully taken apart, moved, and re-erected on Agilkia Island for posterity.

Architectural Marvels

The Philae Temple beckons to you with its majestic entrance, the First Pylon, which is richly decorated with reliefs illustrating each pharaoh’s worship of Isis and other gods. After the pylon comes the open inner courtyard leading to the Second Pylon, embellished with even more beautiful carvings and hieroglyphics that tell mythological stories.
The innermost part of the temple encloses the Holy of Holies, which is the area that used to have an Isian shrine in its center. This space has an inexplicable atmosphere, and one can imagine how it used to feel when the priests were praying to the goddess and conducting their rituals.

There are also many small temples and other buildings, such as the Kiosk of Trajan, that are found around the main temple. This beautiful, open structure supported by elegant columns is an example of Roman design that effortlessly coexists with ancient Egyptian architecture.

A Spellbinding Experience
Taking a tour of Philae Temple is ideal during the daytime since one gets to enjoy viewing the temple’s minute components in bright sunshine with the calm blue waters of the Nile in the background. Ethereal is the word for how the temple is during the Sound and Light Show, an entertainment activity held at night displaying the temple’s history and its tales through impressive speech, flashing lights, and music.

How to Visit Philae Temple

From a short trip to the Aswan marina, one can reach Philae Temple via a boat ride. The trip over the serene waters of the Nile is quite pleasurable, as it offers impressive views of the scenic beauty around. It is best to go on a guided tour of the place in order to consider its historical, mythological, and architectural intricacies.

Why You Should Go to Philae Temple?

Philae Temple is not simply a monument or a historical site but a reminder of the ingenuity and the need to preserve cultures, particularly the ancient Egyptian culture. The Temple of Isis will enchant anyone who is a traveler, a historian looking for spirituality, or just an admirer of lovely structures.

Enter the age of gods and myths within the walls of the Philae Temple. Wipe all the dust off the modern world and feel the ancient Egyptian civilization's splendor.