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  • Egypt Aswan Governorate Aswan

    Aswan Governerate in Egypt

    Aswan was known as ‘Sonu’ in ancient Egyptian times, meaning market, as it was a trading centre for caravans coming to and from Nubia. In the Ptolemaic era, it was called ‘Sin’ and the Nubians called it ‘Yaba Swan’. It was also known as the Land of Gold because it served as a great treasure or tomb for the kings of Nubia who lived there for thousands of years. Before the migration, Aswan's borders extended from Asna in the east to the border of Sudan in the south, and its inhabitants were Nubians, but after the Islamic conquest of Nubia, some Arab tribes settled there.

  • Things to Do in Luxor

    About Luxor Governorate in Egypt

    The South Upper Egyptian area is home to the Egyptian governorate of Luxor. Its capital is Luxor, which was formerly Thebes, the capital of Egypt throughout multiple pharaonic eras. Its centers and cities are spread over both sides of the Nile River. The said governorate was established by Presidential Decree No. 378 of 2009, which was promulgated on the 9th of December of that year.

  • kafr El Sheikh Governorate | kafr El Sheikh Governorate History

    History of kafr El Sheikh Governorate

    Kafr El Sheikh Governorate, located in the far north of Egypt in the Nile Delta, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, is characterised by the diversity of natural life and environments, and is one of the Egyptian cities that can be visited after the end of the first semester exams at universities and schools, as it features many diverse tourist and recreational places at symbolic prices within everyone's reach.

  • Egypt's New Administrative Capital City

    Egypt's New Administrative Capital

    The New Administrative Capital is considered the project of the era because it reflects a perfect image of the future and progress on the economic, cultural, social and civilisational level, as the capital is considered the new capital of Egypt at the present time. The importance of the New Capital is that it is a comprehensive transformation of the future of buildings, services and national and mega projects in Egypt.

  • Historical Importance of Al Gharbia

    Al Gharbia Governorate

    The Governorate of Gharbia is inclusive in the geographical area of The Arab Republic of Egypt which is in the African continent, more specifically in the region surrounding the Nile delta, between Damietta and Rashid governance. To the control of the region from the north is Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, from the south Menoufia Governorate, from the east – Dakahlia, Qalyubia Governorates, and to the west is the Beheira Governorate.

  • Marsa Alam City

    Hamata Islands (Qulaan Archipelago) in Marsa Alam

    Each reserve has several sectors. In Wadi El Gemal Reserve, there is one of the natural areas called the Hamata area or Hamata sector in Wadi El Gemal Reserve. Its sectors are the perfect and most ecological, land and water, and host countless animals and plants found in the oceans and on the land.

Philae Temple in Aswan

Philae Temple

  • 05 16, 2023

Philae Temple

Aswan's Philae Temple is a must-see destination in Egypt, located on Philae Island between the old and high dams in Aswan. The name "Pilak" originates from the word denoting a remote location or the end of the boundary with Nubia. In 1979, UNESCO relocated the temple to another island to prevent it from being submerged under the Nile, a complex process that aimed to preserve the temple's original form.

Philae island was dedicated to the goddess Isis during the Ptolemaic dynasty and was a significant center for the worship of the goddess Isis. The temple continued to be a place of worship until the end of the reign of Justinian I (527–565 CE), when it was transformed into a church. Throughout the years, the temple encountered challenges such as partial flooding and salt damage to its ornate paintings. In 1970, a decision was made to transfer the temple to the safer and higher island of Agilika. Due to its close proximity to the Nile River, the Philae temple remains a popular attraction for tourists on Nile cruise tours between Luxor and Aswan.

Isis, the goddess, held great significance in ancient Egypt and her impact reached as far as the Roman Empire. She was linked to the healing of the ill and the revival of the deceased, earning her a revered status among Egyptian women. The pyramid texts often mention her as she offers assistance to the departed king.

Cairo Top Tours offers the chance to discover tours and famous landmarks in Egypt's different cities, guaranteeing an unforgettable vacation. Aswan's attractions are especially enchanting in the context of Egypt Classic Tours, allowing visitors to explore the rich history of Egyptian civilization throughout the ages. Travelers to Aswan can enjoy a unique experience, with the opportunity to visit the impressive temples built by ancient Egyptian kings and the breathtaking natural beauty of the Nile's islands, which are home to diverse and unique plant and animal life.

The captivating city situated along the Nile provides a variety of activities including discovering the High Dam, the incomplete Obelisk close to Philae Temple, and touring the temples of Kom-Ombo and Edfu. These temples showcase remarkable architectural marvels set against the stunning backdrop of the Nile River. Get in touch with the knowledgeable team at Cairo Top Tours to choose from a ready-made itinerary or customize your own for an unforgettable journey.

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Egypt Tours FAQ

Read top Egypt tours FAQs

Egypt is a country that lends itself to being visited in any season, depending on the area you plan to explore. However, Spring and Autumn are an ideal time to go to Egypt. In contrast, the winter months are the best time to discover the desert. Finally, summer is suitable for a vacation in the milder Mediterranean coastal strip.

There are many methods to go to The Temple Isis at Philae. The majority of Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan stop at Agilika Island. As an alternative, a lot of tour operators provide day trips from Aswan to the Philae temple complex and other surrounding sights including the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. A visit can also be planned independently.
 

The sound and light performance transports viewers inside the Philae Temple and features presentations in a number of languages. The art and architecture are given a dramatic boost by colored lights, and the program narrates the history of the location. Although showtimes sometimes change, purchasing tickets in advance assures that you won't be let down.
 

You must try these ten delicious Egyptian dishes:
Ful Wa Ta'ameya (Egyptian Falafel), Ful Medames, Koshari, Hamam Mahshi (Stuffed Squab), Fiteer Baladi, Shawarma, Kofta and Kebab, and Basbousa are some examples of traditional Egyptian cuisine.

Yes, Aswan is a popular starting point for Nile cruises that travel north to Luxor or south to Lake Nasser. These cruises offer a scenic and relaxing way to explore the ancient temples and landmarks along the Nile.

Philae Temple is an ancient temple located on Elephant Island in the Nile River near Aswan in ancient Egypt. The construction of the temple dates back to ancient times, during the reign of King Hassan II of the 19th Dynasty of Egypt, and its construction began in 237 BC and continued for many years after his death.

Philae Temple was built to worship the goddess Hathor, who was considered the goddess of love, beauty and joy in ancient Egyptian religion. It was also a place of honor for King Hassan II and his wife Nefertari, and was also used for religious rituals and sacrifices.
 

One of Aswan's most popular tourist attractions, Philae Temple is an ancient temple complex dedicated to the goddess Isis, and is a testament to the greatness of Egyptian architecture.

Built during the Ptolemaic Dynasty, the temple displays magnificent sculptures and hieroglyphics depicting tales of Egyptian mythology. Although the temple was flooded, it was dismantled by UNESCO and reinstalled on Agilika Island - one of the most famous islands in Aswan.

Also, Philae Temple is one of the destinations that hosts sound and light shows inside the temple's chambers and outdoor courtyards overlooking the Nile River.

One of the most adventurous things to do in Aswan is to take a riverboat ride and pass under the Philae Temple, and you can also take a short boat trip from Aswan city center to Agilkia Island. 

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