Kiosk of Trajan

Standing proudly on the eastern bank of Agilkia Island, the Kiosk of Trajan is the most recognizable silhouette of the Philae temple complex. Known locally as "Pharaoh's Bed" (Sarir Far'oun), this rectangular pavilion is a masterpiece of Roman-Egyptian architecture. Though left unfinished, its graceful columns and open roof have made it a favorite subject for artists and travelers for centuries. [1]

Quick facts Encyclopedic guide FAQ
Agilkia Island (Philae) Emperor Trajan River Landing

Quick facts

A fast snapshot of the Kiosk of Trajan—its builder, its purpose, and its fame.

Location

Eastern side of Agilkia Island, Aswan. Originally on the eastern bank of Philae Island. [1]

Dedicated to

The goddess Isis. It likely served as a ceremonial landing stage for her sacred barque during river processions. [2]

Construction

Built by the Roman Emperor Trajan (98–117 AD), although the foundations may date back to Augustus. [3]

Dimensions

A rectangular structure measuring 15 x 20 meters, with 14 columns standing 9 meters high. It never had a stone roof. [1]

Highlights

The relief of Trajan burning incense before Isis and Osiris, and the complex floral capitals of the columns. [2]

Visiting

Included in the general Philae Temple ticket. Accessible by motorboat.

Encyclopedic guide

Discover the story of the "Pharaoh's Bed"—a Roman emperor's unfinished tribute to the Egyptian goddess.

The Icon of Philae

While the Temple of Isis is the main sanctuary, the Kiosk of Trajan is the image most people associate with Philae. Its tall, slender columns and open-air design give it a lightness that contrasts with the heavy pylons of the main temple. It became famous in the 19th century when Victorian travelers and painters like David Roberts romanticized it as the quintessential Egyptian ruin, often calling it "Pharaoh's Bed" due to its resemblance to a giant four-poster bed. [1]

Kiosk of Trajan from the water
The Kiosk of Trajan as seen from the Nile. Its open structure allows the sky and river to become part of the architecture.

Key Features

  • Fourteen Columns: Arranged in a rectangle (4 on the short sides, 5 on the long sides), connected by screen walls. [2]
  • Unfinished State: Only two of the screen walls are fully decorated with reliefs. The rest are blank, rough stone. [3]
  • Missing Roof: The structure never had a stone roof. It likely had a wooden ceiling or a canvas awning in ancient times. [1]

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to common questions about the Kiosk of Trajan.

It is a local nickname. The locals thought the structure looked like a giant four-poster bed frame, fit for a Pharaoh to sleep in. Of course, no Pharaoh ever slept there! [1]
Yes. Like the rest of the Philae temples, the Kiosk was originally on Philae Island. It was dismantled block by block and reassembled on Agilkia Island in the 1970s to save it from the rising waters of the Nile. [3]
No. Trajan died in Selinus (Turkey) and his ashes were buried in Rome at the base of Trajan's Column. This was purely a religious monument dedicated by him, not a tomb. [2]

Sources & further reading

References supporting the historical data, architectural details, and dates presented in this guide.

  1. Wilkinson, Richard H. The Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt. Thames & Hudson, 2000.
  2. UNESCO, The Rescue of Nubian Monuments and Sites. View
  3. Rutherford, Ian. Island of the Phoenix: An Ethnographic Analysis of the Temple of Philae.
  4. Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities (Egypt), Philae. View

Note on visiting: Opening hours and ticket prices are subject to change by the Ministry of Tourism. Please check official sources prior to your visit.

Last updated: February 18, 2026