Philae Temple (Isis)

Rising from the waters of the Nile like a mirage, Philae Temple is one of the most romantic and beautiful sites in Egypt. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, it was the last bastion of the ancient Egyptian religion. The entire complex was dismantled stone by stone and moved to Agilkia Island to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. [1]

Quick facts Encyclopedic guide FAQ
Agilkia Island (Aswan) Goddess Isis UNESCO Rescue

Quick facts

A fast snapshot of Philae Temple—its deity, its relocation, and its historical significance.

Location

Agilkia Island, Aswan. Originally on Philae Island (now submerged), it was moved 500 meters to higher ground. [1]

Dedicated to

Isis, the great mother goddess of magic and healing. She resurrected Osiris and gave birth to Horus on a nearby island (Bigeh). [2]

Construction

Mainly Ptolemaic (starting with Ptolemy II, 285 BC) and Roman. Nectanebo I (30th Dynasty) built the oldest surviving part. [3]

Layout

A complex of temples including the Main Temple of Isis, the Birth House (Mammisi), the Gate of Hadrian, and Trajan's Kiosk. [1]

Highlights

The beautiful colonnades, the Coptic crosses carved into the walls (when it was a church), and the Sound and Light show. [2]

Opening hours

Open daily from 07:00 AM to 04:00 PM (Winter). Accessible only by motorboat from the marina.

Encyclopedic guide

Journey to the island of the goddess—a sanctuary of magic, history, and incredible engineering.

The Pearl of Egypt

Philae was one of the holiest places in Egypt. It was believed to be one of the burial places of Osiris, so sacred that only priests could live there. Birds allegedly did not fly over it, and fish did not swim near it. The temple complex is a beautiful jumble of structures from different periods, all harmoniously integrated into the island landscape. It was the center of the cult of Isis, which spread throughout the Roman Empire as far as London. [1]

View of Philae Temple from the water
Approaching Agilkia Island by boat. The First Pylon and the Colonnade dominate the view, reflecting in the Nile.

Key Features

  • Trajan's Kiosk: Also known as the "Pharaoh's Bed." A rectangular pavilion with 14 columns, famously unfinished but stunningly beautiful. [2]
  • First Pylon: The grand entrance, decorated with scenes of Ptolemy XII smiting enemies. Inside the gateway, there are Coptic inscriptions from when the temple was a church. [1]
  • Gate of Hadrian: Located on the west side, featuring rare reliefs of the source of the Nile (Hapi) pouring water from jars. [3]

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to common questions about Philae Temple.

The construction of the Aswan High Dam would have permanently submerged Philae Island under the waters of Lake Nasser. UNESCO launched a campaign to dismantle the temple and move it to Agilkia Island, which was reshaped to look like the original Philae. [1]
The famous kiosk was built by the Roman Emperor Trajan (98-117 AD). The reliefs show him burning incense before Osiris and Isis. It was likely used as a boat landing stage for the goddess during festivals. [2]
Yes. The Hypostyle Hall of the main temple was converted into a church in the 6th century. There are also ruins of two separate Coptic churches on the northern end of the island. [3]

Sources & further reading

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

  1. UNESCO, The Rescue of Nubian Monuments and Sites. (Official reports on the relocation). View
  2. Wilkinson, Richard H. The Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt. Thames & Hudson, 2000.
  3. Dijkstra, Jitse H. F. Philae and the End of Ancient Egyptian Religion. Peeters, 2008.
  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