Philae Temple, Aswan, Egypt

The Philae Temple is an ancient Egyptian temple complex dedicated primarily to the goddess Isis.

Philae Temple: 2VGM+6JQ, Aswan 1, البحر الأحمر 1240271
Date Picture Taken: February, 2024

Located on Agilkia Island in the reservoir of the Aswan High Dam in southern Egypt, the Philae Temple was initially situated on the island of Philae before the dam’s construction led to its relocation in the 1960s.

I arrived from Cairo to Aswan by airplane and from the airport to my stay by a car sent by my stay’s owner.

The breakfast from my stay

My stay was at the lake created by Aswan Dam near the Philae Temple—the view of the Aswan Dam water and the boats from my stay.

My stay’s owner hired a boat driver for me for the Philae Temple.  First, I need to go to the ticket booth, which is located in differnt location than the Philae Temple.

This is the location of the ticket booth.  The people with the ticket were waiting for the boat to take them to the Philae Temple.

I got off the boat and got the ticket

Then on the boat again to the Philae Temple

The Philae Temple can be seen in the distance.

The panoramic view

From the side of the temple

Walked back to the main gate of the temple

Panoramic view

The construction of the Philae Temple complex began in the 4th century BCE during the Ptolemaic period and continued into the Roman period, spanning several centuries.

The temple complex consists of various structures, including pylons, courts, hypostyle halls, and sanctuaries. It follows the traditional Egyptian temple layout with pylons (monumental gateways) leading to large courtyards and eventually to the inner sanctuaries.

Looked back at the back side

The temple is dedicated primarily to the goddess Isis, who was a significant figure in ancient Egyptian mythology. The worship of Isis extended beyond Egypt, and the Philae Temple became a major center for the cult of Isis in the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

Looked toward the right side

The inner courtyard — it seems like the entrance to the inner sanctuary looks the same as the first entrance.

Walked into the sanctuary

At the end of the hallway is this small room with packed people, which is the sanctuary.

At the center is this stone column

Looked back at the entrance to the santuary

Walked out from the temple

Looked back at the second gate

Looked back at the first gate

Looked back at the temple

Due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam, the temple was threatened by submersion in the rising waters of Lake Nasser. In a UNESCO-led project between 1972 and 1980, the entire temple complex was dismantled and relocated to Agilkia Island to save it from being submerged.

A cafe at the temple site.  It was a time to rest

I decided to go into the temple one more time before I went because it seemed there were fewer people.

The temple is adorned with intricate reliefs and inscriptions depicting scenes from Egyptian mythology, religious rituals, and offerings to the gods. The reliefs provide insights into the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Egyptians.

The boat came back to take me back to my stay.

This area is not the city center of Aswan but the lake side of the dam.

The dinner