Religious site

Philae temple complex

Check tickets & tours

Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.

The Philae temple complex is a stunning ancient Egyptian religious site dedicated to the goddess Isis, now situated on Agilkia Island in Aswan. Originally located on Philae Island, the temples were painstakingly relocated in the 1960s to rescue them from the rising waters of the Nile due to the Aswan High Dam. Visitors arrive by boat and explore the well-preserved structures, including the main Temple of Isis, adorned with intricate carvings and hieroglyphs. The site also features a nilometer, a kiosk of Trajan, and the Gate of Hadrian, offering a deep dive into ancient mythology and architecture. The tranquil island setting and the dramatic rescue story make this a must-see attraction.

Don't miss

  • The Temple of Isis, with its detailed reliefs depicting the goddess and her mythology.
  • The Kiosk of Trajan, a graceful 14-column structure on the water's edge.
  • The Sound and Light show, which narrates the temple's history after sunset.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Philae temple complex

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

More attractions in Aswan

Planning your trip to Aswan? See where to eat, more attractions, or build a Aswan itinerary.