Philae Temple (Temple of Isis)
Aswan, Egypt
About This Activity
The Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis, is among Egypt's most romantic ancient sites — reached by motorboat across the turquoise waters of Lake Nasser near Aswan's First Cataract. The temple was originally built on Philae Island but was relocated stone by stone to Agilkia Island between 1972-1980 to save it from rising Nile waters behind the High Dam in one of UNESCO's largest rescue operations. The approach by boat, with the temple emerging from the water against a backdrop of desert hills, is unforgettable. The colonnade, birth house (mammisi), and the sanctuary contain exceptional Ptolemaic reliefs. Entry is 450 EGP; boats cost about 50 EGP per person round-trip from the landing.
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