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Temple of Isis at Philae

  • Aswan, Upper Egypt, Egypt

Last updated: 14 April, 2024

For thousands of years this temple has attracted pilgrims from along the Nile and around the Mediterranean. Begun by the Ptolemies in the 4th century BC, dedicated to the goddess and her husband, Osiris, it became one of the country’s most sacred sites during Roman times.

The temple was relocated to a new island following the building of the Aswan Dam, but it remains one of the most beautiful Graeco-Roman temples in the world, with the most romantic setting of all.

Look out for crosses and an altar in the inner courts of the temple: after the cult of Isis was suppressed, the temple was converted into a Christian church.

Logistics

Price from: £13
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

There are regular tours here or catch a taxi to the boat landing of Shellal, just south of the old dam. Buy a ticket for the temple there, and take a boat across (you pay the boatman directly). If you are taking a taxi from Aswan, have them wait to take you back. The boat that takes you over to Philae island will also wait for you.

On the island, within the temple complex, there is a café overlooking the water serving drinks, snacks and some souvenirs.

If you have time, ask (and pay) your boatman to continue across the lake beyond the Philae Temple to see some Nubian villages and the massive wall of the High Dam before returning.

When to do it

The temple is open all year round, seven days a week. The best time to go is in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, although there is usually a cooler breeze on the lake.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Aswan

See the highlights of picturesque Aswan on a comprehensive tour with an expert Egyptologist guide. Traveling by air-conditioned vehicle, start with views of the Aswan High Dam, the massive 1960s structure built to counter the annual flooding of the Nile. Admire the dam and then see the Unfinished Obelisk, a gigantic, half-carved obelisk abandoned in its quarry by ancient quarrymen. Later, ride a boat to Philae Temple, renowned for its beautiful island location. Tour the magnificent courts, terraces and chambers dedicated to the goddess Isis before returning to Aswan proper.

Price $52

Min age 6

Rating 4.73 / 5 [69 ratings]

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  • Aswan

Overview Visit two Aswan must-sees — the Philae Temple and High Dam — on a convenient half-day tour. Gaze at the High Dam, built across the River Nile during the 1960s to control Egypt’s floods. Then, continue to Philae, riding a motorboat to this ancient island temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. See the courts, colonnades, halls as an Egyptologist guide charts the temple’s history. Includes air-conditioned transport, boat ride, entrance fees, and central hotel pickup and drop-off. Half-day High Dam and Philae Temple tour from Aswan See the vast High Dam, built to control the Nile’s annual floods Motorboat ride to the ancient island Temple of Philae Stroll the chambers and courtyards, and learn about their history from an Egyptologist guide Hear how the temple was moved to its site to prevent submersion in Lake Nasser Tour includes air-conditioned transport, central Aswan hotel pickup and drop-off, and entrance fees

Price $21

Min age 5

Rating 5 / 5 [35 ratings]

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  • Aswan

Explore three of Aswan's most popular and well known sites. Walk on the High Dam which separates Lake Nasser from the Nile, be astounded at the size of the Unfinished Obelisk, and enjoy the beauty of Philae Temple's island location. Highlights Visit the Philae Temple, built in honor of the goddess Isis Enjoy a visit to the magnificent Unfinished Obelisk View the High Dam of Aswan – a miracle of engineering Marvel at the River Nile from a motor boat Hotels/ Nubian guest house / Nubian Motels In Gharb Sohile and West of Aswan Pickup or drop off will be extra 10 usd per person

Price $65

Min age 0

Rating 4.62 / 5 [32 ratings]

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