Temple of Philae
Temple of Philae
4.5
Historic SitesAncient RuinsPoints of Interest & LandmarksReligious Sites
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
This large temple complex, relocated to the island of Agilika with the building of the High Dam in Aswan, features the magnificent Temple of Isis that was built in the late Ptolemaic and early Roman periods.
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Restaurants
41 within 3 miles
Attractions
27 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Xave EdisonSingapore, Singapore760 contributionsBeautiful Temple on an IslandThe temple is situated on an island that requires to take a 15 - 20 min motorboat ride to reach. The scenery along the waterways is beautiful but the haggling for transfer can be quite frustrating. The motorboat guy will try to raise the cost to 300 LE and above (excluding tips) if you are there alone. Try to find other solo or small group travelers to share the cost and take the boat together. It is also advisable to go as early in the morning before the tour buses and locals start to arrive. Once it becomes crowded, it can get very chaotic as the locals do not have the habit of queueing, and trying to get a ticket becomes a problem. The temple is not very big but the inscriptions on the walls are quite impressive. The 200 LE entrance fee is a bit pricey for a 1 - 2h walk around the temple.Visited January 2023Written February 14, 2023
- Rohit K29 contributionsThankfully saved from the dam’s reservoirThis temple is worth the visit for the incredible rescue and restoration effort of the government and international community to save it from being submerged by the reservoir. It is not necessarily as impressive as Luxor or Edfu, but the location is spectacular. Get the panorama ticket too, for the view, although be prepared to also pay the guardians at the gate to do you the favor of unlocking it! Go after 11 am, when the large tours seem to depart. Be prepared to haggle for the short but picturesque boat ride over and back — my advice is to form an alliance with a few other independent travelers at the parking lot before proceeding down to the dock and then negotiate as a group. We paid EGP 600 for the round trip for a couple — didn’t have anyone else around to form an alliance. The boatman will wait for you at the dock at Philae, but agree in advance on how much time you plan to spend there. I would recommend two hours, although you should be able to see the complex in slightly less than 2 hours. And remember there is the agreed price and then a tip!Visited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten March 10, 2023
- The_MolsterSan Francisco, California9 contributionsNight tour of Philae does not disappoint!We went at night for the show and it was spectacular. Our headsets were a bit iffy so either read up beforehand or go on a night when your language is on the loudspeaker. We had already been a number of temples so we’re familiar with the architectural style.Visited March 2023Traveled with friendsWritten March 18, 2023
- Bozo57Montreal, Canada69 contributionsAmazing reconstructed Ptomemlaic temple of Isis in beautiful Island settingThis is a very interesting and beautiful temple. It is one of those that was moved and reassembled block by block when the High Dam was built (the original position is now under Lake Nasser). It is a late-period temple and remained a centre of the cult of Isis well into the Christian era. It also served as a church and bears the marks of Christian graffiti and defacement of the Egyptian gods. The temple sits on an island between the Old British Dam and the Aswan High Dam and must be accessed by motorboat. It's watery surrounding makes it one of my favourite temples in Egypt. The merchants who sell their wares up and down the jetty also have some good quality souvenirs for not unreasonable prices. The sound and light show is supposed to be one of the best in Egypt also, though I have not personally seen it. I liked the images of Bes and Thoth (who looks like he's playing the electric guitar). There is lots to see here. Come around 2 to see the interior before the cruise ship hoards arrive, and leave at 4pm closing for the best light.Visited January 2023Written March 22, 2023
- Jadranka PLondon, United Kingdom717 contributionsLovely temple in a beautiful locationIn order to preserve it from flooding during High Dam built this Ptomemlaic temple of Isis is moved to an island and reassembled block by block. It is only accessible by a boat. At some point the temple was also a church and Cristian graffiti can be found. It is definitely a great place to spend afternoon and if time allows see the night show.Visited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 15, 2023
- HelenjenBrisbane, Australia784 contributionsThe ambiance of this island-based temple complex is lovely!We visited this temple towards the end of our 2 week+ Egyptian adventure and we were “templed” out by this time, however….it ended up being one of our favourites! Part in due to its beautiful location, surrounded by water and partly because of our wonderful guide Ahmed from Reflections Travel. His enthusiasm, knowledge and friendly manner made for a very interesting few hours wandering around, the unfinished obelisk, the high dam (who knew a dam could be this interesting?!) and finally this island-based complex in the reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam. The excitement of the boat trip across to the island had dwindled by this stage, as we were staying @ Movenpick Resort on Elephantine Island and made the trek backwards and forwards on their ferry too many times to count…..particularly because you can’t go to the rest of Elephantine Island, to the interesting Nubian villages without crossing back over the Nile and getting another ferry across!! Whilst Philae doesn’t have the amazing colour of our favourite temple @ Dendera, the Kiosk of Trajan aka Pharoah’s Bed, is definitely worth visiting when in Aswan.Visited March 2023Written April 17, 2023
- Liz Riley12 contributionsImpressive by day and night.Philae is impressive, especially when you hear how the temple was removed from its’ original island and moved to a new one, brick by brick, to protect it from flooding before the construction of the High Dam at Aswan. Also, it’s worth going to the Sound and Light show at Philae, which really brings it alive. Be warned though…the sellers of tourist tat are quite insistent here - two even got onto our boat!Visited April 2023Traveled soloWritten April 29, 2023
- laczkozsuDebrecen, Hungary1,618 contributionsRomantic temple on the islandThe island of Philae submerged in water after 1902, so the temple complex relocated to the Island of Agilika. We visited it by a small boat, it was exciting and adventurous. Temple of Hathor and Isis were built in Ptolemaic times. We walked around and saw the magnificent decorations, the story of Isis and Horus, etc. The view is also fantastic. I think it’s a must-see site.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 4, 2023
- PETER LPattaya, Thailand112 contributionsAmazing temple, with boat ride on the Nile.The Philae Temple is an amzing sight. Especially with its location on an island in the Nile River. Just going on the boat from the mainland to the temple was an experience. Dates back to 280 BC. Still has so many inscription clearly on show , even today. Very well preserved and spectacular to visit. A lot of people go there, but still plenty of room to explore.Visited May 2023Written May 14, 2023
- rafaelrabelloCampinas, SP161 contributionsNice, but you can easilly skip if you have short timeFrom all the attractions in Aswan, this is by far the better (excluding Abu Simbel). If you have short time in your trip, you can easilly skip Aswan and fly directly to Abu Simbel if your budget allows. The Temple itself is pretty interesting, very well decorated walls and a nice architecture, but not as interesting as Abu Simbel, or other temples in Luxor. You need to get a boat to arrive there and the boatman will ask you a lot of money, they are very irritating people. Do not pay more than 7EUR for that, and just pay after being back from the island.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 28, 2023
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Holly A
Cairo, Egypt68 contributions
Mar 2021
We arrived at the ticket office bought our tickets and wandered down to the motor boats. The tickets for the temple we 180LE each and the motor boat guys wanted us to pay 400LE each for them to take us across to the temple and back. Needless to say we walked back up the ramp, got our money back and left. We hired a motor boat for the entire day in Luxor for 400LE and did Abu Simbel by private car for 500LE each, so I’d suggest you give this a miss and pay little extra so something much more spectacular.
Written March 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Piranha A
Moscow, Russia65 contributions
Jul 2021
🛕 🛕 is one of the most exquisite sites you’ ll see in Egypt, The Temple of Philae is located on an island in the Nile River, and the only way to visit
is to take a boat operated by a local. 🛥️ 🛥️ You can reach the boat dock with a taxi, it won’ t take you more than 20 minutes from Aswan and expect to pay from 80 to 150 egyptian pounds, 💵 💵 💵 according your bargaining skill.
Once arrived, you’ ll be welcomed by a few souvenirs shops 🤑 and the official Ticket Booth: as of today, the price of the ticket for an adult is 150 egp; 10 usd
After buying the ticket, you’ ll have to find a deal for a boat trip to the island and back.
You can find much more on Egypt Made Easy youtube channel.
Be sure to confirm the price of the trip with the operator before you get on the boat, as some travelers have been surprised by the amount they can be charged for a ride. Personally, I paid 100 egp for a round trip - if you' re in a group of course you can split the costs.
As you start sailing across the Nile, you’ ll start to feel a kind of magic raising in the air. Many travelers have felt this
is to take a boat operated by a local. 🛥️ 🛥️ You can reach the boat dock with a taxi, it won’ t take you more than 20 minutes from Aswan and expect to pay from 80 to 150 egyptian pounds, 💵 💵 💵 according your bargaining skill.
Once arrived, you’ ll be welcomed by a few souvenirs shops 🤑 and the official Ticket Booth: as of today, the price of the ticket for an adult is 150 egp; 10 usd
After buying the ticket, you’ ll have to find a deal for a boat trip to the island and back.
You can find much more on Egypt Made Easy youtube channel.
Be sure to confirm the price of the trip with the operator before you get on the boat, as some travelers have been surprised by the amount they can be charged for a ride. Personally, I paid 100 egp for a round trip - if you' re in a group of course you can split the costs.
As you start sailing across the Nile, you’ ll start to feel a kind of magic raising in the air. Many travelers have felt this
Written July 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George Hindmann
Barendrecht, The Netherlands225 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
What an amazing place to start our tour of Egypt.
Philae was originally located near the expansive First Cataract of the Nile in Upper Egypt and was the site of an Egyptian temple complex. The first religious building on Philae was likely a shrine built by Pharaoh TAHARQA of the 25th Dynasty which was probably dedicated to Amun..
Great tour guide explained the complexities of the removal of the entire complex from the rising water to this special island. Further to that the history from antiquity.
Christianity seems to have been present at Philae by the fourth century, at which point it coexisted with traditional Egyptian religion. You can see the Christian influence as you walk into the initial court yard by the defaced Egyptian carvings on the walls.
Philae retained significance as a Christian center even after its closure as a pagan site. Five of its temples were converted into churches (including the Temple of Isis, which was dedicated to St. Stephen), and two purpose built churches were constructed on the north side of the island
This temple complex really blew my brains in the very complex history surrounding this structure, and all its surroundings. Therefore much more complete than I expected as a result we spent over 2 hours wandering in and out of the various buildings. The main reception area / court yard & temple took over an hour just admiring the hieroglyphic reliefs on the walls. Our guide realised that our interest was more than the average tourist.!!!
Exceptional experience.
Philae was originally located near the expansive First Cataract of the Nile in Upper Egypt and was the site of an Egyptian temple complex. The first religious building on Philae was likely a shrine built by Pharaoh TAHARQA of the 25th Dynasty which was probably dedicated to Amun..
Great tour guide explained the complexities of the removal of the entire complex from the rising water to this special island. Further to that the history from antiquity.
Christianity seems to have been present at Philae by the fourth century, at which point it coexisted with traditional Egyptian religion. You can see the Christian influence as you walk into the initial court yard by the defaced Egyptian carvings on the walls.
Philae retained significance as a Christian center even after its closure as a pagan site. Five of its temples were converted into churches (including the Temple of Isis, which was dedicated to St. Stephen), and two purpose built churches were constructed on the north side of the island
This temple complex really blew my brains in the very complex history surrounding this structure, and all its surroundings. Therefore much more complete than I expected as a result we spent over 2 hours wandering in and out of the various buildings. The main reception area / court yard & temple took over an hour just admiring the hieroglyphic reliefs on the walls. Our guide realised that our interest was more than the average tourist.!!!
Exceptional experience.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Xave Edison
Singapore, Singapore760 contributions
Jan 2023
The temple is situated on an island that requires to take a 15 - 20 min motorboat ride to reach. The scenery along the waterways is beautiful but the haggling for transfer can be quite frustrating. The motorboat guy will try to raise the cost to 300 LE and above (excluding tips) if you are there alone. Try to find other solo or small group travelers to share the cost and take the boat together.
It is also advisable to go as early in the morning before the tour buses and locals start to arrive. Once it becomes crowded, it can get very chaotic as the locals do not have the habit of queueing, and trying to get a ticket becomes a problem.
The temple is not very big but the inscriptions on the walls are quite impressive. The 200 LE entrance fee is a bit pricey for a 1 - 2h walk around the temple.
It is also advisable to go as early in the morning before the tour buses and locals start to arrive. Once it becomes crowded, it can get very chaotic as the locals do not have the habit of queueing, and trying to get a ticket becomes a problem.
The temple is not very big but the inscriptions on the walls are quite impressive. The 200 LE entrance fee is a bit pricey for a 1 - 2h walk around the temple.
Written February 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaliforniaMuppet
Sedona, AZ102 contributions
Oct 2022
After being dropped off by our driver at the marina we had to negotiate a price for just the two of us to be taken across to Philae. We wanted to be there for 1.5 hours so that was extra time and we agreed upon 250 Egyptian Pounds for our trip. We were among the very first people there just after opening time (7AM) after a delightful private boat trip across the Nile. Philae Temple is very interesting and very easy to walk around. Take your own information about the temple so you know where you are walking. Hordes of people turned up at 8:30AM so good time to leave and our boat driver took us around the island sites to see rock carvings and original submerged buildings that had not been relocated. We thoroughly enjoyed our private trip, there was lovely scenery along the Nile with colorful Nubian guesthouses standing atop the rocks and our boatman was delighted with a tip of 50 Egyptian Pounds.
Written November 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tumbuna
Sydney, Australia339 contributions
Feb 2020
The tickets for the temple are bought on the mainland and don't include a boat ride (needed to get to the island). Once you are through the gate you are set upon by boat touts to get you on their boat. Prices are for a boat but if you are single or a couple they wont go until they have got more people. Each couple on our boat was charge the boat price rather than the single price divided between the group. Once on the island the temple itself is interesting - particularly the large gated entrance and the setting on the island.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ZhaoXiuMei
Singapore, Singapore4,967 contributions
Dec 2019
In 1902, after the Aswan Low Dam was built, the temple was partly submerged in water and traveller had to peered at the Temple from a boat. With the construction of Aswan High Dam (1960-1971), the Temple was relocated to Agilika Island. It was one of the four temples, including Abu Simbel Ramses II temple & temple of Nefertari, to be relocated.
We have to take a boat to island of Agilika. Not too far from the jetty, we approached a courtyard flanked by a row of colonnade, which leads us to the impressive Temple of Philae(also known as Temple of ISIS). The first pylon of the Temple was complete and well preserved. The Temple combines ancient Egyptian and Graecon-Roman architecture.
We sighted god Bes and a baboon playing musical instruments on the pillars of the Temple of Hathor nearby. Next to it is the Trajan's Kiosk, which looks awe-inspiring against the setting sun.
The Mammisi(Birth house) attached to the Temple is also interesting. See if you can find the childhood scenes of Horus in the swamp of river Nile.
We have to take a boat to island of Agilika. Not too far from the jetty, we approached a courtyard flanked by a row of colonnade, which leads us to the impressive Temple of Philae(also known as Temple of ISIS). The first pylon of the Temple was complete and well preserved. The Temple combines ancient Egyptian and Graecon-Roman architecture.
We sighted god Bes and a baboon playing musical instruments on the pillars of the Temple of Hathor nearby. Next to it is the Trajan's Kiosk, which looks awe-inspiring against the setting sun.
The Mammisi(Birth house) attached to the Temple is also interesting. See if you can find the childhood scenes of Horus in the swamp of river Nile.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Benoit
Cairo, Egypt89 contributions
Jan 2020
It starts with a short boat trip on the Nasser lake. After few minutes, you discover an island with the temple. The temple itself is quite small but very nicely restored. I was there at 4pm, so before the rush of the sunset tourists (around 4:30/5:00 pm) so I could really enjoy the place. Important to remember the pilot of your boat, because the same one will take you back
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary M
5 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Total surprise for me. At this point in my trip I started to get tired but had a terrific guide coordinated by ASWAN-INDIVIDUAL tours who brought it to life. This temple was last one of ancient Egyptian construction. The story of how Christianity first spread in Egypt can be seen here. Early Christians converted the old temples into their worship places so you can still see the ancient temple built around 200 BC and also how it was ‘converted’ around 200 AD. Fascinating! I highly recommend a guide to get the full richness of the place. A must see with a short boat ride over to the island.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gail Goldman
Hartsdale, NY1,108 contributions
Feb 2020
A complex of ancient Egyptian temple ruins from the 4th century BCE that were located upstream and were moved to preserve them from Lake Nasser flooding. You go there by boat since it is on an island. Go with a guide to hear the history while you focus on the architecture and beautiful wall; reliefs, carvings and drawings.
Written April 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MKP5456
Ahmedabad, India554 contributions
Would like to visit Philae temple and see Sound and light show. How to visit philae temple from Philae hotel.
How much is current charge for Taxi, and boat transfer to island and back
Where we should by entrance ticket and sound & light show? Is there anything else to see on Island of Agika?
If we want to see Botanical garden, Elephanta Island on same day How to plan it?
holidaymakers4345
Levin, New Zealand32 contributions
Sorry our visit was all part of a tour so do not know cost of transport or times of light shows etc. also did not visit botanical gardens on Elephantine island sorry.
Pradeep
Hyderabad, India5 contributions
Hi all, I want to visit "Kalabsha and Philae Temples" on the same day and I want to see the Philae Temple's Sound and Light show as well. I am a Solo-Traveler and visiting Egypt for the first time. I will not use any 'Tour guide' as I am already doing a lot of homework studying about these places. I will stay at 'Movenpick Resort ' in Aswan. I want to spend 1-2 hours at Kalabsha and the rest of the time in Philae, until the evening light show. My questions are:
1. At what time should I start off from Hotel so that there isn't much time to waste anywhere?
2. Which location do I visit first? (I assume Kalabsha as I want to see sound and light show at Philae)
3. As I want to use boat service, when and where exactly should I use 'Taxi' service?
4. What are the location "names" where I have to get on a boat to visit Kalabsha and Philae Temple's?
5. Let's say, once I am done with Kalabsha Temple, how to go to Philae Temple?
Google says the distance between these two temples is 5.9KM. I am unable to figure out a nearly perfect plan to implement. This will be my first international trip. I am expecting quite a detailed reply which I can trust and just implement. Your help will be much appreciated, Thank You :)
carters60
Lochau, Austria364 contributions
We went with a cruise Ship and a Tourguide with bus! So I am not able to give you an answer! Sorry! Hope you figure it out! Greetings
How do I get there? I'm having a hard time finding transport or a tour there. What's the cheapest option? Thank you.
Chris on tour
Ross-on-Wye, UK660 contributions
Tours that is. Bloody predictive text.
GurTra
Zaragoza, España232 contributions
How much should I pay for a roundtrip boat to Philae? I've read they ask for ludicrous amounts.
I've also seen you have to indicate how many hours you'll stay and you should pay when reached the arrival pier.
Can we tourists take a boat with the locals?
Thanks in advance!
Locy2014
Mexico City, Mexico71 contributions
Light and Sound Show 160LE 1 hour Basic show, nothing impressive
If it's easy to go down and get in the boat
bluemocha
American Canyon, CA369 contributions
Plan to stay at Movenpick Aswan, is it safe to go along to Philae temple in April without a tour guide?
Richard P
Ashford, Kent432 contributions
Eqypt is a very safe and welcoming country. Philae is a fascinating site with extensive Roman and early Christian history, as well as Victorian (and earlier) European evidence. The boat trip there and back is good fun, but beware the pushing and shoving at each end; keep your arms and hands inside the boat and try not to sit near the bow, as that's where the collisions happen and boats can even get stuck under each other's steel canopies; I've seen it happen and a passenger was within inches of being hit in the head by the metal prow of another boat.
Given how interesting Philae is, I would price up the entry fee and boat ride, and compare it to an "all-in" price from a guide. You might find it's not much different and a knowledgeable guide would be a bonus.
Are the boats easy to get on and off;especially, at the beginning and when you get to the temple?
Johann en Pieter
Johannesburg, South Africa92 contributions
Yes there are many boats to take you to the temple. You have to "tip" them however.
Lmebed
69 contributions
How much are the tickets and is the sound and light on everyday???
Damian94
Bridgwater, UK520 contributions
Hi !
Tickets to Philae Temple cost is 60 L.E. egyptian pounds for day visit. Sound and light show we paid 200 L.E. ish including transfer and boat- price from November 2015.
Details you can find if you tape to google sound and light com eg
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Frequently Asked Questions about Temple of Philae
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