One of the most beautiful Egyptian temples in the land of the pyramids and its secrets is the Temple of Philae, aka the Temple of Isis. Surrounded by blue waters and bluer skies, this place is a must visit temple in Egypt that tells the tales of the pharaohs, the birth of the gods and the invasion of the Romans.

Don’t miss Philae Temple in Aswan during your trip or while journeying down the Nile from Cairo to Thebes; it’s a must-see spot alongside the famous Abu Simbel.

As the last temple built in Egypt, Philae temple signifies the end of the true Ancient Egyptian era and the start of the Romans taking over. But thanks to its incredible hieroglyphics, its myth about the Ancient Egyptian gods, Philae Temple has become a UNESCO World Heritage site and has remained as a significant spot in the Egyptian history and its timeline.

It’s gorgeous charms and its well-preserved features, has landed it a special place on the silver screen and in the hearts of the fans of the classic The Mummy Returns movie. Taking a trip to Philae is like stepping into a world of myths and beauty.

For those curious about the temple before your visit, here are some fascinating Philae Temple facts to get you started.

How to Get to Philae Temple

Philae Temple isn’t as simple to reach as other tourist attractions, but with a Nile cruise tour it’s as easy as it gets, and the journey is part of the experience. Most Nile Cruises from Luxor stops in Aswan and tour around Philae. For those that aren’t opting a Nile cruise but would love to see it still, you can take a flight combo to Aswan which combines airport pick up and motorboat rides to Philae.

Or you can experience the countryside and the non-visited tourist roads by hiring a driver and taking the long road between Cairo to Aswan. There are also overnight train options for the route.

Relocating the Temple – A Groundbreaking Plan in Action

The temple complex was originally located on Philae Island but was in danger of submerging underwater and being lost to the world when the country planned to construct the Aswan dam.

In a similar attempt which relocated Abu Simbel from its original place to higher grounds, Philae Temple was planned to be relocated to an island where water wouldn’t destroy it.

To save this marvellous temple from being destroyed, UNESCO, along with the minds and hands of several dozen archaeologists, architects and engineers, relocated the entire structure stone by stone to the nearby Agilkia Island in the 1960s. In total, over 40,000 stones were moved, weighing an estimated 20,000 tons.

The current Agilkia island was leveled to resembled the original Philae so the original beauty can be returned to the temple and what was supposed to be its real surroundings. Thanks to their dedication and resilience, Philae was saved, and visitors today can reach the island by taking a short motorboat ride from the Marina Philae Temple in Aswan.

Before you even set foot on the island, the boat ride offers panoramic views of the Blue Nile, adding to the sense of anticipation as the towering columns of Philae come into view. It’s a true scene like those in a movie.

The shifting waters, and the temple rising from the island create a breathtaking view, especially during the early morning or late afternoon hours when the sunlight is low, and you are on the path to discover what Philae holds.

Dedicated to goddess Isis

Philae is called the Temple of Isis because it was built specifically to honor goddess Isis, one of the main four deities in ancient Egyptian religion along with Seth, Nephthys and Osiris. The temple’s architecture, statues, and hieroglyphics are all dedicated to her mythological roles, mostly highlighting her power to resurrect her husband Osiris who was killed by Seth.

Central to the worship at Philae were rituals that celebrated her as a goddess of magic, motherhood, and fertility. The birth of newborn princes, princesses and heirs were announced at Philae.

Must See Things at Philae Temple

Philae’s location as in island is enough to make it unique but there are various chambers and hieroglyphics in the temple that mustn’t go unseen.

The Forecourt

As you enter the temple complex, you’ll be greeted by the grandeur of the forecourt. Flanked by towering columns, the forecourt served as the space, where visitors first encountered the divine world of the gods. According to local guides, it’s said that this is where the birth of the new born heirs were celebrated and young to-be-pharaohs made their appearance to the public and the nobles.

The First Pylon

Walking across the forecourt, the first humungous structure that greets you is the First Pylon. Towering at nearly 18 meters, this massive gateway is decorated with reliefs of the Pharoah, holding his enemy and making offerings to the gods Horus (who is Isis’s son) and Hathor (daughter-in-law).

The pylon also contains inscriptions detailing the construction of the temple, offering clues for archaeologists about how the temple came into existence. The sight of it is almost like living in a movie where you feel that staring at the huge hieroglyphs might wake up the pharaohs.

The Hypostyle Hall

One of the architectural gems of Philae, the Hypostyle Hall is a columned space that leads to the inner sanctuaries of the temple. The hall is known for its 10 columns, each topped with intricately carved floral patterns that is more reminiscing of the roman influence than the Ancient Egyptian ones.

The ceiling here is covered with vivid depictions of the sky goddess Nut, and even after centuries, the artistry remains striking. This beautiful space in Philae temple is where high ranking priests once walked through to perform rituals in honor of the gods.

The Sanctuary of Isis

The inner sanctum of the temple complex, the Sanctuary of Isis, is the most sacred space at Philae. Here is where the rituals in her honor was performed. This room is smaller and more modest in decoration compared to the outer chambers, yet its simplicity adds to the importance of the place.

On the walls, you will find inscriptions and reliefs depicting scenes of Isis resurrecting Osiris. One notable image shows Isis nursing Horus, an iconic depiction that highlights her role as both mother and protector.

The Birth House (Mammisi)

Since the temple is dedicated to Isis, being the goddess of motherhood and nurturing, it’s not unusual that the complex has a birth house.

This smaller structure is dedicated to the myth of Horus’s birth and his role as the divine son of Isis and Osiris and the true king of Egypt. Its reliefs vividly portray Isis giving birth to Horus, encapsulating the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Archaeologists often cite the Birth House as an example of how Philae served as a place not just for religious rites but for communicating the mythological lineage of the gods.

The Last Known Hieroglyphic Inscription

One of the most extraordinary elements of Philae is that it contains the last known hieroglyphic inscription, dated to 394 AD. Known as the Graffito of Esmet-Akhom, this is the last known inscription marking the end of an era in Egyptian writing, as it was created after Egypt had been Christianized under Roman rule.

The text was said to have been made by priest named Nesmeterakhem ( Esmet-Akhom) and consists of a ruined image of the god Mandulis as well a text which Nesmeterakhem echoes his hope that his inscription will last “for all time and eternity”. By the time Nesmeterakhem made his inscription, it is believed that nobody at that time could read the Ancient Egyptian script (demotic text) as Christianity and Roman rule had taken over Egypt.

Nesmeterakhem’s last demotic text says “I, Nesmeterakhem, the Scribe of the House of Writings(?) of Isis, son of Nesmeterpanakhet the Second Priest of Isis, and his mother Eseweret, I performed work on this figure of Mandulis for all time, because he is fair of face towards me. Today, the Birthday of Osiris, his dedication feast, year 110.”

The Rosetta Stone Connection

Although the Rosetta Stone itself is not found at Philae, the temple’s hieroglyphs played a crucial role in the deciphering process. Scholars studying the hieroglyphs at Philae compared them with Greek inscriptions, allowing them to better understand the ancient language. If you know a bit about the history of Egyptology, Philae’s walls will feel like a living textbook.

***********************

We Plan Your Trip to Egypt

We make your dream journey to Egypt easy and unforgettable! Whether you’re exploring the ancient pyramids of Giza, cruising the Nile, or uncovering the mysteries of Luxor, AWO provides tailored itineraries, insider tips, and expert guidance to ensure every detail is perfect. Ready to plan a vacation to Egypt filled with history, adventure, and unforgettable memories? Drop us a message, and let’s bring your travel dreams to life!

Disclaimer: Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning that, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. These earnings help us maintain and improve our content. We only recommend products or services we genuinely believe will add value to your experience. Thank you for your support!