Philae Temple Complex is one of Egypt’s most picturesque ancient sites. Its serene atmosphere is big part because of its unique location on Agilkia Island in the middle of the Nile River. This sacred temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis, a major figure in ancient Egyptian religion.
Philae comes from the ancient Egyptian word (Pilak), which means "the end" or "remote place" . It was called “the pure island” and “an unapproachable place” because no one but priests could live there or visit the island.
In modern times, Philae temple was in danger of being submerged into oblivion by the construction of Aswan High Dam. However, just like Abu Simble temples, it was relocated to its new island, stone by stone. The rescue operation took almost 10 years.
You can wander through well-preserved temple halls, witness intricate hieroglyphics, and immerse yourself in stories of gods and pharaohs. The temple complex is accessible by boat, adding a unique experience to the visit. Additionally, the temple comes alive at night with a sound and light show at Philae Temple, like at all the other major ancient attractions in Egypt. Many consider it the most impressive of all the ones in various ancient sites like Luxor, Karnak, and the Pyramids of Giza.