Philea Temple Complex

The spectacular Philea Temple Complex is located on an island in the Nile between the lower and upper dams in Aswan, Egypt. Due to the flooding caused by the lower dam the temple had to be moved to higher ground in 1972 much like Temples of Abu Simbel.

“The complex consists of many structures dating predominantly to the Ptolemaic Period (332–30 BC). The most prominent of these is a temple begun by Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285–246 BC), which he dedicated to Isis, the mother of Horus, the god of kingship.” [courtesy Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities]. There is also the small Roman “Kiosk of Trajan” - A courtyard surrounded by tall columns - At the southern side of the island.

Practicalities

Getting Here

The site is accessed by the east bank of the Nile near the lower dam with coaches regularly travelling to the site though a short taxi drive or tuktuk trip from Aswan is also a possibility.

Site Structure

The site is entered through a small courtyard surrounded by shops. After standard security and ticketing measures you proceed down a ramp lined with more vendors selling souvenirs to board a boat to the island. The boat trip takes approximately 10-15 minutes with boats leaving all the time.

Site Access

The boat dock is located on the west side of the island and is surrounded by many souvenir vendors. Full access to the site is provided with the left being the main temple devoted to Isis, straight ahead is the Kiosk of Trajan, and to the right is a small café and (yes) souvenir stands.