Aswan, Egypt
Former island in Aswan, Egypt
Philae, called Anas al-Wujud by people in Aswan, is a group of temples to the goddess Isis that once stood on Philae Island by the First Cataract. The main temple was built in the 3rd century BC under the Ptolemies, with Roman additions, and Philae was one of the last places where the old Egyptian religion survived; its walls carry the last known hieroglyphic inscription, dated AD 394. After the old Aswan Dam was built the island spent much of the year underwater and the reliefs suffered; the High Dam would have drowned it for good. Between 1974 and 1976 a cofferdam was built around the temples, which were then taken apart block by block and rebuilt on neighbouring Agilkia Island under UNESCO. From the boat you can see the remains of the original island in the water. You land beneath the great pylon of Isis and continue through the forecourt, the birth house and the inner temple. On the east side, the elegant Kiosk of Trajan stands over the water, the classic picture of Philae.
Boats leave from the Shellal landing south of Aswan; the fare is separate from the entry ticket, so agree it before boarding. Allow two hours. Early morning is quietest, late afternoon gives the best light on Trajan's Kiosk. The evening Sound and Light show here is one of the better ones in Egypt. Easy to combine with the High Dam.
Hours and prices change — check before you go. Source: en.wikipedia.org
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AttractionAswan, Egypt
