Majestic Philae Temple of Aswan

Although now settled on Agilkia Island, the Philae Temple alternatively called the Isis Temple was initially on the small island of Philae. The temple which is one of the final temples of ancient Egyptian religion and built for the cult of Isis was moved when it was threatened by a flood. 
Following the completion of the Aswan Dam in 1902, the Philae island and the temple sitting on it faced the risk of being swept away by the water. The foundations of the temple were strengthened at that time given the great risk that the rising water posed. However, the temple was submerged, increasing the risk of destruction of the temple. 
Because of this situation, UNESCO, joined by the Egyptian government in 1960, relocated the temple. It was an unforgettable move that ensured the preservation of the grand temple. 
The rescue move involved dismantling the temple's stones to about 40 thousand stones.  These stones were then transported and rebuilt on Agilkia Island. 
 

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The Pylons

The first pylon which leads into the temple has two 60-foot towers connected by a gate. The pylon has grooves carved into either side to hold flagpoles. And just at the main entrance, you can see two Roman-style lions made of granite.

The second Pylon which is about 32 meters wide and 12 meters high has a doorway between the two towers that can be reached by a short flight of stairs. On the towers are images of Pharaohs presenting sacrifices to the gods. The flagpole grooves on both towers are identical to those on the First Pylon.

Forecourt

The Forecourt, which was built under Ptolemy VI or VIII and was intended to host guests during celebrations is also called the "dromos." Two colonnades surround the eastern and western ends of the court. 
The colonnade on the eastern part consists of 16 columns and measures 4 meters in length. This colonnade served as a shared entrance for the sanctuaries positioned behind the back wall. The Western Colonnade has 32 columns all of which have inscriptions all over.

The Inner Temple; Vestibule

Proceeding to the inner temple, the first room is a vestibule that has 8 columns. This area was once partitioned from the court by screens. The screens were placed in the spaces between the columns on the front side.

The Sanctuary

To get to the Sanctuary, you'd have to move past many antechambers that are lined by gloomy side chambers. The Sanctuary has two little windows that invite light. Just on the left of this chamber is an entrance exiting the temple and heading to the Gateway of Hadrian; another monument to enjoy. 

Owing to its fascinating and attractive look, Philae Temple has been able to earn a stance as one of the world's most popular ancient spots. Countless tourists have visited the temple with many more longing to pay a visit to the magnificent temple.

Philae is also famous for being the last Temple constructed in the ancient traditional Egyptian style. It is one of the final temples where the goddess Isis was worshipped as the arrival of Christianity in Egypt led to the close of the temple officially. 
The goddess Isis is a significant goddess popularly worshipped by ancient Egyptians and Nubians who built many temples for the goddess. Isis, the goddess of magic, fertility, and motherhood, as well as death, healing, and rebirth, was highly regarded as the one who gave life and protected the kings. 
 

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The Last Set Of Hieroglyphs

One thing you'll often find while touring Egypt is hieroglyphs. However, the hieroglyphs found at the Philae Temple are quite special as they're the last set of hieroglyphs inscribed by the Egyptians in ancient times.

A Boat Trip?

Do you love boat cruises?
To get to the Philae Temple, you have to take a boat. This is another noteworthy aspect of your trip that adds quality to your adventure. A boat cruise is one great way to enjoy the view. The boat trip to Agilkia Island takes about 15 minutes and in that short time, you can enjoy one of the best views in Egypt as you move on the waters. Remember to bring along sunscreen as the boats that transport to the temple is usually open styles.

Visit the Philae Temple at night

When people visit the Philae Temple, they often do so at night to experience a magical moment. At night, there's usually a sound and light show. A magnificent show that brings history to life. The show involves using colorful lights, lasers, and narratives (in different languages) to revive the pharaohs and deliver the captivating myth of Isis, her husband, and Horus, her son. The show allows you to relive history in an unmatched fascinating way– An experience you don't want to miss. 

Usually, the best time to visit a well-known tourist destination is early in the morning, right as it opens. As for the Philae Temple, however, the night visit is the best. Visiting the Philae Temple at night will greatly transform your experience. You don't want to miss the magical moment!