Philae — Attraction in Heissa Island

Temple of Philae was originally located on the island of Philae Even before Aswan dam was constructed, after construction of Aswan Low dam Temple of Philae used to be flooded during most part of the year. So, like many monuments which were relocated die to building of Aswan dam, Temple of Philae was also relocated on the island of Agilika. Temple has held very important place as centre for the worship of Goddess Isis through the history. It was revered and worshipped by Egyptian, Romans as well as Greek. Roman influence is clearly indicated by the typical Roman pillars in Temple construction. Temple consists of two very impressive gates, a courtyard, Vestibule, sanctuary and Trojan kiosk. First gate is massive and impressive. It is18 meters high. Two giant granite lion statues are placed on either side of the entrance gate. Walls of the gates have hieroglyphics depicting King preforming various functions. After the first gate we enter the main courtyard. On both sides they're are large vestibule with huge pillars. The walls as well as the pillars have hieroglyphics reliefs showing various events and Kings and gods. Second gate is also huge but slightly smaller in height at 12 meters. The walls of this gate also have reliefs. After this you enter the inner Temple through a eight pillared vestibule. Etching of the Cross in this area indicates that some time this temple was transformed in Christian place of worship. Reliefs in the visible are left unfinished and in quite bad shape. After passing few side rooms we finally reach the sanctuary. It is liot by two windows. Idol of the goddess would have been installed on the base of granite slab. Trajans Kiosk. This Temple is attributed to Emperor Trajan. It is beautiful but relatively small structure, 15 X20 meter kiosk and 15.85 meters high. Like other structures this is...

Built during the reign of Ptolemy II (Egypt’s Greco-Roman Period), the Temple of Isis at Philae is dedicated to Isis, Osiris, and Horus. The temple walls contain scenes from Egyptian mythology of Isis bringing Osiris back to life, giving birth to Horus, and mummifying Osiris after his death.

From early times the island was sacred to the goddess Isis. The complex of structures of the Temple of Isis was completed by Ptolemy II Philadelphus (reigned 285–246 BCE) and his successor, Ptolemy III Euergetes (reigned 246–221 BCE). Its decorations, dating from the period of the later Ptolemies and of the Roman emperors Augustus and Tiberius (27 BCE-37 CE) were never completed. The Roman emperor Hadrian (reigned 117-138 CE) added a gate west of the complex. Other small temples or shrines dedicated to Egyptian deities include a temple to Imhotep, one to Hathor, and chapels to Osiris, Horus, and Nephthys.

The obelisks in front of the temple were removed in 1918 by British Consul Henry Salt and his assistant Giovanni Belzoni, and are now in a garden in Dorset, England.

The temple was in danger of being submerged forever with the construction of the new Aswan dam (1960-1970), which flooded the area. Fortunately, the Egyptian government and UNESCO worked together to pump the area dry and relocate the entire temple, stone by stone (50,000 stones!), to a nearby island called Agilka, where it...

The temple itself is beautiful. One of the best preserved in Egypt. The tranquility is just incredible. There are things that let it down, and through no fault of its own.

1st: Time limit. You are given just 2 hours, which in itself is plenty. However, this very quickly flys by and you can lose track of time. SET YOUR TIMER FOR 2 HOURS!

2nd: you WILL get hassle from the boatmen to take you to the temple. The price for the boatmen is set at 170 for the boat. This is typically non negotiable, and they WILL play games with you. Trying to separate your group so you take more boats, or tell you that its 1 hour waiting and you must pay for the 2nd.

3rd. Even the police on the island try to split up your group and try to be your personal tour guides or security (not that you need personal security on the island. Mercifully there are no bazaars). Expect to pay a lot of baksheesh for this service. your best bet is to ignore them and avoid them as respectfully as possible. (I recommend a hoodie, and some relaxing music to soak in the atmosphere).

4th. There is a small shop on the island selling water, but the prices are enormous. I suggest 2 liters for each person in your group for the trip. 4 liters per hour in the summer per person, as temperatures can reach over 45 degrees (celcius, about 120F! ITS...