Philae and Abu Simbel Temples Day Tour

Overview

The Temple of Philae,
The Temple of Philae, originally on Philae Island, was relocated to Agilkia Island in the 1960s due to the Aswan High Dam. The UNESCO-led effort to move the temple is considered one of the greatest archaeological preservation feats. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, it was a major center of her cult, widely revered in ancient Egypt and beyond. The temple remained active for religious worship into the 6th century AD, making it one of the last pagan temples in Egypt. Built during the Ptolemaic Dynasty, it features a blend of architectural styles from that period and earlier.

Abu Simbel,
Abu Simbel, located 280 km south of Aswan, was carved by King Ramses II in the 13th century BC and dedicated to him and his wife, Nefertari. Known for its colossal statues, the site was relocated in the 1960s due to the threat of flooding from the Aswan High Dam. The temples feature detailed reliefs depicting Ramses II’s victories, particularly the Battle of Kadesh. A notable phenomenon occurs on February 22 and October 22, when sunlight illuminates statues inside the Great Temple, showcasing the ancient Egyptians’ advanced understanding of astronomy.