Latest Articles

  • Atlas Studios

    Atlas Studios

    Atlas Studios, also known as Film City, is a well-known film studio in Morocco. It has been used as a filming location for many international movies and TV shows.

  • Rabat

    Rabat

    Rabat is the capital city of Morocco, located on the country's Atlantic coastline. It is situated across the Bouregreg River from the city of Salé and forms the Rabat-Salé urban area. With a rich history dating back to the Roman era, Rabat is known for its blend of modernity and traditional Moroccan architecture.

  • Erfoud

    Erfoud

    Erfoud is a city located in eastern Morocco, known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert. It is a popular destination for travelers seeking to explore the stunning desert landscapes and experience the unique culture and hospitality of the region. Erfoud offers opportunities for camel trekking, visits to the nearby Merzouga Dunes, and exploring the local markets and traditional crafts.

  • Merzouga Dunes

    Merzouga Dunes

    The Erg Chebbi Dunes, also known as the Merzouga Dunes, are a stunning natural wonder located in southeastern Morocco. These majestic dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, with some reaching heights of up to 150 meters. The Erg Chebbi Dunes are a popular destination for travelers looking to experience the beauty of the Sahara Desert.

  • Khenifiss National Park

    Khenifiss National Park

    Explore the beauty of Morocco's natural reserve at Khenifiss National Park. Located in the southwestern part of the country, this park is home to diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the unique ecosystems found in the park.

  • Ouzoud Waterfalls

    Ouzoud Waterfalls

    The Ouzoud Waterfalls, located in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, are a stunning natural wonder and a popular tourist destination. The falls cascade over a series of rocky cliffs, creating a breathtaking sight and a refreshing mist in the air. Visitors can hike down to the base of the falls, passing by olive groves and encountering local Barbary macaque monkeys along the way.

Agilika Island in Aswan | Aswan Agilika Island

  • 05 16, 2023

Agilika Island in Aswan 

Egypt's southern boundary was once marked by the ancient city of Aswan, located in Swenet. There is a theory that the name Swenet comes from the same-named god. Subsequently, during the Greek and Roman occupations, this god was known as Ilithia and Ilithya, respectively.

Agilika Island is the island where the famous rescue took place as the Temple of Philae has been moved from the old location at Philae Island to the new -higher in altitude- Agilika Island.

The Philae Temple. It is recommended to visit the impressive Philae Temple during your stay in Aswan. One of the best preserved Ptolemaic temples in Egypt, along with the temples of Dendera and Edfu. 

The Temple of Philae was constructed starting around 280 BCE. The Temple of Isis at Philae was constructed during the Greco-Roman Period (Ptolemy II's reign) and is devoted to Isis, Osiris, and Horus. Egyptian mythology depictions of Isis resurrecting Osiris, bearing Horus, and mummifying Osiris after his death are painted on the walls of the temple.

The new and largest dam that was built in Aswan to store the water of the Nile and generate electric power, so precious for the economy of Egypt, would have badly submerged all the monuments and archaeological evidence scattered in that province. The United Nations gathered to raise funds, study, and implement difficult and complicated projects to rescue the most important sites. In addition to the

legendary Abu Simbel temples, the works would have involved the Island of Philae, with special care they moved the Ptolemaic and Roman-era temple of Philae to a small island at a higher altitude, where the Nile could not have sunk that valuable architectural heritage of more than 2000 years.

The Greco-Roman Era in Egypt | Egypt Roman PeriodA piece of The Greco-Roman Era monument in Egypt

 

Aswan Agilika Island

Already the first Aswan High Dam which was built at the end of the 19th century by the British, had resulted in a disadvantage during earlier periods in which the locks worked at full speed, the floods reached the temple of Isis and for several months of the year, the water invaded the island enough to be able to float with the feluccas even between the columns of the temple, as some old photographs may show.

The process was done perfectly so that even the green areas and the granite stones were moved to create the same scene as if the temple of Isis had never been moved from its original place.

 

Tags:
Share On Social Media:

Egypt Tours FAQ

Read top Egypt tours FAQs

You can travel to the Philae temple complex in a number of ways. The majority of river cruises that travel between Luxor and Aswan include Agilkia Island in their itineraries. As an alternative, a lot of tour companies provide day trips from Aswan that transport visitors to the Philae temple complex as well as neighboring sights like the Unfinished Obelisk and the Aswan High Dam. Additionally, you can plan a visit on your own. To go to the Marina Philae Temple, where official boats are waiting to take tourists to Agilkia Island, just take a taxi from Aswan.

Monday through Sunday, 7 am to 4 pm (October through May) and 7 am to 5 pm (June through September), are the hours of operation for the Philae Temple.
 

Nearby Philae Temple (Temple of Isis) attractions include:

  • Unfinished Obelisk
  • The Nubian Museum
  • Elephantine Island
     

Yes, taking a boat ride on the Nile River is a popular activity in Aswan. You can choose from various options, such as felucca sailboats or motorized boats, to explore the river and enjoy the scenic views.

The actual Temple of Philae is located close to Aswan on Philae Island in the Nile River. The name Philae Island is frequently applied to the island itself.

As stated in the prior response, you can visit the Temple of Philae on Philae Island and its assortment of Isis-related structures. Encircled by the Nile River and verdant foliage, the island presents a tranquil and scenic environment.
 

Ajelika Island in Aswan is one of the beautiful and distinctive Nile islands in the region, and it offers many recreational and tourist activities for visitors. Among the activities that can be done on Ajelika Island:

Boat trips: You can rent a private boat or join a boat tour to explore the beauty of the Nile surrounding Ajelika Island. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the river and scenic landscapes along the way.

Relax on the beach: Ajelika Island is characterized by its beautiful sandy beaches, where you can relax in the sun and enjoy the peace and quiet on the banks of the Nile.

Bicycle touring: You can rent a bicycle and wander around Ajelica Island to explore the stunning landscapes and enjoy the fresh air and surrounding nature.

Visiting the island's landmarks: Ajelica Island includes some famous tourist attractions such as St. George's Cathedral and St. Samuel's Monastery, you can spend some time exploring these landmarks and discovering the history of the island.

Hiking and walking: Exploring Ajelica Island on foot is a wonderful experience, as you can wander the streets of the island and explore its beautiful landscapes and tranquil environment.

Dining and shopping: You can enjoy a delicious meal at one of the local restaurants on the island and taste delicious local dishes, in addition to shopping at the local markets to buy gifts and souvenirs.

;

Cairo Top Tours Partners

Check out our partners

EgyptAir
Fairmont
Sonesta
the oberoi