Aswan and the Temple of Philae
Philae Temple · Nile islands near Aswan, Egypt
The Temple of Isis on a Nile island — ancient Egypt's last temple, on the border of Egyptian and Nubian culture.
Know before you go
- Always ask before photographing Nubian villagers, especially children
- don't touch the painted walls of houses.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The Temple of Philae was built in the Ptolemaic era (c. 3rd century BC) and dedicated to the goddess Isis, the last stronghold of ancient Egyptian religion; when the Eastern Roman emperor Justinian I ordered it closed in 537, ancient Egyptian religion formally came to an end. The temple originally stood on Philae Island and was moved in its entirety to Agilkia Island because of the reservoir of the Aswan dams. The surrounding Nubian villages keep their own language, painted houses and musical traditions, the northern edge of Nubian culture in Africa.
Local customs
- Nubians are warm and hospitable
- painted houses and pet baby crocodiles are features of their villages, and visitors are often invited to drink hibiscus tea.
Religion & beliefs
- The temple is an ancient monument
- most Nubian villagers are Muslim, and the village mosque is the centre of the community, so dress appropriately when visiting.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Egypt: drink only at licensed venues
- Drink in licensed restaurants, bars or within resorts
- Drinking in the street or other public places
Drinking outside licensed premises is illegal and can lead to arrest.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Egypt travel advice
Egypt: no drones without a permit
- Leave your drone at home
- Bringing in or using a drone without Ministry of Defence permission
Up to 7 years in prison, or a fine of EGP 5,000 to 50,000.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Egypt travel advice
Egypt: ask before photographing people, and don't photograph children
- Ask local people before photographing them
- If in doubt, ask before taking a photo
- Photographing children
- Photographing military installations (including the Suez Canal)
- Taking or sharing photos that could harm the country's image
Tourism ministry rules require written permission to photograph Egyptian citizens, and photographing children is banned; photographing military installations is illegal.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Egypt travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Always ask before photographing Nubian villagers, especially children
- don't touch the painted walls of houses.
Locals appreciate DO
- Nubians love music and dance and are happy to show visitors their painted houses
- they are proud of their identity as the 'gateway to Africa'.
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- The temple is on an island reached by boat from the jetty
- fares are usually per boat, and you can share. The evening sound-and-light show is beautiful against the water. You can sail to a Nubian village by felucca on a half-day trip
- buying crafts directly in the village supports local livelihoods.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Nubian stew
- Grilled Nile fish
- Koshari
Nubian stew (in a clay pot), grilled Nile fish, kushari, roast chicken with rice, hibiscus tea / roselle juice
| Where to eat | Family restaurants on Elephantine Island and in the Nubian village (Gharb Soheil), restaurants and the market on Aswan's Corniche |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | When visiting Nubian homes, remove your shoes and accept tea as a courtesy; ask before taking photos; halal customs |
| Typical price per person | EGP 200–450 ≈ CNY 30–68 |
| Tips | The Nubian village is reached by boat — agree the return fare in advance; food is spicier than in Cairo, so say so when ordering. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Ashashyou · CC BY-SA 3.0
Photos
Photos
Hesham Farouk Ragab · CC BY-SA 4.0
Marc Ryckaert · CC BY 3.0
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