Philae Temple

After seeing the obelisk, we heading to the lower dam where we caught a water taxi to the Temple at Philae. This temple was one of the many that were saved from the rising waters of the new upper dam. Although it was already partially under water it was finally relocated to the nearby island of Aglilka between 1977 and 1980. The original island of Philae is now almost entirely under water.

This temple's island setting made for a very scenic visit. The temple itself was very similar to all the other temples we visited along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan but having it on an island with interesting rocky islands around it made it special.

Much less special was the Sound and Light Show we returned for the next night. It was an hour of over dramatic music, extremely corny narration and so-so lighting. It wasn't worth the return trip. Fortunately it was a short trip to the Aswan Airport after the show to catch our flight to Cairo.

Click on thumbnail for a full-size picture
Catching a water taxi near the lower dam. Viewed: 20 times.	It's a miracle the thing runs. Viewed: 27 times.	The lower dam. Viewed: 18 times.
Approaching the island of Philae. Viewed: 19 times.	Just an interesting rock formation nearby. Viewed: 23 times.	Exterior courtyard. Viewed: 25 times.
Matt and Sheila check out the rows of columns. Viewed: 20 times.	Viewed: 18 times.	Many of the figures had been defaced. Viewed: 23 times.
French graffiti on the main gate. Viewed: 22 times.	Inside courtyard. Viewed: 20 times.	The seven faces range from happy to sad and everything in between. Viewed: 24 times.
Small granite offering table. Viewed: 14 times.	The god Horus. Viewed: 22 times.	Coptic Christian altar inside the temple. Viewed: 15 times.
Some people found this figure amusing. Viewed: 23 times.	Viewed: 16 times.	Melanie and Lily in front of a chapel built by the Romans for their other Gods. Viewed: 32 times.
The Pharaoh has a monkey on his back. Viewed: 20 times.	Carmen makes a friend. Viewed: 36 times.	Awww... Viewed: 28 times.
More Coptic Christian symbols on a side entrance. Viewed: 13 times.	I wonder what this stone was used for? Viewed: 14 times.	Trajan's Kiosk from the cafe. Viewed: 15 times.
Side view of the Temple. Viewed: 21 times.	The real island of Philae is mostly under water now. Viewed: 20 times.	Trajan's Kiosk from the water on the ride back. Viewed: 30 times.
Temple at night. Viewed: 25 times.	Viewed: 18 times.

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