The Philae Temple Sound and Light Show is very popular with tourists because it combines the fascination of an historical temple with modern entertainment. This temple features prominently in many of our Egypt tour packages, and also in nearly all of our classic Nile River cruises, but visiting in the evening for the Sound and Lights Show is usually available as an optional extra.

Panoramic view of the Temple of Philae during the Sound And Light Show.

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No matter how much time one spends in Egypt, it seems there is always something new to see and explore, and the Sound and Light Show at Philae Temple is one such example. In fact, this is actually one of the best attractions in Aswan because it is also well worth a visit during daylight hours as well as visiting at night for the sound and light show.

A Temple With A New Address

When arriving at the temple, your guide will almost certainly inform you that you’ve arrived at Philae, but this is not exactly true. You might find yourself staring at Philae Temple, but these days the original area of Philae lies buried beneath the quite waters of Lake Nasser, an inevitable consequence of the Aswan High Dam.

In order to save the temple from the rising waters of the lake, a massive operation got underway to physically move the temple to higher ground, and today, Philae Temple stands on nearby Agilkia Island. This achievement in itself makes the area worth visit. When you see the temple standing today, it really is mind boggling to think than the entire complex was actually moved from one location to the next.

A Brief History Of Philae Temple

Having been complete in around 690 AD, Philae Temple is considered by many to be the last of the ancient temples constructed in the classic Egyptian style. It is one of the many temples throughout Egypt that were built in honor the goddess Isis, and it serves as a remarkable example of the cult that was built around her story, and which includes Osiris and Horus.

The temple was revered by both the Egyptians and the Nubians. In fact, nobody other than priests were permitted to dwell there, and legend has it that no birds flew overhead, and that even fish and other aquatic never approached the shores of the island. The best way to learn about all the history of this site is by attending the spectacular Philae Temple Sound and Light Show.

Philae Temple Sound And Light Show

While many visitors pay a visit to the site to explore the temple during daylight hours, many also take advantage of an entertaining and educational option instead – the Philae Temple Sound and Light Show. This is considered by many who have experienced it to be an extremely magical show due to the fact that visitors approach the island after sunset on the water. The lights of the temple and other buildings on the island reflect back from the surrounding waters, and when the show begins it is told not by boring or dull narrators but by actors dramatically playing the roles of Isis and Osiris.

Guests get to learn about the temple itself, and the history of the site, but they also learn a great deal about this popular story from the Ancient Egyptian lore. The show also uses special lighting and sound effects to add to the drama and most participants rave about the overall experience.

To view the show requires that you purchase tickets for the appropriate language and the appropriate time of day. Many tour operators offer convenient package deals that include transportation; refreshments, a tour guide, and even hotel pick up or drop off service. This is often the best way to gain access to the show if you want to avoid the hassle of having to make your own travel arrangements from the shore to the island.

Remember too that the temperatures can drop rapidly in this area, and though you may have spent a hot day in the sun, a trip to the island may leave you shivering. Don’t miss this chance, however, to experience a once in a lifetime visit to the Temple of Philae, and to learn a great deal about its fascinating past.

Experience the Best of Ancient Egypt

If you would like to experience the Philae Temple during your stay in Egypt, please contact us today. We offer an unbeatable variety of private guided tour packages to suit all tastes and budgets. We also offer a wide selection of Nile cruises from Aswan to Luxor and Nile cruises from Luxor to Aswan.

If you would like to see a destination added to your package tour of choice, please let us know, and one of our representatives can customize your tour accordingly. With decades of experience behind us, we are not going to let you down and you can be sure that if we recommend the Philae Temple Sound and Light Show, then it really is a show worth seeing.