Egypt: Day 3 (Temple of Isis in Philae)

Once you step foot on the island, you are welcomed at the Temple in Philae. This is not exactly true. You see the original two islands known as Philae are now buried underneath man-made Lake Nasser as a consequence of building the Aswan High Dam. Since the original island used to be flooded with the construction of Aswan Low Dam, they knew that the temple would be completely lost with the creation of the High Dam. Thus, a huge project undertaken by UNESCO to relocate the temple to its current location. Just the idea that this entire complex of structures has been taken apart in one island and put back together in another island is reason enough to visit it. And people come here to visit it in droves.

The temple is dedicated to the goddess Isis and has been reused in later years as Christian church; I've seen cross hieroglyph on the wall. This is going to be some sort of a photographic narrative, because if you know me, I don't always listen to the guide. I am easily distracted by everything beautiful and new and fascinating around me. However, I found this, this, and this to be a good read about the temple.


Dos and don'ts when visiting the temple at the entrance of the complex.


Temple of Isis.


Our group in front of the Temple of Isis.




One of tour mates who just like me was more interested in photography than history lesson. Although I wished I had time to both listen first then look later.


Same facade when you enter the temple.

Inside the temple:













Other structures in the complex:


Can't avoid arms and head and legs on one's photo.



















Time is so short when you're having fun. Back on the boat I snapped a few more shots while saying goodbye to this fascinating island.





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