Why the temples had to move
As the Nile was regulated and the Aswan High Dam created Lake Nasser, the original Philae Island became seasonally or permanently flooded. An international effort was mounted to save the monuments of Lower Nubia, of which Philae was a part.
- The temples were taken apart and re-erected on nearby Agilkia Island at a safer height.
- The work is generally dated to the 1970s and tied to the High Dam project.
- It was carried out under the International Campaign to Save the Monuments of Nubia.
What visitors see today
The complex you visit is the relocated monument on Agilkia Island, laid out to echo its original setting as closely as possible. The original Philae Island remains the historic location.
- The island map pin marks Agilkia Island, not Philae Island.
- Reaching it still requires a boat crossing from a confirmed departure marina.
- The relocation is part of the UNESCO World Heritage property inscribed in 1979.
A note on the sources
The dates and the campaign description come from general historical sources, not from this guide’s own measurement. They are context, and the practical visit still depends on the official hours, last entry and boat arrangements for your date.
Independent guide
This is an independent, unofficial guide and does not sell tickets. Official pages were checked on 4 November 2026; prices, last entry, boat operation and show schedules can change. Confirm them with the official portal and your boat provider on the day of your visit.
Frequently asked questions
When was Philae Temple moved?＋
The relocation is generally dated to the 1970s, carried out under the UNESCO-led International Campaign to Save the Monuments of Nubia after the Aswan High Dam raised Nile levels.
Where is Philae Temple now?＋
The relocated complex is on Agilkia Island near Aswan. The original location was Philae Island, which now sits as the historic site the temples came from.
Was the move part of a World Heritage site?＋
Yes. Philae is part of the UNESCO World Heritage property “Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae”, inscribed in 1979. See the UNESCO guide for details.