You need to take a short boat ride to get to the island on which the ruins have now been recreated. It makes for a memorable sight, once it comes into view for the first time.
Philae is a 4th century BC Temple dedicated to the popular Goddess Isis. Due to its remoteness (bordering Sudan), this was the last surviving Temple in use as an active place of worship for the ancient Egyptian religion. It was eventually converted to a Christian church in AD 535.
Me in the Outer Court with the first Pylon in the background.
The West Colonnade of the Outer Court.
One of the guardian lions looking into the Outer Court.
Carvings on the second Pylon. In this Forecourt is the Mamissi, or Birthing House.
An amusing image of the dwarf God Bes, protector of children.
Ann & I with a view into the heart of the Temple of Isis.
The play of light on these columns make for interesting compositions.
I particularly like this shot. "Now just tell me again what exactly does that inscription say....?"
The emperor Hadrian was a prolific builder outside Italy.
Standing nearby to the main Temple of Isis is Trajan's Kiosk. You need to notice the tourists to the left of the entrance to realise the scale of this structure.
Trajan's Kiosk from our boat on the return journey.
