Sightseeing

Philae Temple of Isis is the most prominent monument of Philae Island. Philae Island was a rocky island in the middle of the River Nile, located in Aswan.

Philae Island had a great prominence as the center for worshipping the goddess Isis, the mother of the god Horus. This island contains other monuments as the Kiosk of Trajan, Osiris Chapel, Horus Temple, Hathor Temple, The Gateway of Tiberius, the Gateway of Diocletian, and Augustus Temple.

After the construction of the Aswan Dam, the monuments of Philae Island were submerged underwater for the greater part of the year, and Philae temples were accessible only between August and December. The construction of the High Dam in 1960 threatened to engulf them for good, which resulting transferring the monuments of Philae Island to Agilkia Island in the 1960s during the UNESCO Nubia Campaign, as the temple was dismantled and transferred, stone by stone, from the submerged Philea Island to Agilkia Island. This project took over 9 years to be accomplished.

Philae Temple is one of the last ancient Egyptian temples to remain active, as it continued to function until the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. On that date, the priest of Isis, Esmet-Akhom, carved the last dated hieroglyphic inscription, dating to the late 4th century AD.

The design of Philae Temple of IsisThe Temple of Isis is the most famous temple on Philae Island. It was founded in Ptolemy II’s period, then other Ptolemaic Kings contributed by adding more parts to it. This temple is built on the same style of the New Kingdom temples, with adding some other elements that appeared in the Greco-Roman period like the mamisi and the Nilometer. This temple was used during the Coptic period to be a Christian church.

It is thought that the oldest remains of Philae Temple date back to King Taharqa of the 25th Dynasty, who constructed the first shrine for the Goddess Isis.

The plan of this temple is very simple. It consists of the 1st Pylon leading to an open court, the 2nd pylon, and the Holy of Holies.

Pass through the 1^st pylon to reach the main court of the temple. While you go through the gate, you will find the French inscription (“a 7 de la République”) on the right. It refers to commemorate Napoleon’s campaign and the pursuit of the Mamelukes by General Desaix in 1799.

On the right of the main court, there are rooms for Isis priests.

The Mamisi or the House of the divine birth of Horus: You can enter the mamisi from the left side of the court or by the direct gate in the western tower of the 1st pylon. It is a symbol of the birth of Horus. There is a scene in this room depicting Isis suckling her son Horus in the marshes and scenes of the birth of the God Horus.

Then 2nd Pylon leading to inner temple area with 10 columns.

Then 3 shrines leading to a sanctuary or the Holy of Holies.

Philae Temple distinguishes with its Sound and Light Show presenting a narrated storytelling the legend of God Osiris and his wife Goddess Isis and the history of Philae Temple and how it was saved by transferring its rocks to the current place.

The construction of the Aswan high dam was a great dream for President Gamal Abdel Nasser to ensure developing Egypt for all Egyptians. The high dam is fed by the River Nile from south.

The History of Aswan High Dam There are two dams in Aswan, Aswan Low Dam and Aswan High Dam. Aswan Low Dam was constructed in 1898 and completed in 1902. But it was not adequate to control the annual flooding, leading to President Gamal Abdel Nasser think in constructing a higher dam in 1952. The construction for the project began in 1960 after getting funding and was completed in 1968. It was officially inaugurated in 1971.

There is a huge reservoir behind the dam, called Lake Nasser. It was finished filling in 1979.  This reservoir is with a reservoir capacity of 132km³.

The construction of this dam is considered an impressive engineering feat, as it is 360 feet tall and 12,500 feet across.

The Benefits of the Dam Although the construction of the dam led to a rise in the level of the Nile River, which led to immersion of many monuments and archeological sites as Philae Temple.

Despite this, the dam provides several benefits to Egypt, as

• It provides water for around 33,600km² of irrigation land and contributes to increasing the cultivable land in Egypt.
• It controls flooding that was threatening the lives of citizens.
• It generates power, as it was responsible for producing around 50 % of the electricity production in Egypt and providing many villages with electricity for the first time.
• It helps in improving navigation across the Nile.

Throughout history, Aswan was famous for its granite quarry that was used by the ancient Egyptians for constructing several buildings during the ancient Egyptian civilization, like the valley temple of king Chephren and two obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut in Karnak Complex. This quarry of granite houses a unique monument that is the unfinished obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut dating back to the 18th dynasty, New kingdom.  It is one of the most important tourist attractions in Aswan.

The Importance of the Unfinished Obelisk This obelisk was made from the red granite of the Aswan quarry. It is 42 meters high to be the longest in Egypt and nearly 1100 tons. The researchers believe that this obelisk was carved to be placed in Karnak Complex.

This obelisk was abandoned and not completed because of appearing cracks in its body during the cutting, as the scratches of the workers’ tools can still be seen clearly on the obelisk body and ochre-colored lines marking where they were working.

This obelisk is considered as a witness to the accuracy and ability of the ancient Egyptians in dealing with giant granite stones and how they cut and established their obelisks, as the bottom side of the obelisk is still attached to the bedrock.

As, they made very small holes directly out of bedrock all along the line of desired detachment. After that, they put the wooden pegs in these holes, then submerged them with water to expand, causing detaching the body of the obelisk.

Why did the ancient Egyptians use to build obelisks? Obelisks are tall and slender monuments. It has four straight sides, taking the pyramidal shape at the top. These four sides are full of inscriptions.

Obelisks had a great role during the 5^th dynasty, old kingdom, as it was put inside the temples of Ra, so it was known as a sacred symbol of the cult of the sun. Also, they are a symbol of the Pn-pn that is referring to the primeval hill where the creation of the world began.

The Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqafa are considered the first catacombs in the whole world. It is a complex of impressively decorated tombs dating back to the Roman period. It is located in the district of Karmouz to the east of Alexandria.

The Kom el Shoqafa is its Arabic name, meaning in the English language the mound or hill of potsherds, referring to the broken dishes and plates that was found in this place. Also, the word Catacomb means a rock-cut tomb around a well.

This place is considered an open museum, as, besides tombs, there are several Roman monuments as the fountain and the bathtub.

The Catacombs of Alexandria This Catacomb was discovered by chance in 1900 when a donkey fell in the well. It is one of the most important examples referring to the fusion between ancient Egyptian art and Greco-Roman art.

The Catacomb originally belonged to a wealthy Roman family who started to use it for burial in the middle of the 2nd century AD. Later, the catacomb was expanded to be a public cemetery.

It consists of 3 floors housing rock-cut tombs in the 1st and 2nd levels, but the 3rd is completely underwater. These two levels can be accessed by a central spiral staircase to a depth of 35 meters around a well.

When you descend the catacomb, you can see a circular hall with a vaulted ceiling called the rotunda. This hall contained 5 busts (now these busts are displayed in the Greco-Roman Museum in Alexandria).

After that, you will move to the Triclinium hall, where the visitors of the tomb were taking some rest after descending the stairs of the tomb. This hall supports by 4 pillars and contains 3 benches, taking the shape of the letter U. It is thought that this hall was used by the visitors of the tomb for eating food.

Then there is another hall containing bones for horses. It is called Holy Horses Hall, as it is believed that these horses were used in horse racing.

Finally, there is the main shrine of this catacomb. There are 2 statues, their features combining between the ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman arts. It is thought that these statues belonging to the original owners of the catacomb.

The Tomb of Tigrane The Tomb of Tigrane is situated a few meters away from the main catacombs. It dates back to the 1st century A.D. and was discovered in 1952. It is famous for its wall paintings executed in the Hellenistic style.

You Can enjoy a virtual tour to the Catacombs via the virtual tours of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The Catacombs of Alexandria

Ben Ezra Synagogue in Coptic Cairo is one of the most important and famous synagogues in Egypt. It is considered the oldest synagogue in Egypt. It dates back to the 9th century AD.

This synagogue had an old copy of the Old Testament, and it is believed that it was written by the prophet Ezra or Al-Azir, so it is called with Ben Ezra Synagogue.

The history of this Synagogue: Originally, this building was a Christian church called El-Shamieen Church. But in 882, it was being sold to a group of Jews led by the Jewish religious scholar and philosopher Abraham Ben Ezra for 20,000 dinars.

It is built in the shape of a basilica style. It includes two floors. The first floor is dedicated to men and it contains the bimah, while the second one is dedicated to women.

It is decorated in Arabesque style and inlaid with mother of pearl, displaying a merge of artistic traditions.

Stories about this synagogue: It is said that this place of this Synagogue was where the box of Baby Moses was found.

Visit Ben Ezra Synagogue with Egypt Vacation Tours team Cairo day tours.

The Hanging Church is considered the oldest and most famous church in Egypt. It lies in Coptic Cairo beside the Babylon fortress.

The history of this church: This building was originally a Roman temple, but in the fourth century AD, after Christianity entered Egypt, it was transferred to be a church.

The Hanging Church became the seat of the Coptic Pope at the beginning of the eleventh century AD. Now, it is transferred to Abbasiya.

Let’s take a tour on the church: The first thing you will see is a group of mosaic icons referring to important events in Christianity as the miracle of transferring Mount Mokattam and the Journey of The Holy Family.

After that, you will see its Truss roof distinguishing this church. It is said that this roof referring to Noah’s Ark as a symbol of salvation and peace.

Then, you will enter the building of the church. It takes the Basilic design. At the end of the nave, there are three shrines for Mar Girgis, Virgin Mary, and John the Baptist.

At the end of this article, we will tell you why this church is called a hanging church. Originally, this church was called the Virgin Mary Church, but after that, it is called the Hanging Church because it was founded on two towers of the Babylon fortress, so it appeared as hanging.

Visit the oldest church in Egypt with Egypt Vacation Tours team with Day Tours to Coptic Cairo.

The Cavern Church has several names as Abu Serga Church, the St. Sergius Church, or Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church. It lies in Coptic Cairo beside the Hanging church.

The church is dedicated to Sergius and Bacchus, who were soldier-saints martyred during the 4th century in Syria by the Roman Emperor Maximian.

The Importance of Abu Serga Church In this place, there is the cave, where the Holy family (Virgin Mary and the Christ) hid during their journey in Egypt, fleeing Roman persecution. After that, the church was founded upon this cave because of its sanctity.

Visit the Cavern Church with Egypt Vacation Tours team with Day Tours to Coptic Cairo.

Monastery Palace is an artistic and architectural masterpiece overlooking the Nile River directly. Also, it is known as the Kiosk.

It was built by Hassan Fouad Pasha Al. Monastery, the Cairo Governor and Minister of the Interior in Abbas Pasha Period in 1851.

The palace is famous for its beautiful decorative style, and wooden architecture design, and the music room has a ceiling taking the dome shape making the music spread all over the room. Now, there are concerts are held in this room.

The Ministry of Antiquities turns this palace to be a museum in 1951.

Additionally, there is a wooden bridge is attached to this palace is called the Manasterly bridge.  You will be able to take fabulous photos there.

Visit this amazing palace with the Egypt Vacation Tours team with Day Tours to Coptic Cairo.

Also, enjoy visiting this palace and the Nilometer on a virtual tour provided by the ministry of tourism and antiquities via this link

Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue is one of the most important Jewish sightseeing in Alexandria and Egypt. Finally, it reopens its doors for the public on Jan 10th, 2020after many years of restoration.

The history of Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue It was established in 1881, after the Patriarch of Alexandria, gifted a plot of land that belonged to the Church for its construction. It is considered one of the largest Jewish Synagogue in the Middle East.

It was bombed by the French during their invasion of Egypt in 1798. But in 1850, the members of the Muhammad Ali family restored and reconstructed it.

In 2017 the Egyptian government announced a project to restore the synagogue in a growing movement of keeping its Jewish heritage alive. Finally, it reopens its doors for the public on Jan 10th, 2020after many years of restoration.

Let’s go on a tour inside Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue The structure is built in the basilical style. It consists of two floors accommodating 700 worshipers, one of them is dedicated to women. This synagogue distinguishes with housing an ancient library containing 63 leather and paper scrolls copies of the Torah (Old Testament) and unique books back to the 15th century.

There is a small platform used for sermons lies in front of the sanctuary. The marble sanctuary is situated on the east side of the synagogue.

Know about the new destinations in Egypt with Egypt Vacation Tours team.

Baron Empain Palace is the most famous landmark of Heliopolis, the city of the sun. This palace suffered from neglect for many years until the Ministry of Antiquities bought, received it from its owners, and began to restore it in 2007. The restoration work finished, and the palace is opened on Jun 29, 2020.

But before talking about this great palace, we should first talk about the owner or the founder of it, Baron Edward Empain. 

Let me introduce Baron Edward Empain to you.  He was a Belgian engineer and businessman. Empain is not a part of his name. It is a title. Baron Edward was awarded this title by the king of France due to his efforts in the establishment of the Paris metro. 

He came to Egypt in 1894 and adored it, so he decided to stay in it and asked the Egyptian government to build a new city in the desert, It became Heliopolis city. He founded this whole city with the help of Ernst Jasper, the Belgian architect. Additionally, he built the first tram in Cairo to connect between Cairo city and Heliopolis.

Baron Empain died on July 22, 1929, in Belgium, though was buried in Egypt in Basilica Church as he willed. 

Now, let’s go to visit Baron Empain Palace

Baron Edward Empain got help from Alexandre Marcel, the French engineer, in the construction of this palace. 

The first thing you will see is its amazing garden. It fills with several statues taking the Indian and Cambodian style. This garden houses the building founded by the reinforced concrete structure that was a new thing in Egypt at that time. 

Let go inside the palace.

The palace consists of four floors: 

 – The basement

 – The first floor contains three rooms. The middle one is decorated with the Indian and Cambodian style, but another two rooms are decorated with the European style. 

 – The second floor contains four bedrooms, including bathrooms. 

 – The roof was used in holding the concerts and parties. 

Now is the time for legends

It is said that this palace has a legend in every corner of it

– One of the stories says that the palace tower rotates to offer a 360-degree view of the surrounding area to follow the sun.

– Baron Edward Empain used magical tricks during the construction of the palace. 

– Baron Edward Empain killed Alexandre Marcel and buried his corpse in the garden of the palace.

All of these stories and more link with this palace due to the neglect it suffered for many years.

Enjoy discovering this unique landmark with Egypt Vacation Tours day tours.