Kiosk of Qertassi - Image 1
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Kiosk of Qertassi

4.7
·6 reviews·, Egypt

An elegant Roman kiosk on Kalabsha Island, relocated to preserve its beauty and historical significance.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Kiosk of Qertassi - Image 1

Kiosk of Qertassi

Best Time

Early morning

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An elegant Roman kiosk on Kalabsha Island, relocated to preserve its beauty and historical significance.

4.7
(6 reviews)

"Due to the beauty of the surroundings and the calm solitude of the place, it is a really pretty sight."

Vertical photo
TIP

Boat Access Essential

Access is by boat, often combined with Kalabsha Temple. Book a tour for convenience! ⛴️

Combine with Kalabsha

Visit alongside Kalabsha Temple for a fuller historical experience. 🛕

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 6 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Roman Kiosk Architecture

Roman Kiosk Architecture

Kalabsha Island

Admire the elegant Roman kiosk with its four slender papyrus columns and two Hathor columns at the entrance.

Hathor Columns

Hathor Columns

Entrance

Marvel at the distinctive Hathor columns, a beautiful example of ancient Egyptian architectural influence.

Relocated Monument

Relocated Monument

Kalabsha Island

Understand the significance of this monument being moved to higher ground after the Aswan High Dam construction.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Qertassi

The Kiosk of Qertassi is a smaller site, often visited alongside the Kalabsha Temple. To avoid the midday sun and potential tour groups, aim for early morning or late afternoon. Consider visiting when the weather is cooler for a more comfortable experience.

Getting to the Kiosk

Access to the Kiosk of Qertassi is primarily by boat from the mainland, often as part of a tour to the Kalabsha Temple. Booking a boat trip or a guided tour is the most common and convenient way to reach this relocated monument.

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @عمرو محمد Mustafa said No Way! #egyptian #egypt #egyptian_tik_tok #egyptiantiktok #egyptianarabic #egypt🇪🇬 #aswan #aswanegypt #nile #nileriver #cairo_egypt #cairofood #cairostreetfood
@travelwithchris
16.4K likes • 438.4K views

Boat Access Essential

Access is by boat, often combined with Kalabsha Temple. Book a tour for convenience! ⛴️ Instagram

Combine with Kalabsha

Visit alongside Kalabsha Temple for a fuller historical experience. 🛕 Instagram

The Kiosk of Qertassi is one of several Nubian monuments which were relocated to higher ground following the completion of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s. The Kiosk was moved to the island of Kalabsha where it stands close to several other relocated temples. #egyptology #archaeology #ancientegypt #hieroglyphs #hieroglyphics #kiosk #aswan #temple #architecture #nubia
kemet_deshret
1.8K likes • 0 views
Il chiosco di Qertassi è un tempio periptero romano con all'interno quattro colonne a capitello palmiforme e due pilastri hathorici al portale d'ingresso". 👉🏻 Edificato in origine nell'antica #Tzitzis o Qirtas,situata a circa 30 km a sud di #Assuan sulla riva occidentale del Nilo, era dedicato alla dea #Iside e al figlio Arpocrate. 👉🏻 Oggi il piccolo tempio è stato trasportato e ricostruto sull...
anticaeviae
772 likes • 0 views

Enjoy the Solitude

This less-visited spot offers peaceful exploration and great photo ops. 📷 Reddit

Rudimentary Facilities

Basic washrooms are available, but don't expect luxury. 🚽 Reddit

📍Kiosk of Qertassi, Aswan, Egypt Kiosk of Qertassi is a tiny Roman kiosk which located south Kalabsha temple. In fact, the Kiosk of Qertassi has four slender papyrus columns inside. It also has two Hathor columns at the entrance. In fact, the Kiosk is a small but indeed elegant. The Kiosk dates back to the Augustan or early Roman period. Amazing shot via @bernhard_rieger Have you made Egypt wi...
whitegypt
400 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Boat Access Essential

Access is by boat, often combined with Kalabsha Temple. Book a tour for convenience! ⛴️ Instagram

Combine with Kalabsha

Visit alongside Kalabsha Temple for a fuller historical experience. 🛕 Instagram

Enjoy the Solitude

This less-visited spot offers peaceful exploration and great photo ops. 📷 Reddit

Rudimentary Facilities

Basic washrooms are available, but don't expect luxury. 🚽 Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(6 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Kiosk of Qertassi to be a peaceful and beautiful site, offering a respite from typical tourist crowds. Its unique Roman architecture and the story of its relocation are highlights, though some note that not much remains standing. The serene surroundings and the opportunity for leisurely exploration are frequently praised.

"This is a small chapel that lies near the kalabsha and Brit Al Wali temples. Far from the usual tourist traffic you can enjoy the beauty of this historic chapel at your leisure.
Not much is left standing, but due to the beauty of the surroundings and the calm solitude of the place, it is a really pretty sight.
We took a motorboat to the island and spent over two hours there. Taking pictures and relaxing as we admired the sheer beauty of the island and marvelled at the carvings and pillars.
There are washrooms on one side of the hill, built on a slightly lower level to the temples. Don't expect anything fancy, but they're rudimentary but very welcome."

Nita B Choudhury

"Beautiful site full of artefacts and paintings"

Jay S Kay

"Awesome
Visit Egypt 🇪🇬"

Ahmed A M Elazazi

What People Like

Calm solitude
Beautiful surroundings
Unique architecture

What People Dislike

Not much left standing

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Kiosk of Qertassi is located on Kalabsha Island and is typically accessed by boat. Most visitors arrive as part of a tour that includes the nearby Kalabsha Temple. Booking a motorboat or a guided tour from Aswan is the most practical way to reach the site. Instagram+1

Yes, the Kiosk of Qertassi is often visited in conjunction with the Kalabsha Temple and the Beit el-Wali temple, all of which were relocated to Kalabsha Island due to the Aswan High Dam. InstagramReddit

While independent visits are possible, it requires arranging boat transportation. Joining a tour that includes the Kiosk and Kalabsha Temple is generally more straightforward and cost-effective. Instagram

Motorboats are the primary mode of transport to Kalabsha Island. Many Nile cruise packages or day tours from Aswan will include this boat trip. Reddit

Yes, you can arrange boat trips or join organized tours from Aswan that will take you to Kalabsha Island, including the Kiosk of Qertassi. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Kiosk of Qertassi is usually included in the ticket for the Kalabsha Temple complex. It's advisable to confirm this when purchasing your tickets or booking a tour. Reddit

The Kiosk of Qertassi generally follows the opening hours of the Kalabsha Temple complex. These are typically from early morning until late afternoon. Reddit

While specific fees for the Kiosk alone are uncommon, the general entrance fee for the Kalabsha Temple site usually covers access to the Kiosk. Reddit

Tickets for the Kalabsha Temple complex, which includes the Kiosk of Qertassi, can usually be purchased at the site. However, booking in advance through a tour operator is recommended for convenience. Instagram

Discounts may be available for students or Egyptian nationals. It's best to inquire at the ticket counter or with your tour provider about any applicable discounts. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

It's a small, elegant Roman kiosk dating back to the 1st century AD. It features four slender papyrus columns inside and two Hathor columns at the entrance. It was relocated to protect it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Instagram+1

You can admire the unique Roman architecture, the detailed columns, and the surrounding natural beauty of Kalabsha Island. It's a peaceful spot for photography and reflection. Reddit

The Kiosk is relatively well-preserved, especially considering it was relocated. While not as grand as larger temples, its delicate architecture is still impressive. Instagram

Since it's often visited with Kalabsha Temple, allocate about 1-2 hours for the entire site. The Kiosk itself can be appreciated in about 30 minutes. Reddit

Yes, rudimentary washrooms are available on the island, located on a lower level near the temples. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the kiosk from different angles, focusing on the columns and the entrance. The surrounding landscape of Lake Nasser also offers beautiful backdrops. InstagramReddit

Photography is generally allowed at the Kiosk of Qertassi. However, always be respectful of the site and other visitors. Instagram

Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light, creating a warm glow on the ancient stones. Early morning can also provide soft light and fewer crowds. Reddit

Drone usage is often restricted at archaeological sites in Egypt. It's best to check current regulations before flying a drone. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the structure and its surroundings. A standard zoom lens will also be versatile. Instagram

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Kiosk of Qertassi (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide