The ancient religious city of Aswan has evolved into one of Egypt’s most beautiful and popular resorts, thanks to its wealth of archeological sites and lovely location along the eastern banks of the Nile. Just 30 miles south of Luxor and 560 miles south of Cairo, Aswan is a lesson in relaxed riverside life.
Aswan is primarily a tourist destination for those seeking a glimpse at ancient Egypt’s glorious past. This sleepy resort’s star attractions are two important islands, Elephantine and Kitchener’s, which sit in the middle of the Nile. Temples, tombs and traditional Nubian villages are the highlights here.
Near Aswan are a number of important historical tombs, such as the Agha Khan Mausoleum and dozens of ancient rock-hewn tombs along the northern hills of the Nile’s west bank. Aswan’s Nubian heritage is a cultural draw, best experienced by watching a show of traditional dance and music, or by visiting the Nubian Museum. Aswan’s local market (souk) is a wonderfully exotic realm of scents and sights, and the felucca boats that ply the Nile provide memorable river scenes. ****
Highlights
Abu Simbel: this ancient village is home to two stunning temples carved out of the rock face during the rule of Ramses II in 1250 BC, and should not be missed.****
Agha Khan Mausoleum: modeled after Cairo’s famous Fatimid tombs, this amazing structure is the resting place of Agha Kahn, the leader of the Ismaili sect. ****
Cultural Center: this is the place to watch a nightly traditional Nubian music and dance performance.****
Elephantine Island: once an important military post which guarded the southern flank of Egypt, now two traditional Nubian villages, a museum and a handful of temples offer a rare glimpse into this region’s cultural past.
Kitchener’s Island: also known as Botanical Island due to the wonderful gardens planted here by a British general in the 1800s, a few ancient Egyptian tombs add a bit of history to the pleasantly natural environment.
Lake Nasser: one of the world’s largest manmade reservoirs, created by Aswan Dam, is both a watery recreation site and a base for exploring the many ancient sites which surround it.
Nubian Museum: inside this stunning architectural masterpiece is one of the world’s finest exhibitions on Nubian culture.