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 The city of Aswan used to mark the southern boundary of the
Ancient Egypt, and was then known as Syene. With its distinctive
African atmosphere, it is one of the most beautiful places
in the country with the town located on the east bank and
the desert coming right to the Nile on the west bank. Small
enough to explore around on foot, the pace of life is slow
and relaxing. The souks, or the local markets are full of
the scent and color of spices, perfumes and other Egyptian
handicraft.
LOCATION
Aswan is located in the south of Egypt, about 680 km south
of Cairo, just below the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser.
HOW TO REACH
Train and airways are two good options. Aswan has direct flights
and train service from Cairo.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Nubian Museum
Located atop a hill, the Nubia Museum displays three thousands
antiquities that reflect phases of the development of the
Nubian culture and civilization and the influences during
the Geological, Pharaonic and Roman, ages. The highlights
are scenes of Nubian life demonstrated with a range of life-size
displays. The open-door exhibition includes 90 rare monumental
artifacts. The museum, spread over three floors also houses
a library and information center. The surrounding gardens
feature antiquities, a waterway representing the River Nile,
a cave fitted out with pre-historic wall carvings, and a Nubian
house.
Unfinished Obelisks
The Unfinished Obelisk is located in the Northern Quarry.
It was found when a crack was discovered where it was being
cut from the rock. The unfinished obelisk, had it been completed,
would have weighed over 2.3 million pounds.
Elephantile Island
One of the largest islands, the Elephantile Island is also
one of the most ancient sites in Egypt, with artifacts dating
to pre-dynastic periods. Even though most of the artifacts
lie in ruin in this beautiful island, there is lot to see.
High amongst the list is the Nilometer, which was used to
measure the water level of the Nile till the late 19th century.
The Temple of Khnum, another tourist attraction, was built
during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut of the 18th Dynasty.
There is also a small one room Ptolemaic temple on the island.
Mausoleum of the Aga Khan
This is the Mausoleum of the spiritual leader of the Ismailis,
a Shi'ite sect. Built in late 1950's, the mausoleum is a very
elegant pink granite structure. The Mausoleum boasts of having
an excellent view, including Aga Khan's white villa below.
The interiors, done in light colors and floored with red carpets
are immaculately maintained. On the Begum's (his wife) instructions
a fresh red rose is laid on the sarcophagus every day, which
is made up of white marble having Koranic texts carved in
relief.
Monastery of St Simeon
Founded in the seventh century, the monastery is dedicated
to a fourth century monk known as Anba Hatre. The ruined monastery
is located on the west bank. The huge walls surrounding the
building are stone at the base and mud brick at the top. Along
the walls there are a few collapsed towers. There is a small
church inside and though the basilica is collapsed, the icons
and paintings are still visible. The walls are painted wit
pictures of the apostles and angels, in bright colors having
a distinctively Byzantine style.
Aswan High Dam
The Aswan High Dam is a vast structural locality on the river
Nile, just south of the city. As one of the great engineering
feats of the late 20th century, the Aswan High Dam is a great
draw for Egyptians and foreign travellers alike.
Vacations in Egypt offers online tour bookings for Aswan.
To book a tour, or for more information, please fill up the
form below
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