|
Situated on the northern border of Nubia, Aswan has the
loveliest setting on the Nile, with a delightfully dry
sunny climate. It was once one of the most important
cities in Egypt as it lay on the trade route between
Egypt and the southern Territories. Certain sites cannot
be missed:
A beautiful winter resort, relaxing Aswan is the
southernmost city in the country; the gateway to Africa,
and steeped in Nubian culture. Although the sights are
not the country's finest, the town's riverside location
is picturesque and peaceful.
It has a busy tourism scene although it is less
aggressive than Luxor.
High Dam, the unfinished Obelisk:
Visit the High Dam, crossing the original barrage over
the First Cataract, and stop to look at the magnificent
and impressive unfinished obelisk.
Temple of
Philae:
is dedicated to the gods Isis and Osiris, and it is
considered one of the most romantic places in Upper
Egypt! You can visit it by motorboat and wonder at this
most delightful of temples.
Islands by Felucca:
Taken
to the water again when you board a felucca to explore
the beauty of the islands along the Nile and let
yourself get carried away by the gentle wind. The boat
will take you to the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener
Island where you can enjoy the exotic plants gathered
from all around the world and the enchanting singing of
birds.
Abu Simbel:
Aswan is also gateway to the astonishing temples of Abu
Simbel, built by the great pharaoh Ramses II for himself
and his wife Nefertari. Moved to high ground when the
Aswan High Dam was built, these awe inspiring ancient
monuments are perched on the shores of Lake Nasser,
which waters are supplied from the mighty Nile's source
in Africa.
Nubian Museum:
The Nubian Museum is one of the most attractive
buildings in Aswan and is a celebration of Nubian
history and culture from its earliest beginnings until
the building of the modern High Dam. Opened in November
1997, the museum houses a spectacular collection of
ancient artifacts including a magnificent statue of King
Taharqa, the first Nubian to rule Egypt.
Tombs
of the Nobles:
The high cliffs opposite Aswan, just north of
Kitchener's Island are honeycombed with tombs of
princes, governors and other dignitaries of ancient Yebu.
Dating from the old and middle kingdoms, several are
worth a visit. You can either take a ferry or a felucca
to the site followed by steep walk up the sandy path to
the line of tombs cut into the rock face.
Nubian Village and St. Simeon's Monastery:
Sail by boat to the Nubian village to experience the
life of the local people. Climb the mountain of St.
Simeon, where the Kingdom of the Nobatae was converted
to Christianity and where enough survives within the
Monastery's 10-ft high walls to create an evocative
impression of the community, which once flourished
there.
Sound and Light
at Philae Temple:
Motoring by boat over the waters of the Nile to the
Temple of Philae is a most enchanting way to begin the
experience of a dramatic sound and light performance.
The legend of Isis and Osiris and the history of Hapi,
the God of the Nile, is narrated under the stars in this
most romantic of settings.
Kom Ombo and Edfu:
Drive
through the beautiful countryside along the river Nile
to Kom Ombo to visit the temple dedicated to the Gods
Sobek and Horus, which stands overlooking the Nile,
unlike any other temple in the valley.
Continue to Edfu to visit the temple considered to be
the best-preserved cult temple in Egypt, dedicated to
the falcon headed God Horus. |
