Aswan

The city of Aswan, which marks the southern boundary of ancient Egypt, was then known as Syene. With its distinctive African atmosphere, it is one of the most beautiful places in the country with the town on the east bank and the desert right next to the Nile on the west bank. Small enough to explore on foot, the pace of life is slow and relaxing. The souks, or markets are full of the smell and color of spices, perfumes and other Egyptian crafts.

LOCATION
Aswan is located in southern Egypt, about 680 km south of Cairo, just below the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser.

HOW TO REACH
The train and airways are two good options. Aswan has direct flights and train service in Cairo.

The places of interest

Nubia Museum
Situated on a hilltop, the Nubia Museum displays three thousand antiquities which reflect the phases of development of the Nubian culture and civilization and influences during the geological Pharaonic and Roman ages. The highlights are the scenes from the life of Nubia demonstrated with a range of life-size poster. The door opened exhibition includes 90 rare objects monumental. The museum, spread over three floors also houses a library and information centre. The gardens surrounding function of Antiquities, a watercourse which represents the river Nile, a grotto built with pre-historic wall sculptures, and a Nubian house.

Unfinished Obelisks
The Unfinished Obelisk is located in the north of the quarry. It was found when a crack was discovered when he was cut from the rock. The unfinished obelisk, if it had been completed, would have weighed more than 2.3 million pounds.

Elephantile Island
One of the biggest islands, the island Elephantile is also one of the oldest sites in Egypt, with artifacts dating to pre-dynastic periods. Even if most objects are in ruins in this beautiful island, there are many things to see. Top among the list is the nilometer, which was used to measure the water level of the Nile until the end of the 19th century. The Temple of Khnum, another tourist attraction, was built during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut of the 18th dynasty. It is also a small room Ptolemaic temple on the island.

Mausoleum of the Aga Khan
This is the Mausoleum of the spiritual leader of Ismailis, a Shi 'ite sect. Built at the end of 1950 's, the mausoleum is a very elegant pink granite structure. The mausoleum prides itself on having an excellent view, including Aga Khan’s white villa below. The interior, done in light colors and floors with red carpet are impeccably maintained. On Begum’s (his wife) instructions a new red rose was placed on the sarcophagus daily, which is composed of white marble with Koranic texts carved in relief.

Monastery of San Simeon
Founded in the seventh century, the monastery is dedicated to the fourth century known as the monk Anba Hatre. The remains of the monastery are located on the west bank. The massive walls surrounding the building stone are the basis of brick and mud at the summit. Along the walls there are a few towers that have collapsed. There is a small church, and while inside the basilica is collapsed, icons and paintings are still visible. The walls with painted pictures carry the spirit of the apostles and angels, with bright colors that has a distinctly Byzantine style.

Aswan High Dam
The Aswan High Dam is a large structure located 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 big draw for the Egyptians and foreign tourists alike.