EFT Team Explore the wonders of ancient and modern Aswan and find information through the 20 top-rated attractions and things to do in Aswan.
For many people, both locals and visitors, Aswan is the most attractive Egyptian city because of its gorgeous nature, large river, tens of islands, and amazing ancient relics. The attractive beauty of the location is made up of yellow sand, green palm trees, and fruit gardens. Aswan is Egypt’s southernmost city, and its Nubian people, with their customs and traditions, make it feel more like Africa to Egyptians. If you took a Felucca boat up the Nile and traveled through the tens of islands and granite cliffs, you might get a true sense of Aswan’s splendor. In the heart of Aswan, the exquisite temple of Philae sits on an island, experiencing the enchantment of history. In Aswan, there are a number of attractions and things to do that will make your vacation memorable and pleasurable. A complete list with information and photographs is provided below.
Top-Rated Attractions in Aswan
Kalabsha Temple
The majestic Kalabsha temple is a spectacular landmark located within view of Aswan’s High Dam and is the first stop on any Nile River Cruise on Nasser Lake. When you arrive, take a stroll over the temple’s lovely stone causeway, which leads to the temple’s first pylon. Then you’ll walk through a colonnaded court with eight columned hypostyle halls. Its amazing hieroglyphs and reliefs reveal a lot about the Greek Pharaohs and ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses. The temple of Kalabsha was completed during the reign of Augustus, the Roman emperor, near the close of the Ptolemaic period. The temple
Aga Khan Mausoleum
A Testament to Architectural Excellence and Spiritual Legacy Nestled within the serene landscapes of the lush Botanical Garden in Aswan, Egypt, stands the magnificent Aga Khan Mausoleum. This elegant structure, dedicated to the memory of Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III, is an architectural gem that captivates visitors from around the world. Unveiling a blend of Islamic and modern influences, the mausoleum not only pays homage to a visionary leader but also represents a spiritual sanctuary that embodies peace and tranquility. Join us on a journey to explore the profound significance and captivating beauty of the Aga Khan Mausoleum.
Aswan High Dam
Aswan High Dam: Harnessing the Power of the Nile The Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel situated on the River Nile in Egypt, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the pursuit of progress. This colossal structure, completed in 1970, has transformed the lives of millions through its ability to control the flow of the Nile and harness its immense power for agriculture, electricity generation, and flood prevention. Let us delve into the fascinating story of the Aswan High Dam, exploring its historical significance, engineering prowess, and the impact it has had on Egypt’s development. Historical Background: The idea
The Nubian Museum
The Nubian Museum: Preserving Rich Heritage and Ancient Civilization Nestled on the eastern bank of the Nile River in Aswan, Egypt, lies the remarkable Nubian Museum. This cultural gem stands as a tribute to the indigenous Nubian people and their ancient civilization, offering visitors a glimpse into their rich heritage and vibrant culture. With its extensive collection of artifacts and interactive exhibits, the Nubian Museum serves as a gateway to understanding the significant contributions of the Nubian civilization to world history. In this article, we will delve into the captivating history of the Nubian Museum, its architectural splendor, and the
Tombs of the Nobles at Aswan
Unlocking the Mysteries of Aswan’s Tombs of the Nobles Nestled within the picturesque city of Aswan in Upper Egypt lie the Tombs of the Nobles, an extraordinary collection of ancient burial sites that offer a captivating glimpse into the lives and customs of the elite during Egypt’s golden era. With their intricate carvings, vibrant colors, and rich historical significance, these tombs serve as a vital link connecting us to the royal courts and noble families of Pharaonic Egypt. In this article, we will embark on a journey through time to explore the Tombs of the Nobles, their historical context, architectural
Monastery of St. Simeon
One of Aswan’s most distinctive features. On the Nile’s West Bank, the magnificently picturesque Monastery of St. Simeon lies amid the sand dunes. It is one of Egypt’s largest and finest preserved Coptic monasteries, having been founded in the 7th century and abandoned in the 13th century owing to water problems. The southern flank of the monastery is taken up by an aisled Basilica inside the monastic courtyard. The massive apse, with three rectangular niches beneath semi-domes, is located at the east end of the wide nave, which was formerly capped by two domes. The remnants of a fresco portraying
Aswan Botanical Garden – Kitchener’s Island
The Aswan Botanical Garden, which spans 6.8 hectares, is home to hundreds of birds and exotic plants imported from all over the world, including the Far East, India, and Africa. The Aswan Botanical Garden is a lovely and one-of-a-kind retreat from the metropolis. A veritable treasure trove of Egyptian antiquities, wandering around the garden will transport you to a dreamlike state of beauty. The entire island is manicured with rare and exotic flora planted by Lord Horatio Kitchener, who gave the island in appreciation for his service as consul general of Egypt Army under British authority. Kitchener’s Island (Aswan Botanical
Elephantine Island
Elephantine Island, Aswan’s main tourist attraction, is peppered with palm tree plantations and sloping settlements of colorful mud-brick homes. The Aswan Museum and the Ruins of Abu, Aswan’s most ancient town, are located at its southern end and include the Old Kingdom Temple of Khnum and the Temple of Satet. The museum, housed in a magnificent late-nineteenth-century villa, is partially open and houses a collection of items spanning Elephantine Island’s history up to the Roman era.Aswan’s Nilometer is located on the eastern embankment near the ruins and down a flight of stairs. With these stone-hewn wells, the ancient Egyptians measured
Philae Temple Complex
Egypt’s ancient center for the cult of Isis, the Temples of Philae were venerated from the Pharaonic era through the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods with each ruler making their own additions to the stones here. This sacred site has dazzled travelers since the first Nile cruises set off from Cairo, and is one of Nubia’s most important monument sites. The temples were saved from a watery grave by UNESCO’s rescue operation when the Aswan High Dam was being built and was moved block by block from their original location on Philae Island to Agilika Island, 12 kilometers south of
Abu Simbel Temples
Abu Simbel is a village in the Egyptian part of Nubia, about 240 kilometers southwest of Aswan and near the border with Sudan. As of 2020, it has about 3100 inhabitants. It is best known as the site of the Abu Simbel temples, which were built by King Ramses II. The Abu Simbel temples are two massive rock temples at Abu Simbel, they are situated on the western bank of Lake Nasser, about 230 km (140 mi) southwest of Aswan (about 300 km (190 mi) by road). The complex is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Nubian Monuments”, which runs from
The Nubian Coffee House
The Nubian Coffee House is a café located in Aswan, Egypt that is highly regarded by both locals and tourists. The café offers a unique blend of traditional Nubian and modern Egyptian styles, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The café is located in a beautiful building which served as a traditional Nubian house, and the furniture and decor reflect the café’s blend of traditional and modern styles. The Nubian Coffee House is a wonderful place to relax, hang out with friends or family, or get some work done. The café serves a wide range of fresh coffee, tea, and
Kom Ombo Temple
Kom Ombo Is situated on the banks of the Nile some 23 miles north of Aswan and is unusual in that it is dedicated to two gods, Horus & Sobek. Sobek was the crocodile god of Nile fertility, and the bend of the river here was once home to a large number of Nile crocodiles, which were held to be sacred. Indeed, there is a small collection of mummified crocodiles in the small chapel of Hathor within the temple. The live crocodiles have long since gone, thankfully! The temple has two of everything, to accommodate the two gods, and among
The Unfinished Obelisk
The unfinished obelisk in Aswan is a must-see attraction, it is located just in the heart of one of the old reddish granite quarries that the ancient Egyptian used to cut stone and make obelisks from. The site itself is a breathtaking spot because of the ancient marks of cutting stones and the chance it gives to your imagination to relive the past and see the process of making an obelisk. It is an obelisk in the middle of the site that was left unfinished by the pharaohs due to cracks that occurred during the cutting process that forced them
Edfu Temple
Edfu is a small-sized city located on the west bank of the Nile River between Esna and Aswan, with a population of approximately sixty thousand people. Edfu is the site of the Ptolemaic Temple of Horus and an ancient settlement, the town is known for the major Ptolemaic temple, built between 237 BCE and 57 BCE, into the reign of Cleopatra VII. Of all the temple remains in Egypt, the Temple of Horus at Edfu is the most completely preserved. Built from sandstone blocks, the huge Ptolemaic temple was constructed over the site of a smaller New Kingdom temple, oriented
Top-Rated Things to Do in Aswan
The above-mentioned sights, as well as a variety of other activities, may be enjoyed during your visit to Aswan. A well-planned trip of a few days will allow you to see the majority of the sights and make the most of your time in this wonderful city.
Egypt Tour Packages Including Aswan
You will have peace of mind if you choose a fully guided Egypt tour package. Some of the best Egypt Tour packages have been created by our team of expert tour guides, tour leaders, and tour designers. Choose your package and prepare to have a good time.
