Aswan City
There are numerous cities in Egypt, but only Aswan City can depict Egypt’s rich history, beauty, and culture. During ancient times, it served as the country’s southern frontlines and was home to Egypt’s Nubian civilization. Due to its rich environment, Aswan has always played an important part in Egypt’s history, serving as the primary source of valuable construction materials such as limestone, quartzite, and granite since the country’s inception. Many consider it one of the most beautiful and important towns in the world due to the numerous monuments found within its walls, which reveal much about prehistoric times. In the domain of folk art and craft, the city is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
The Location of Aswan
Upper Egypt is home to Aswan. At the foot of the Nile Valley, 220 kilometers (137 miles) south of Luxor and 890 kilometers (553 miles) south of Cairo. The city’s climate is scorching all year. It is Cairo’s third-largest city and the largest in Upper Egypt. Because of the construction of the Aswan High Dam, the city’s geographical nature has changed in some areas, resulting in the near-flooding and destruction of many majestic temples such as Abu Simbel and Philae Temple in the 1960s. However, thanks to UNESCO, the temples were saved and transported to a new location in one of the most difficult rescue missions in modern architectural history. The city continues to mysteriously capture people’s attention to this day.
Aswan’s climate
Aswan has one of the driest, warmest, and sunniest climates on the planet, and it is normally highly humid, with average temperatures reaching 40 °C (104 F) in the summer from May to September, and 23 °C in the winter from October to March (73.4 F).
The History of Aswan City
Aswan was once a market city. Its first names were “Swenett” and “Swan.” Both names mean “market.” The city sat on the main trade route between southern regions and Egypt. Traders sold gold, ivory, and other goods.
Aswan was also a religious center. The people worshiped the god Khnum, the deity of the Nile’s source. Later, the goddess Isis, the deity of protection magic, replaced him. The city had many stones. Builders used these stones for giant structures like obelisks and pyramids.
Aswan Tourist Attractions
Many attractions exist in Aswan. Ramses II built the Abu Simbel temple in 1244 BC. He wanted to immortalize himself and his victories, like his great victory at the Battle of Kadesh in 1224 BC. The temple also honored four gods: Amon, Ptah, and Re-Hor-Akhty. Twice a year, during the sun festival, the sun shines on these gods. The Philae temple became the house of worship for Isis in 690 BC.
Other popular sites include the massive Unfinished Obelisk of Hatshepsut. The temple of Kom Ombo sits on the Nile’s coast. It was built between 332 and 395 BC to worship Sobek, the god of the Nile. The temple of Edfu is the home of the Sky God Horus. It is the site of Horus’s battle with his evil uncle, Set. Aswan also has hidden sites. These include the St. Simeon Monastery, the Noble Tombs, and the Aga Khan Mausoleum.
Aswan City Day Tours at Their Finest
All of these historical sites are included in Aswan day tours, which allow you to see everything the Nubian city has to offer, from breathtaking temples and tombs to ancient marvels, so check out our Egypt day tours and plan your dream vacation.
