Aswan is the world’s greatest open-air museum and home to some of Egypt’s most famous temples, tombs and monuments.
Amongst its highlights are the 3400-year-old Luxor Temple and the Karnak Temple Complex; the necropolises of the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, and the massive stone statues known as the Colossi of Menmon. When you visit Luxor you can spend hours wandering the streets, looking at The past centuries.
Looking at one of the most beautiful and well-preserved places are the Karnak and Luxor temples. The Valley of the Kings is located on the west bank of the Nile River near Luxor. It is the most famous site for the unique collections of tombs and breathtaking ancient ruins.
That location makes it one of the hottest spots for exploring ancient Egyptian history. Luxor Temple was “the place of the First Occasion,” where the god Amon experienced rebirth during the pharaoh’s annually reenacted coronation ceremony.
Cairo and Luxor are two of Egypt’s most popular destinations. Both offer sand-covered tombs, frenzied markets and a river-front location. But where Cairo is a living, breathing city. During the Roman era, the temple and its surroundings were a legionary fortress and the home of the Roman government in the area.
During the Roman period a chapel inside the Luxor Temple originally dedicated to the goddess Mut was transformed into a Tetrarchy cult chapel and later into a church. Luxor has been a tourist mecca since the mid-19th century.
Aswan is a city located in the south of Egypt, on the eastern bank of the Nile River. It is the third-largest city in Upper Egypt and has a rich history that dates back to ancient times.
Aswan is famous for its beautiful location on the Nile River and its many historic sites, including the Aswan Dam, the Philae Temple, and the unfinished Obelisk. The city is also known for its colorful souks, where visitors can shop for local crafts, spices, and textiles.
One of the most popular activities for visitors to Aswan is taking a boat tour of the Nile River, which offers stunning views of the city and its surroundings. Aswan is also a popular starting point for tours to other nearby attractions, such as Abu Simbel and the Nubian villages.
Overall, Aswan is a fascinating destination for travelers interested in history, culture, and natural beauty, and it offers a unique perspective on the rich history and heritage of Egypt.
Aswan has a long and rich history that dates to ancient times. The city was an important center of trade and commerce in the Pharaonic era, due to its location on the Nile River and its proximity to valuable trade routes.
During the Old Kingdom period (2686-2181 BC), Aswan was a center of stone quarrying and the construction of monumental structures. Many of the ancient temples and tombs in Egypt were built using granite and other stones quarried from the Aswan area.
During the Middle Kingdom period (2055-1650 BC), Aswan grew in importance as a center of trade and military operations. The city was also home to a large community of Nubian people, who had their own distinctive culture and traditions.
In the New Kingdom period (1550-1070 BC), Aswan continued to be an important center of trade and commerce. Many of the temples and monuments built during this period, such as the Temple of Philae and the Abu Simbel temples, were built using stone quarried from the Aswan area.
In more recent history, Aswan was an important center of the Nubian culture and played a significant role in the building of the Aswan High Dam in the 20th century. The dam, which was completed in 1970, helped to control the flooding of the Nile River and provide hydroelectric power to Egypt.
Overall, Aswan’s rich history and cultural heritage make it a fascinating destination for travelers interested in ancient civilizations and the history of Egypt.
Aswan is home to several impressive temples and historic sites that are popular with tourists and history enthusiasts. Some of the most notable temples in Aswan include:
Temple of Philae: The Temple of Philae is located on an island in the Nile River and is dedicated to the goddess Isis. It was originally built in the Ptolemaic period (305-30 BC) but was later partially submerged by the waters of the Nile. In the 1970s, the temple was relocated to its current location on Agilkia Island, where it remains an important site of worship and tourism.
Abu Simbel temples: The Abu Simbel temples are a pair of rock-cut temples located on the western bank of the Nile River. They were built during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC and were dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah. The temples were relocated to their current location in the 1960s to avoid flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
Temple of Kom Ombo: The Temple of Kom Ombo is located on the east bank of the Nile River and is dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris. It was built during the Ptolemaic period and features a unique design with two parallel sanctuaries and a series of halls and courtyards.
Unfinished Obelisk: The Unfinished Obelisk is located in a granite quarry near Aswan and is believed to have been abandoned during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut in the 15th century BC. If completed, it would have been the largest obelisk ever built, standing at over 40 meters tall.
Overall, the temples of Aswan offer a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of ancient Egypt and are a must-see for anyone interested in the country’s rich heritage.
What you can visit in Aswan
Aswan is a beautiful city in southern Egypt that has a lot of attractions and places to visit. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Abu Simbel: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 280 km south of Aswan. The site includes two massive rock temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC. The temples are famous for their intricate carvings and massive statues.
- Philae Temple: This temple complex is located on an island in the Nile River and was dedicated to the goddess Isis. The temple was relocated to its current location after the construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened to submerge it.
- Aswan High Dam: This dam was built in the 1960s and created Lake Nasser, the largest artificial lake in the world. The dam is an impressive engineering feat and offers great views of the surrounding area.
- Nubian Village: Located on the west bank of the Nile, the Nubian Village is a great place to learn about the traditional culture and customs of the Nubian people, who have lived in the area for thousands of years.
- Aswan Botanical Garden: As mentioned earlier, this garden features a diverse collection of plants from around the world and is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
- Unfinished Obelisk: This is an ancient granite obelisk that was abandoned during its construction. It is located in a quarry on the east bank of the Nile and provides insight into the ancient Egyptian methods of stone carving.
- Tombs of the Nobles: This is a group of rock-cut tombs that date back to the Old and Middle Kingdoms of ancient Egypt. The tombs feature intricate carvings and provide insight into the lives of the nobles who were buried there.
These are just a few of the many attractions and places to visit in Aswan. The city is also known for its vibrant markets, delicious food, and stunning natural scenery, making it a great destination for travelers.
The best time you can visit Aswan
The best time to visit Aswan is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. During this time, temperatures typically range from around 20-25°C (68-77°F) during the day and can drop to around 10-15°C (50-59°F) at night. This makes it a great time to explore the city’s outdoor attractions and take a cruise on the Nile River.
The summer months, from June to September, can be very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). This can make it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities during the day, but the city comes alive at night with lively markets and entertainment options.
It’s also worth noting that the peak tourist season in Aswan is from December to January, so if you’re looking to avoid crowds and higher prices, it may be better to visit during the shoulder seasons of November or February.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Aswan depends on your personal preferences and interests. If you’re interested in outdoor activities and sightseeing, the winter months are a great choice. But if you’re interested in experiencing the local culture and nightlife, the summer months may be more appealing.