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On the uninhabited west bank of the Nile at Aswan, the desert stretches right up to the waters edge. There is little in terms of development along this shoreline, but there are several small attractions that make it worth the ferry ride across the river.
The Monastery of St. Simeon was established in the 7th century by Coptic monks seeking to escape to the meditative quiet of the desert. The complex was rebuilt at least once before it was finally abandoned during the 13th century; however, the monastery remains in surprisingly good shape given it long disuse.
The complex was walled to protect the monk from Bedouin raiders and other threats and the stone and mudbrick walls make for an impressive sight on approach. It engenders thoughts of a medieval fortress more than a religious institution. Inside are the remains of a church, a stable, and other buildings vital to the simple lives of these medieval monks.
If you make the trip to St. Simeon, it is worth also visiting the Tombs of the Nobles. These tombs cut into the riverside cliffs near Kitchener’s Island are the burial places of Old and Middle Kingdom dignitaries of the ancient town of Swenet that stood on Elephantine Island. There are also tombs from much later during the Roman era here.
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Aswan City is a tranquil Nile-side destination known for its ancient temples, Nubian heritage, and stunning river scenery.
Carved out of the mountain, the Abu Simbel Temples is the most famous in all of Egypt after the Giza Pyramids, dedicated to Ramses II and his wife. Know more about the twin temples!
The High Dam was built 1960, and it was the most heralded part of President Gamal Abdel Nasser’s effort to develop Egypt for all Egyptians. While the dam is certainly not the largest in the world, it is an impressive engineering feat nonetheless, over 360 feet tall and 12,500 feet across.
In touring all of the ruins scattered across Egypt, it is very seldom that we pause to think about the many stages of planning and labor that came before these monuments were erected.
Philae Temple in Aswan is a breathtaking ancient site dedicated to the goddess Isis, known for its beautiful setting and rich mythology.
Gaining its name by its shape which resembles standing elephants in the water, Elephantine Island offers many attractions for anyone visiting the beautiful Aswan.
Opened in 1997, the Nubian Museum is a belated, but well-executed, tribute to the culture and influence of Nubia and the Nubian people on the history of Egypt.
Aswan Botanical Gardens offer a beautiful and unique escape from the city. A true jam of Egyptian treasures, strolling through the garden will take you into a dream state of scenery.
On the uninhabited west bank of the Nile at Aswan, the desert stretches right up to the waters edge. There is little in terms of development along this shoreline, but there are several small attractions that make it worth the ferry ride across the river.