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Aswan,
a beautiful winter resort, enjoying a dry temperate climate, is
situated on the eastern bank of the Nile, 899km south of Cairo,
linking Egypt to Sudan, and is the gate to the African continent.
Small enough to walk around and graced with the most beautiful
setting on the Nile, the pace of life is slow and relaxing. The
Nile is at its most beautiful at this point, flowing through the
amber desert, granite rocks, and round emerald islands covered
in palm groves and tropical plants
Days can be spent strolling up and down the broad Corniche watching
the sailboats etch the sky with their tall masts or sitting in
floating restaurants listening to Nubian music and eating freshly
caught fish. Alternatively, explore the souk, full of the scent
and colour of spices, perfumes, scarves and baskets.
The Temple of Kalabsha:
The Temple Of Kalabsha dates back to the Roman Emperor Octavius
Augustus (30BC - 14AD), and is one of the largest sandstone temples
in Nubia. It was moved to its present location in 1970, together
with other monuments from Nubia. The walls are covered with texts
and inscriptions depicting Egyptian deities such as Isis and Osiris.
Beit el-Waly Temple:
This rock-hewn temple is one of the five temples built by Ramses
II in Nubia. It comprises a courtyard, a hypostyle hall and a
kiosk with multicoloured texts and inscriptions, as well as scenes
of the King on the battlefield.
Philae Temple:
The Philae Temple was dismantled from its original home on Philae
Island and reassembled on Agilika Island, in the wake of the High
Dam.
Abu Simbel Temples:
The Greater Temple (RAMSES II):
One of the many relics erected by the Pharaoh Ramses II, this
is the grandest and most beautiful of temples. The façade is 33
metres high, and 38 metres broad, and guarded by for statues of
Ramses II, each of which is 20 metres high.
The Smaller Temple (NEFERTARI):
Located north of the Greater Temple, it was carved in the rock
by Ramses II. This temple was dedicated to the goddess of Love
and Beauty, Hathur, and also to his favourite wife Nefertari.
Six statues, four to Ramses II and two to his wife Nefertari adorn
the façade. The entrance then leads to a hall containing six pillars
bearing the head of the goddess, Hathur.
Elephantine Island:
Elephantine Island is one of the strongest forts along Egypt's
southern borders, separating the Nile into two channels opposite
Aswan.
Plantation Island:
Practically the whole of Plantation Island which lies mid-stream,
near Elephantine Island, is a botanical garden, filled with exotic
plants and trees imported from all over the world. It is the perfect
place tospend a lazy afternoon in the shade.
Agilika Island:
This island now houses the Temple and relics of Philae Island
that was submerged by the waters of the High Dam. The Temple of
Philae was dismantled and re-assembled on this island, which lies
about 500 metres from the original Philae Island. A sound and
light spectacle is performed in various languages.
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