Aswan أسوان, Egypt

Aswan, Egypt
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aswan,_Egypt_2007jan15._21_byDanielCsorfoly.JPG
Author: Daniel Csörföly


Aswan (Arabic: أسوان) is a city on the southern part of Egypt, best known among tourists as the location for the Abu Simbel Temple. The city of 275,000 people (2011 estimate) is the capital of the Aswan Governorate. It is on the east bank of the River Nile and includes the island of Elephantine.

Old City of Aswan
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aswan,old_city.jpg
Author: Bertramz


Many foreigners first heard of Aswan from the Aswan Dam which created the man-made Lake Nasser. The project required the relocation of the ancient Abu Simbel temple. The city of Aswan itself has existed since ancient times, when it was known as Swenet. It was renowned for producing high-quality granite used in the creation of many obelisks of ancient Egypt, as seen in the ancient ruins of Luxor.

Since ancient times, Aswan is the gateway from the south into Egypt. For that reason, the Egyptian Pharoah constructed the Abu Simbel Temple there, in a way to serve as a monumental billboard of his might.

Fatimid Cemetery, Aswan
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aswan,fatimid_cem.jpg
Author: Bertramz


Today Aswan is one of the three major cities along the River Nile. It is the smallest of the three, and also one with the hottest climate. The hottest month of the year is August, when temperature regularly breaches 47°C (117°F). The best time to visit is January, when temperature is at its lowest, ranging from 13°C (55°F) to 25°C (77°F).

Visiting Aswan

The most practical way to reach Aswan is by plane. Its airport is located 25 km to the south west of the city center. As an independent traveler, you should take a taxi if you arrive at the airport on your own. Expect security to and from the airport to be tight. The airport receves direct flights from London Gatwick, so you can actually fly direct.

Places of Interest in Aswan

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