Discover Aswan (Egypt) ‘s Hidden Treasures: 19 Must-Visit landmarks and archaeological sites
Unveil the top 19 must-visit landmarks and archaeological sites in Aswan (Egypt) with our curated list. Immerse yourself in 19 best landmarks and archaeological sites or discover hidden treasures with 19 must-visit landmarks and archaeological sites. Don’t miss 19 top-rated landmarks and archaeological sites to experience Aswan (Egypt) ‘s best.
Information about Aswan (Egypt)
The city of Aswan, located on the Nile River, has been considered the strategic and commercial gateway to southern Egypt since the Middle Ages. It was known as “Sono” in the eras of the ancient Egyptians, meaning the market, as it was a commercial center for caravans coming to and from Nubia. Then, in the Ptolemaic era, it was called “Sin” and the Nubians called it “Yeba Swan”. It was also known as the country of gold because it was a great treasure or cemetery for the kings of Nubia who lived there for thousands of years. The city of Aswan is considered one of the tourist cities full of antiquities such as temples, museums and many other tourist sites, and therefore it is frequented by tourists from all parts of the earth, especially from Europe and East Asia. As for the climate of this city, it is hot in summer and mild in winter, so tourists prefer to visit the city in the fall and winter months.
A list of the best Landmarks and archaeological sites in Aswan
We’ve carefully curated a list of the top 19 landmarks and archaeological sites in Aswan (Egypt) , based on visitor ratings and reviews. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, our guide will help you plan the perfect outing. Our team has scoured the city to find the best landmarks and archaeological sites, from museums to restaurants to gardens. Let us be your guide to Aswan (Egypt) ‘s landmarks and archaeological sites scene and experience the sights and flavors that make it unique. Don’t waste your time searching for the best spots – we’ve done the work for you. Trust our expertise to make the most of your time in Aswan (Egypt) .
1- Abu Simbel Temples
Abu Simbel Temples – The magnificent Abu Simbel temples are temples from the Pharaonic period, specifically from the reign of Ramses II. The oldest of them dates back to 3000 years from now, and it is one of the most beautiful historical buildings in Egypt and the world, and therefore it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is distinguished by its façade, which is surrounded by four huge statues, each about 20 meters high, including a statue of Ramses II sitting on the throne, wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt, and at the feet of the statue of Ramses there are small statues of his wife, mother, children and six daughters. Next to this landmark dedicated to Ramses II, there is an entire temple dedicated to Queen Nefertiti, and this building is distinguished as one of the few temples in which the statue of the king and queen is similar in size.
Place address: Abu Simbel Temples, Abu Simbel, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
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2- Qubbet el-Hawa
Qubbet el-Hawa – The Qubbat al-Hawa (Dome of the Winds) necropolis is located in western Aswan, south of the Nubian village. What looks like huge sand dunes covering an enormous Nubian sandstone formation is home to one of ancient Egypt’s most famous necropolises, dating from c. 2500 BC. The main part of the site holds burials from the Old Kingdom to the New Kingdom.
Place address: Qubbet el-Hawa, Sheyakhah Thalethah, Qism Aswan, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
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3- Elephantine
Elephantine – Elephantine Island is one of the Nile islands of Aswan, and it is a small island, but it is one of the most important and wonderful tourist attractions in Egypt, as it unites Nubian, Islamic and antiquities from prehistoric times. The island also contains vast green spaces covered with palm trees, and a wonderful historical museum that tells the history of Al Jazeera. The island can be reached easily by a boat lined up on the shores of Aswan.
Place address: Elephantine, Sheyakhah Oula, Aswan First, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
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4- Tombs of the nobles
Tombs of the nobles – The Tombs of the Nobles are tombs located near Luxor on the western mainland of the Nile, specifically on the western bank of Aswan, and the rulers of Aswan and statesmen, including military and civilians, priests and clerks, were buried in these tombs. They are very huge tombs carved into the sandstone, and visitors will find in the outer building of the tombs huge columns, gates and towers, and inside they will find pharaonic drawings, sculptures and others.
Place address: Abu AR Rish Qebli, Qism Aswan, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
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5- Temple of Kom Ombo
Temple of Kom Ombo – Near the bank of the river at the top of the hill, there is the Kom Ombo Temple, which dates back to 332 BC, with a large royal entrance, and in front of it the square that includes decorated columns, and inside people can see the distinctive hieroglyphic writings and drawings, of flying eagles and palm trees, And others that tell the stories of individuals and rulers with the gods.
Place address: Nagoa Ash Shatb, Markaz Kom Ombo, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
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6- Temple de Mandoulis – Kalabsha
Temple de Mandoulis – Kalabsha – The Kalabsha Temple, which was originally built in Kalabsha (Telmes), was moved to its current location in 1970 AD, along with other monuments in Nubia. Built by Roman Emperor Octavius Augustus (30-14 BC), the sandy edifice can be reached by taxi or by boat, depending on the water level. The temple is dedicated to fertility and the Nubian solar deity known as Mandulis (who was the Nubian counterpart to Horus). It is a really amazing place, do not hesitate and visit it with your family and friends and enjoy learning about the great Egyptian culture.
Place address: Temple de Mandoulis – Kalabsha, Qism Aswan, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
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7- Philae
Philae – Philae Island is a famous temple island located on the quiet Nile River between the Aswan High Dam and the old Aswan Dam. It is a very important archaeological site that includes many ancient temples and shrines in Egypt. People also know it by the Greek name “Elephantine” because it was a major trading center for ivory. ANCIENT EGYPTIANS The famous Philae Island temple complex dedicated to the Egyptian god Isis in this small land holds an important UNESCO heritage site, and the entire complex is believed to date back to 600 BC or even earlier.
Place address: Philae, Aswan First, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
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8- The Temple of Horus at Edfu
The Temple of Horus at Edfu – 112 km north of the city of Aswan, the Edfu Temple is located, which is considered one of the most important temples in Pharaonic history, as it is considered the most beautiful in terms of construction, as its sandy walls contain many unique inscriptions, the most important of which are the inscriptions of the guards of the god Horus present at the gate, and inside There are approximately 32 archaeological columns that erect the building, covered with inscriptions that speak of the victory of the god Horus in his battles.
Place address: Adfo, Edfo, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
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9- Monastery of St. Simeon
Monastery of St. Simeon – Monastery Simeon dates back to the 7th century and was first dedicated to the local chief. It was rebuilt in the 10th century and dedicated to Saint Simeon, from here the monks traveled to Nubia hoping to convert the Nubians to Christianity. To get to this temple, you can take a private boat across the Nile, then take the (mostly paved) desert path on foot or hire a camel to take you there. Do not hesitate and visit it with your family and friends and enjoy getting to know this monastery, which is frequented by many tourists from all over the world.
Place address: Monastery of St. Simeon, Qism Aswan, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
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10- Saint Simeon Monastery
Saint Simeon Monastery – One of the wonderful examples of Coptic architecture in Egypt, which was used as a place of worship for a number of religions in Egypt, this building was built in the tenth century AD. About 100 monks lived in this place, in addition to about 300 visitors, and we advise you to go on a tour with a tour guide to teach you more about the importance of this place.
Place address: دير الأنبا سمعان بأسوان، Qism Aswan, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
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11- Masjed Altabyah
Masjed Altabyah – The Tabia Mosque in Aswan is characterized by a distinguished architectural style and is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the city. It was called “Al-Tabia” because it was built on top of a hill in the center of the city, where Muhammad Ali Pasha built a large castle overlooking the Nile. The mosque, whose high minarets can be seen from anywhere in the city, can accommodate thousands of worshipers at the same time. It is also used to display the crescent of Ramadan and has become a good tourist attraction. The mosque has recently added external lighting to enjoy the surrounding garden at night, in addition to containing a wonderful pulpit inside and a lot of Islamic decorations. Do not hesitate and visit it with your family and friends and enjoy a wonderful tour of this wonderful mosque.
Place address: Masjed Altabyah, Sheyakhah Thalethah, Qism Aswan, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
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12- Temple of Khnum
Temple of Khnum – The Temple of Khnum is a historical temple that was built during the Greco-Roman period, and despite its relatively young age, it is considered one of the most important examples and vivid evidence of the greatness of architecture in that period. The temple was distinguished by a modern design, as its main façade is very similar to the façade of the Temple of Hathor in Dendera, and the rest of the façades were characterized by decorations and inscriptions, while the columns constitute an artistic painting.
Place address: Esna City, Esna, Luxor Governorate, Egypt
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13- Coptic orthodox cathedral
Coptic orthodox cathedral – The Coptic Orthodox Church is located in Aswan and is the largest Christian church in Egypt and North Africa (there are about 6.5 million Copts in Egypt). The church is headed by the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria, but he now resides in Cairo. The Pope is elected by the clergy and laity, who are chosen from 3 candidates. This church is characterized by its magnificent architecture, its high internal columns, a stunning altar, and many picturesque paintings and drawings. Do not hesitate and visit it with your family and friends and enjoy getting to know this wonderful and huge church. It is a perfect place for all architecture lovers!
Place address: Coptic orthodox cathedral of the Archangel Michael, Ferial Squer, Sheyakhah Oula, Qism Aswan, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
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14- Nubian Village
Nubian Village – The Nubian villages lie amid lush palm groves, and their houses are painted blue, pink or yellow. Chickens often eat in the dust and goats walk around the vicinity of these houses. Its mud-brick alleys and former walled gardens adorn it, which means that the privilege of tourism here is the home of the Nubians. You can visit rural and basic school rooms equipped with minimal equipment that reflect the simple lifestyle of the people.
Place address: Nubian Village, Unnamed Road, Aswan First, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
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15- Famine Stela
Famine Stela – The Famine Tablet is one of the most important archaeological sites in Aswan, which is believed to date back to the era of the Ptolemaic Kingdom that ruled Egypt from 332 to 31 BC. It is an inscription written in Egyptian hieroglyphs, and tells stories about a seven-year period of drought and famine during the reign of the pharaoh. Djoser, and expresses the suffering of the people who lived in that period and wrote these inscriptions.
Place address: 3V5F+2MG, Sheyakhah Thaneyah, Qism Aswan, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
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16- The Mausoleum of Aga Khan
The Mausoleum of Aga Khan – This is the shrine of the spiritual leader of the Ismailis, a Shiite sect (like the Fatimids) based primarily in India with followers all over the world. It is a very elegant pink granite structure dating back to the late 1950s, which also resembles the Fatimid tombs in Cairo. The mausoleum has a wonderful view and the Aga Khan’s white villa below is also stunning, and it is located near Saint Simeon’s Monastery on the West Bank in Aswan. Do not hesitate and visit it with your family and friends and enjoy getting to know this beautiful place that has a view that reveals the entire Nile and Aswan.
Place address: The Mausoleum of Aga Khan, Sheyakhah Oula, Qism Aswan, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
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17- High Dam
High Dam – This impressive dam provided water and electricity to all of Egypt, and is an engineering feat dating back to the 1960s. It is an example of Egyptian modernism, containing 18 times the amount of material used in the Great Pyramid of Khufu, and it created Lake Nasser, one of the largest artificial lakes in the world. When you visit this dam, you will be able to see some parts of southern Sudan. Do not hesitate and visit it with your family and friends and enjoy seeing this great dam that extends for two miles and which was and still is a great feat of engineering!
Place address: Aswan Dam, Manteqet as Sad Al Aali, Qism Aswan, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
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18- Seheil Island
Seheil Island – Sohail Island is located about 4 km south of Aswan, specifically in the Nile to the north of the old Aswan Dam. In ancient times travelers, or who had just returned from an expedition, would make a pilgrimage to the sacred island of Sehel and would leave inscriptions recording their appeals or prayers of thanks or for help. The inscriptions are carved on hills of granite rocks that are scattered over several regions of the island with more than 250 inscriptions, many of which are dedicated to the goddess Anukis and her consort, Khnum, and their history from the Middle Kingdom to the Ptolemaic times. Do not hesitate and visit it with your family and friends and enjoy getting to know this wonderful archaeological island and its ancient stories.
Place address: Seheil Island, Aswan First, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
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19- Unfinished Obelisk
Unfinished Obelisk – The largest Egyptian obelisk, known as the “Unfinished Obelisk”, which can be found today exactly where it once stood, is half carved from solid rock. This stone block was intended to be a obelisk 120 feet / 36 meters tall. It is estimated that a block of granite of this size easily weighs more than 1,000 tons, and some geologists have suggested the figure from 1,100 tons – 1,150 tons. The most important thing that puzzles scientists is how the ancient Egyptians transported these very heavy stones from one place to another. Do not hesitate and visit it with your family and friends and enjoy getting to know one of the most important ancient Egyptian monuments!
Place address: Unfinished Obelisk, Sheyakhah Oula, Qism Aswan, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
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Conclusion
Exploring Aswan (Egypt) is a journey that will take you through diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and captivating histories. Our guide has given you a taste of the must-see destinations and hidden treasures that await, but there’s always more to discover. Take the time to connect with the locals, try the local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the traditions and customs that make Aswan (Egypt) so special. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or enlightenment, Aswan (Egypt) has something to offer everyone. As you journey through this remarkable region, we invite you to let go of your worries and embrace the present moment. Take time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you, and allow yourself to be swept away by the magic of Aswan (Egypt) . We hope our guide has been a valuable resource in planning your trip, and we look forward to hearing about your travels. Until then, happy exploring!