Aswan town and the east bank
Unfinished Obelisk
The largest known ancient obelisk, carved directly out of bedrock. If finished it would have measured around 42m 120 feet and would have weighed nearly 1,200 tons.
Nubian Museum
Very well organized, features Nubian treasures recovered before the flooding of Nubia.
West bank
Monastery of St Simeon
The history of the monastery of St. Simeon dates back to the 7th century, and survived long as a Christian stronghold of southern Egypt until destroyed by Saladin in 1173. While still in use it housed 300 monks, and could in addition receive up to 100 pilgrims at a time. The monastery was surrounded by a 10 metre high wall, and doubled as a fortress. Apparently, the monastery did not return to its original use after Saladin's destruction. To get here, ride a camel or walk from the Tombs of the Nobles.
Tombs of the Nobles
The northern hills of the west bank are filled with the rock-hewn tombs of princes from the Old Kingdom to the Roman period. The 6th Dynasty tombs, some of which form linked family complexes, contain important biographical texts. Inside, the tombs are decorated with vivid wall paintings showing scenes of everyday life, hieroglyphic biographies and inscriptions telling of the noblemen's journeys into Africa. **Note that some locals will hang around the entrance as you climb the hill, and tell you that it's closed and you need a key. They will show you a key, implying that they can help you gain access...for a small fee. Just tell them, "no thanks....just looking", and they should leave you alone.
Tomb of Hekaib
Reliefs show fighting and hunting scenes
Tomb of Harkhuf
Hieroglyphics
Kubbet al Hawa
Located on the hilltop above the other tombs. stunning views of the nile
Tombs of Mekhu & Sabni
Reliefs show invasion of nubia
Tomb of Sarenput II
Six pillars decorated with reliefs
Kubbet el-Hawa
Small shrine / tomb of a local sheikh and holy man. The climb is rewarded with amazing views of Aswan, the Nile river and the surrounding landscape, richly evoked in the translation from the Arabic of the place name, "the dome of the wind'.
Tomb of Sarenput II
One of the most beautiful and preserved tombs
Mausoleum of Mohammed Shah Aga Khan
Tomb of the 48th iman of the Ismaili sect and his wife. Visible from the outside, although closed to the public.
Around aswan
Philae Temple
Built to honor Isis, this was the last ancient temple built in the the classical Egyptian architectural style. Construction began in approx 690 BC. It was moved from its original location on Philae Island, to its new location on Agilkia Island, after the flooding of Lake Nasser. A major multinational UNESCO team relocated Philae, and a number of other temples that now dot the shores of Lake Nasser. You can see the submerged original island a short distance away, punctuated by the steel columns used in the moving process. Don't miss the Sound and Light show at night, see picture to the right, the least cheesy of the Sound and Light "extravaganzas". On your feet, look out for the extremely creative guards who will do all in their power to get in your photos, or to point out the hieroglpyhs that you can quite clearly see yourself, all for some baksheeshtip! Note also the re-use of the temple as a Christian church, with crosses carved into the older hieroglyph reliefs, and images of the Egyptian gods carefully defaced. There are grafitti dating from the 1800s.
The High Dam
Despite being a highly important piece of infrastructure, the Aswan High Dam is to put it delicately a bit of a letdown even for dam lovers.
Abu Simbel
Most people use Aswan as a base to see this fantastic temple. There is a convoy that departs at 4AM, and is usually arranged by your tour agent. See Abu Simbel article for more details.
Kalabsha Temple
Like Philae, this temple and its surrounding ruins were moved by UNESCO to save them from the floodwaters of Lake Nasser. The main temple was built to the Nubian fertility and sun god Marul during the rule of Emperor Augustus. Don't miss the Kiosk of Qirtasi and the amazing Temple of Beit al-Wali built by Ramesses II.
The river and islands
Aswan Botanical Gardens
Lord Kitchener, who owned the 6.8 hectare island in the 1890's converted it to a botanical garden. Filled with birds and hundreds of plant species and palm trees. Accessible via a Felucca tour.The entrance fee is
Seheyl Island
Friendly Nubian villages. Well known for its excellent beaded jewelry. Also the location of the Famine Stela. Cliff with more than 200 inscriptions from the 18th dynasty,
Elephantine Island: Nubian Villages & Aswan Museum
Nubian villages of Siou and Koti occupy this island. Also home to the famous Nilometers and the Temples of Sati, Khnum ancient rams-head god and Pepinakht-Heqaib. Movenpick resort is on the island. The Aswan Museum Adult: 25LE, Student 15LE at the southern end of the island houses items found during excavations on Elephantine Island. Also, be careful of unsolicited tours from locals, which will result in a request for baksheesh. There is regular boat taxi to Elephantine Island run by the locals for only 2LE for one crossing but they will charge more for tourists.