The City of Aswan
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 with 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.
Aswan has thus been a favourite winter resort since the beginning of the nineteenth century and still is the perfect place to get away from it all. In Pharaonic times, the town was known as "Suno" (the Market) later changed to "Aswan" by the Arabs.
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.
Aswan and its surroundings were known as Nubia in ancient times. You will find that event today, Aswan had more of an ‘African feel’ to it than any other city in Egypt. Although you might want to give the ‘Nubian dancers’ performing in the expensive hotels a miss, getting a real taste of this ancient culture would be an excellent opportunity and an experience you will not forget - the Nubian Cultural center is a good option here.
The city proper lies on the east bank of the Nile. Relax here, visit a few mosques, but then prepare for an adventure. The bazaar runs along the Corniche, which continues past the Ferial Gardens and the Nubian Museum, and continues on to the Cemetery, with its forest of cupolas surmounted tombs from the Fatimid period. Just east of the cemetery in the famous area quarries is the gigantic Unfinished Obelisk. Just to the south of this, two Graeco-Roman sarcophagi and an unfinished colossus remain half buried in the sand.
July 17th, 2005 at 2:32 pm
Of course, Tour Egypt has a very good Aswan section for more information. http://www.touregypt.net/aswan/
December 15th, 2005 at 9:35 pm
My wife and I will be on a Grand Circle tour in February. We have the option of flying to Abu Simbel or staying that day in Aswan. From what we read, it seems a nice relaxing day in Aswan would be nice. But other friends tell us not to miss Abu Simbel. Any advice? We are not travelers who need to be “on the go” all the time, which is why a relaxing day in Aswan has initial appeal. But we don’t want to go home regretting that we missed out on a stunning experience at Abu Simbel. Do you have any advice?