December 22, 2024 07:24 AM

These are the Must-Visit Sites in Aswan, Egypt

When you think of Egypt, chances are the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx will top your list of must visit tourist sites in the country. While there is no doubt that they are worth seeing, Egypt has much more to offer those who wish to venture to its different cities.

Those who head for southern Egypt will find many to marvel at in the city of Aswan. Here are five that you definitely should visit during your trip to the city.

Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is a complex that is home to two rock-cut temples. The Great Temple, otherwise known as the Ramesses II Temple, took around 20 years to complete. It features an entrance that is flanked by larger than life statues of Ramessess II. There are four in total with two statues on each side of the entrance.

Ramesses II Temple, Abu Simbel, Aswan, Egypt
KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images

The second temple, on the other hand, is more commonly known as the Small Temple. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Hathor as well as the first of Ramesses II's Great Royal Wives, Nefertari.

Small Temple, Abu Simbel, Aswan, Egypt
KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images

Elephantine

Elephantine, Aswan, Egypt
KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images

Elephantine is an island that is part of the city. It is home to archaeological sites, such as the nilometer of the Temple of Satet and ruins of the Temple of Khnum.

It is said that it got its name from its shape, which resembles an elephant tusk.

Philae Temple Complex

Philae Temple Complex, Aswan, Egypt
KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images

While the Philae Templex Complex was originally located on Philae Island, it was actually moved to Agilkia Island due to the frequent flooding caused by the construction of a dam.

While its made up of a number of structures, the arguably most popular part of it is known as the Temple of Isis. The largest structure in the complex, the Temple of Isis is dedicated to the goddess whose name it bears. Other structures that are part of the complex are Kiosk of Nectanebo, Kiosk of Trajan, and Gateway of Hadrian, among others.

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