Aswan

Aswan was pharaonic Egypt's southern frontier at the First Cataract, with the Unfinished Obelisk, Elephantine, the Qubbat al-Hawa tombs and Philae all within 10 km. Tickets usually cost 100–450 EGP per site, and most sites open about 7 am – 4 pm.

Aswan marked the southern edge of pharaonic Egypt, the doorway to Nubia, and the quarry for nearly all the pink granite in royal monuments from the pyramids onwards. It is also one of Egypt's most laid-back cities: the Nile runs deep blue and narrow between granite islands, and Nubian villages line the west bank.

The sights are packed close together. Within 10 km you have the Unfinished Obelisk, still joined to the bedrock of its ancient quarry; Elephantine Island, the original town with the temples of Khnum and Satet; and the Qubbat al-Hawa cemetery, where provincial governors' tombs are cut into the west cliff. Add Philae Temple on its new island, the relocated Nubian temples of Kalabsha and Beit el-Wali beside the High Dam, and the High Dam itself, which created Lake Nasser. The excellent Nubia Museum puts it all in context.

Aswan is also the base for trips to Abu Simbel, Lake Nasser cruises and felucca journeys downstream to Kom Ombo and Edfu.

What to see

• Unfinished Obelisk, 42 m and still in its bedrock
• Elephantine Island, with the Khnum and Satet temples and a Nilometer
• Qubbat al-Hawa, governors' tombs cut into the cliff
• Philae Temple
• Nubia Museum, covered on its own page
• The High Dam and Lake Nasser

Visiting

• Opening hours: sites generally 7 am – 4 pm
• Tickets: typically 100–450 EGP each
• Best time: October to April; midwinter days are ideal (around 25 °C)
• Nearby: everything above, plus the Nubian villages of Gharb Soheil