Aswan High Dam
According to topschoolsintheusa, the famous Aswan High Dam (opened January 15, 1971) was built to control the water level and flood of the Nile and to generate electricity. More than 3800 meters long and 111 meters high, the dam dams the Nile to form a huge lake, Lake Nasser, which flooded several settlements and monuments when it was created. It is considered one of the largest reservoirs in the world. However, some important monuments, such as the Abu Simbel temple, could be saved. They were moved and rebuilt in a safe place. From the viewing platform at a height of about 74 meters you have a wonderful view of the surrounding area.
Abydos
Many people made pilgrimages to Abydos in ancient Egypt to worship Osiris (god of the underworld). The Osireion, an underground symbolic tomb, was built in his honor as a place of worship. The main attraction, however, is the Temple of Seti I. The so-called list of kings inside the temple lists 75 kings who ruled Egypt before him. Unfortunately, the list is not complete. Abydos is old even by Egyptian standards. At the latest at the archaeological site Umm el-Quaab it becomes clear why: Countless tombs in which the kings who ruled long before the pharaohs were buried can be seen here. Abydos is the oldest necropolis in Egypt.
Aswan
Aswan is a beautiful holiday resort with numerous sights, especially in winter. Located in southern Egypt on the banks of the Nile, Aswan enchants numerous visitors every year. In addition to the obligatory souks, popular sights in the city of Aswan include the ruins of a Coptic monastery, the small Isis temple, several mosques and the Nubian Museum. However, the most interesting discoveries are in the immediate vicinity of Aswan: starting with the mausoleum of the Aga Khan, through the old city walls, to the quarries on the outskirts of the city. An unfinished obelisk can still be admired here today. Don’t miss Elephantine Island on the Nile with a nilometer (water level gauge) and Lord Kitchener Island with its beautiful botanical gardens. A trip to the nearby Aswan Dam, which is one of the largest dams in the world, is recommended. The same applies to the Temple of Philae, about two kilometers to the south, which had to be saved from the reservoir and had to be relocated. Day trips to the two magnificent temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel or to Edfu are also possible.
Dahab
Located on the east coast of the Sinai Peninsula, Dahab means “gold” in Arabic. The city owes its name to the golden beaches. Dahab is easily accessible from the airport in Sharm El Sheikh, which is about 70 kilometers away. With its wide range of bars, restaurants and cafés right on the beach, the seaside resort offers all the options for a relaxing holiday under the Egyptian sun. The water temperatures are between 21 and 27 °C all year round. For more active vacationers, excursions into the desert are also available. A detour to Nabq National Park is highly recommended. A visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery is also worthwhile. Above all, however, Dahab is famous for its first-class diving grounds with over 80 diving centers. The “Blue Hole” is particularly fascinating – a unique diving area.
Alexandria
Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt. It is named after Alexander the Great, who ruled the port city in 331 BC. founded. Alexandria was home to one of the seven ancient wonders of the world: The Pharos Lighthouse, which was destroyed by an earthquake in the 14th century. Today there are plans to rebuild it just a few meters away from its original location. Alexandria has numerous sights: The Corniche invites you to stroll along the harbor. Worth seeing are the Kait Bey citadel and the ancient theater of Kom el-Dik (3rd and 4th centuries), which was only discovered in 1960. The catacombs of Kom el-Shufaga (1st and 2nd centuries) are also interesting, as are the ruins of the Serapeum and the well-preserved Pompey’s Column. Very impressive are the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, in which various exhibitions,
Abu Simbel
In southern Egypt, near the Sudanese border, lies the small town of Abu Simbel. Abu Simbel is famous for its two rock temples (13th century), which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The Great Temple, built in honor of Ramses II, is particularly impressive. The so-called Miracle of the Sun takes place twice a year, when the sun’s rays illuminate the statues of Ptah, Re-Harakhte, Amun-Re and Ramses II based on the position of the sun. In the 1960s, the temple complex had to be moved to a higher location because Lake Nasser, created by the Aswan Dam, was about to flood several temples.
dendera
The city of Dendera is located about 60 kilometers north of Luxor. There are temples here, which are a popular stop on many Nile cruises. The very well-preserved temple of the goddess Hathor is particularly worth seeing. If you look at the ceiling of the Osiris Chapel, you will discover the real treasure of the temple: one of the oldest zodiacs in Egypt (2nd century BC). However, the original of this artifact is in the Egyptian Museum in Paris. In the Temple of Hathor, a plaster imitation awaits visitors. The view from the roof of the temple complex is incomparable. Also worth seeing are the Holy Lake and the Nilometer, with which the water level of the Nile can still be measured today.
Edfu
The city of Edfu is located in Upper Egypt about 100 kilometers north of Aswan. The city is easily accessible by train, car or plane (Luxor Airport). A bridge has connected the two sides of the Nile since 1969. You can easily reach the famous Temple of Horus by train via this. Edfu and the temple complex can also be reached by ship. Because they are a stop on almost every Nile cruise. The jetty is about 850 meters east of the temple complex. The Temple of Horus (completed 57 BC) is considered the best preserved and second largest temple in Egypt. The granite chapel, which is accessed via an imposing portico, is particularly worth seeing.
