Aswan and Abu Simbel

the long version

Aswan is one of Egypt's most popular winter resorts. For many visitors, its natural surroundings on the Nile's First Cataract and its warm winter climate are attraction enough, but there are also many sites of interest: the graceful temples of Philae Island; tombs of ancient noblemen with their fascinating biographical records; the desert ruins of the monastery of Saint Simeon; the rich botanical collection on Plantation Island begun by Lord Kitchener; the High Dam and the Nubian temples of Kalabsha and Beit al-Wali. Nearly three hundred kilometers south of Aswan, on the shores of Lake Nasser, stand the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel, saved from the rising waters of the lake in one of the most remarkable salvage operations ever mounted. North of Aswan is the unique double temple of Kom Ombo. In this guidebook, the first to be devoted entirely to Jill Aswan and Abu Simbel, Jill Kamil presents a lively account of the history of the town and Egypt's southern frontier region from earliest times to the twentieth century, then guides the visitor round each of the sites. In a final chapter she provides practical information on accommodations and transport.