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Aswan

The town of Aswan lies on the east bank of the Nile river. It is a small town with most things within easy walking distance of each other. Most of the best budget accommodation in Aswan is found on Elephantine Island. This quiet, laid-back island lies directly opposite central Aswan. The public ferry to the island leaves from beside the KFC and costs 5LE each way. In the town center on the mainland there are plenty of local shops and markets selling cheap food.

The train station is located towards the north of the town about 200m from the river. It is about a 2 km walk from the train station to the Elephantine Island ferry. Trains run north from Aswan to Cairo. The journey takes around 15 hours and costs 235LE (15USD in 2020) for a 1st class seat. Trains to Luxor cost 51LE (3USD in 2020) and take 3 and a half hours.

Obelisk

Much of the red granite used for building in ancient Egypt came from quarries in the Aswan area. In one of these quarries lies The Unfinished Obelisk. It is 42m in length and has been carved out on three sides with the bottom side still attached to the bedrock.It is thought to have been abandoned during its construction when some cracks appeared in the rock. Had the obelisk been completed it would have been the heaviest obelisk ever cut in Ancient Egypt, weighing over 1000 tons.

The obelisk is located a short walk from the Nubia Museum on the opposite side of the Fatimid Cemetary.

Entrance 80LE (2020)

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Travelstick Aswan

Obelisk Aswan

Aswan Sights