Aswan, Egypt
Archaeological site in Egypt, with Old and Middle Kingdom Tombs
Qubbet el-Hawa, the Dome of the Wind, is a rocky hill about 130 metres high on the Nile's west bank opposite Aswan. On its southern summit sits the small white domed tomb of a local saint, Sidi Ali ibn al-Hawa, which gives the place its name. The archaeology lies lower down: terraces of rock-cut tombs of Aswan's nobles and governors from the Old and Middle Kingdoms, used from the Fourth Dynasty into Roman times. More than a hundred tombs have been found, holding around a thousand burials. The best known belonged to the men who ran Egypt's southern frontier and led expeditions into Africa: Harkhuf, who recorded his journeys south on his tomb facade, Sarenput I and II of the Middle Kingdom, and the joint tomb of Sabni and Mekhu. Their inscriptions describe trading and exploring missions deep into Nubia. The site is part of the Nubian Monuments World Heritage Site, and the top gives the widest view of Aswan, its islands, the cataract and the desert.
Take a boat from the corniche to the landing below the hill. The climb is a long, steep, sunny staircase, so go early in the morning or about two hours before sunset, with water. Allow an hour and a half for the tombs and view. Going on up to the saint's dome takes extra stamina, and sunset from there is one of the finest sights in Aswan.
Hours and prices change — check before you go. Source: en.wikipedia.org
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AttractionAswan, Egypt
