Elephantine Island
جزيرة إلفنتين
An island in the Nile opposite central Aswan, the gateway to Egypt's southern frontier in ancient times, home to the Temple of Khnum ruins, the Nilometer, and a Nubian village.
Elephantine was the capital of the first nome of ancient Egypt, called "Abu," meaning "elephant." The name reflects its control of the ivory trade. The archaeological area at the south end of the island contains the ruins of the Temple of Khnum and the Temple of Satet, the Nilometer used to measure the Nile's water level, and the Aswan Museum. The island's two Nubian villages are brightly colored and pleasant for a stroll. The archaeological area charges admission (check on site) and is open roughly 8:00 to 17:00. Public ferries cross from the Corniche in a few minutes, and you can also take a felucca around the island.
Opening hours
Archaeological area approx. 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Nearby sights
- Sofitel Legend Old Cataract
- Nubian Museum
- Mausoleum of Aga Khan III
- Kitchener's Island (Aswan Botanical Garden)
- Unfinished Obelisk
- Monastery of St. Simeon
- Tombs of the Nobles (Qubbet el-Hawa)
- Aswan Souq (Sharia as-Souq)