Egypt's Aswan Dam a sight to behold

Egypt might be famous for its pyramids but there are a number of other landmarks that help to make the country such a fabulous holiday hotspot.

Those who take a sightseeing trek down the Nile might be mesmerised by the Aswan Dam, the 111-metre high construction that controls the water flow of Africa's longest river.

The dam's construction began in 1960 and was completed 10 years later. In the following years it has had a significant impact on Egypt's economy.

While the dam's opening in 1970 has enabled the Egyptians to enjoy greater shelter from the Nile's floods, it has forced some of Egypt's other tourist attractions to be relocated.

One such attraction to be re-homed due to the construction of the Aswan Dam are the Abu Simbel temples to the south of Aswan. The temples were built during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II and are famous for four large carved figures.

Also relocated was the Philae temple, which is now situated on an island in the Nile.