Hotel Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan

At the gates of the ancient kingdom

Aswan is a city of 250,000 inhabitants on the banks of the Nile, and one of Egypt’s main tourist sites. Considered to be the gateway to black Africa, it is also the gateway to the ancient Nubian kingdom, a civilization that disappeared and whose remains are the subject of a museum built in 1997. Aswan lives literally off the Nile, the river of the gods, through tourism of course, and especially cruises, but also its dams. The upper dam of Aswan for example, is reputed to be the biggest in the world. It demonstrates the willingness of the former Egyptian leaders, Nasser and Sadat, to realize the pharaohs’ dream of dominating and becoming masters of the Nile, a demonstration of force which points out the importance of Aswan as a key site for commerce, a quality the city possessed in ancient times. The exploitation of the surrounding granite quarries and the transporting of the stones created an extremely important port. The stones of Aswan are the same that were used to build the pyramids. Aswan is therefore a strategic city, but especially a city of legends. One of them overlooks the Nile and has observed the city’s inhabitants for more than a century. It’s not a temple but the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, one of the world’s renowned palaces hotels.

A modern day legend

Built in 1899, the hotel was originally a royal residence. The Old Cataract, as many people call it, has always been a palace. With its Victorian façade and its totally classical splendor, the Old Cataract is an historic luxury hotel which combines modern comforts and history with disconcerting ease. The lobby for starters, leaves no doubt about the experience awaiting the visitor. The marble floors, the columns and the oriental refinement are certain to enchant western visitors. In addition, the grand arches and the dining room with its Moorish style cupolas create an elegant atmosphere that has attracted numerous politicians and celebrities from all walks of life. This palace is representative of ancient Egypt. It’s a classical vision but far from static in a country that is learning to modernize while at the same time, respecting its immense cultural heritage. The Old Cataract itself is not averse to change. In 2008, it closed and underwent a long renovation. It reopened in 2011 with an historical part called The Palace, which maintained the architecture of the period and with totally contemporary services including spas, jacuzzis, an indoor swimming pool and a hammam. By innovating and still preserving its legendary beauty, the Old Cataract is attracting a new generation of visitors and should continue to reign over the world’s luxury palaces for at least another century.

The late French president François Mitterand was a frequent visitor to Aswan. It was here that he decided to run for a second term in 1988. The Old Cataract also welcomed Winston Churchill as well as Agatha Christie, who wrote her famous novel, “Death on the Nile” here. It was adapted for the screen in 1978, and the film was shot here, at the Old Cataract.