The Mausoleum of Aga Khan, which is located close to the Monastery of St. Simeon on the west bank of the Nile, has a panoramic view of Aswan in all directions.

Mohammed Shah Aga Khan was the spiritual leader of the Ismailis, a Shiite sect. He succeeded his father in 1885 to become the 48th imam, and he had followers all over the world, especially in India.

The Aga Khan was educated in Europe and was extremely wealthy. On his birthday in 1945, he was weighed in diamonds which he then distributed to his followers.

Mohammed Shah Aga Khan died in 1957 and his grandson Karim Aga Khan succeeded him.

The Mausoleum is no longer open to the public and the family's white villa that stands in front of the Mausoleum has been renovated and enlarged.

HOW TO REACH THERE

• By private felucca or motorboat.
• By car (20-30 minutes drive from the corniche via the Old Dam road).