About Abu Simbel
The Abu Simbel temples are two massive rock-cut temples at Abu Simbel, a village in Nubia, southern Egypt, near the border with Sudan. The twin temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BCE, as a lasting monument to himself and his queen Nefertari.
The complex was relocated in its entirety in 1968 to avoid being submerged during the creation of Lake Nasser, the massive artificial water reservoir formed after the building of the Aswan High Dam on the Nile River. This was one of the greatest challenges of archaeological engineering in history.
Gallery
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
Quick Facts
- Location: Abu Simbel, Nubia, Egypt
- Built: 1264-1244 BCE (19th Dynasty)
- Constructed by: Pharaoh Ramses II
- Height of statues: 20 meters (65 ft)
- Relocation: Moved 65m higher in 1968
- Alignment: Sun illuminates inner sanctuary twice yearly
- UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site since 1979
Visiting Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel is located about 280 km south of Aswan and is accessible by plane (1 hour flight from Aswan) or by road (3-4 hour convoy from Aswan). The temples are open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM (winter) or 6:00 PM (summer).
The best time to visit is early morning when temperatures are cooler and the light is perfect for photography. The biannual Sun Festival (February 22 and October 22) is particularly spectacular, when sunlight penetrates the temple to illuminate the statues in the inner sanctuary.
Most visitors combine Abu Simbel with other Nubian sites as part of a Lake Nasser cruise or as a day trip from Aswan. The site has a visitor center, restrooms, and a café, but accommodations are limited in Abu Simbel village itself.