Aswan to Abu Simbel: Day Trip by Coach

The Abu Simbel Temples, ranking among the most famous in all of Egypt after the Giza Pyramids, stand as a testament to the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture and the enduring legacy of Pharaoh Ramses II and his wife, Nefertari. Here’s more about these remarkable twin temples:

Built during the 13th century BC, during the reign of Ramses II, the Abu Simbel Temples are rock-cut structures carved into the mountainside on the west bank of the Nile. They were constructed to honor Ramses II and his queen, Nefertari.

The Great Temple at Abu Simbel, also known as the Sun Temple, is dedicated to Ramses II and is adorned with colossal statues of the pharaoh seated on his throne. The smaller temple is dedicated to Nefertari and the goddess Hathor, representing a rare example of a temple dedicated to a queen.

The temples are renowned for their architectural brilliance and the colossal statues that guard the entrance. The façade of the Great Temple features four colossal statues of Ramses II, each reaching a height of about 20 meters. The interior is adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Ramses II’s reign.

Due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam and the subsequent flooding of Lake Nasser, the temples faced the threat of submersion. In a remarkable feat of engineering and international collaboration led by UNESCO, the temples were relocated in the 1960s to higher ground to preserve their historical and cultural significance.

The orientation of the Great Temple is designed so that twice a year, on February 22nd and October 22nd, the rising sun illuminates the inner sanctum, highlighting the statues of the gods seated within, including a statue of Ramses II himself.

Visiting the Abu Simbel Temples offers a captivating journey into ancient Egyptian history, art, and engineering prowess, showcasing the enduring legacy of Ramses II and the dedication to preserving Egypt’s cultural treasures.