The Abu Simbel Temples

Monuments of Majesty in the Desert

Located near the Sudanese border in southern Egypt, the Abu Simbel Temples are one of the greatest treasures of the ancient world. Commissioned by Pharaoh Ramses II during the 13th century BCE, this rock-hewn complex was designed to showcase his power, assert Egyptian dominance in Nubia, and honor the gods. But more than that, it was a statement of divine kingship—a massive “look what I built” message carved directly into the cliffs.

The site consists of two temples:

The Great Temple, dedicated to Ramses II and the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah.
The Small Temple, built for his beloved queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor.

Inside the Temples

The Great Temple of Ramses II

The façade is one of Egypt’s most iconic sights: four seated statues of Ramses II, each over 20 meters high, stare out over the desert. These statues were carefully carved directly from the sandstone cliffs and have stood the test of time—almost. One was damaged by an earthquake in ancient times, and its upper body now lies at the base of the temple, exactly where it fell.

Inside, the temple stretches 60 meters into the mountain. It’s filled with massive pillars in the shape of Osiris (god of the afterlife), elaborate battle scenes—including Ramses’ famous (and very self-glorifying) victory at Kadesh—and statues of Egyptian deities.

The Abu Simbel Temples: Monuments of Majesty in the Desert

The Small Temple of Nefertari

This temple is dedicated to both Nefertari and the goddess Hathor. At the entrance stand six statues—four of Ramses and two of Nefertari—each standing 10 meters tall. What’s unusual is that Nefertari is portrayed at the same scale as her husband, something rarely seen in ancient Egyptian art.

Inside, the walls depict scenes of Nefertari presenting offerings to the gods and participating in ceremonies—an extraordinary tribute to her status and influence.

A Glimpse into History

Abu Simbel was constructed during the 13th century BCE, in honor of Ramses II and his favorite queen, Nefertari. The larger temple is dedicated to the king himself, along with the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah. The smaller temple celebrates Nefertari and the goddess Hathor—one of the rare examples in ancient Egypt where a queen was given equal billing with a pharaoh.

When the Aswan High Dam was built in the 1960s, rising waters from Lake Nasser threatened to submerge the temples. Over the course of four years, engineers cut the site into over 1,000 blocks, each weighing up to 30 tons. They reassembled them on an artificial hill—preserving the temples down to their original solar alignment. It remains one of the most ambitious and successful archaeological relocation projects ever attempted.

Solar Alignment: Ramses and the Sun

One of Abu Simbel’s most incredible features is its solar phenomenon. Twice a year—on February 22 and October 22—the sun’s rays align perfectly to illuminate the statues in the innermost sanctuary of the Great Temple.

These dates are believed to mark Ramses II’s birthday and coronation, though scholars debate the exact reason. Regardless, the precision of ancient Egyptian engineering continues to awe scientists and travelers alike.

Fun fact? Even after the temple was moved, engineers managed to recreate the alignment with almost perfect accuracy—a delay of only one day.

How to Visit Abu Simbel

By road: Most travelers visit via a 3-hour drive from Aswan, often part of an early morning tour that departs around 4 AM.

By air: EgyptAir offers short flights from Aswan to Abu Simbel, often timed to coincide with optimal visiting hours. Perfect for a quick day trip if you’re short on time.

By cruise: Some Lake Nasser cruises include Abu Simbel as part of their itinerary, offering a scenic and relaxed way to arrive.

When to Go

Best time: October to April for cooler weather.
Time of day: Arrive early (before 8 AM) for fewer crowds and softer light.
Solar alignment dates: February 22 & October 22 are magical, but very crowded—book well in advance!

Are you ready to start discovering Egypt?

During my trip to Egypt, I booked a couple of tours and had an incredible time! I’m sharing the links below in case you’re interested.

Are you ready to start discovering Egypt?

During my trip to Egypt, I booked a couple of tours and had an incredible time! I’m sharing the links below in case you’re interested.

The Abu Simbel Temples

Monuments of Majesty in the Desert

Inside the Temples

The Great Temple of Ramses II

The Small Temple of Nefertari

A Glimpse into History

Solar Alignment: Ramses and the Sun

How to Visit Abu Simbel

When to Go

Location

Hours:

Entrance Fee:

Are you ready to start discovering Egypt?

Are you ready to start discovering Egypt?

More things to see in Egypt