Abu Simbel Temples: A Monumental Testament to Ramses II
Explore the majestic Abu Simbel temples, monuments to Ramses II and a testament to ancient Egyptian artistry, relocated to preserve their legacy.
The Abu Simbel temples are located in Abu Simbel village, in southern Egypt, near the border with Sudan. These twin temples were originally carved out of the mountainside in the 13th century BC during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II. The Great Temple is dedicated to Ramses II himself and the gods Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, while the Small Temple is dedicated to his chief wife, Queen Nefertari, and the goddess Hathor. Construction of the temples began around 1264 BC and was completed around 1244 BC. The Great Temple's entrance is flanked by four colossal statues of Ramses II, each 20 meters (66 feet) high. Inside, intricate artwork depicts scenes from Ramses' victory at the Battle of Kadesh and other aspects of his reign. The Small Temple features statues of Ramses and Nefertari, a rare honor for a queen in ancient Egypt. In the 1960s, the temples were dismantled and relocated to higher ground to save them from being submerged by the rising waters of the Aswan High Dam. This complex engineering feat was an international effort led by UNESCO. Today, Abu Simbel is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Egypt's most visited ancient sites. Visitors can explore the temples, admire the colossal statues, and learn about the history and significance of this remarkable monument.
Local tips
- Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat, especially during peak tourist season.
- Purchase tickets with a credit card at the Visitor Center.
- Consider visiting during the sun alignment event on February 22 or October 22 for a unique experience, but expect larger crowds.
- Photography with a mobile phone is free, but a photography ticket is required for cameras inside the temple.
- Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the temple complex.
A brief summary to Abu Simbel Temples
- Abu Simbel, Aswan Governorate, EG
- +20222617304
Getting There
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Flight
The quickest way to reach Abu Simbel is by flying from Aswan. EgyptAir operates flights taking about 45 minutes. Upon arrival at Abu Simbel Airport, a free bus service is typically provided by the airline to transport passengers to the temple complex, approximately 5 km away. Tipping the driver is customary. A roundtrip flight from Aswan can cost between $150 to $325.
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Taxi/Private Car
A private taxi or car from Aswan is another option, taking approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. Negotiate the price in advance, with fares starting around 4000 EGP (approximately $130 USD) for a round trip. Ensure the driver is aware of the road's opening hours (typically 5 AM to 5 PM). While escorted convoys are no longer mandatory, security checkpoints are still in place.
