Beit el-Wali: A Nubian Temple of Ramses II

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Explore Beit el-Wali, a relocated Nubian temple of Ramses II showcasing ancient Egyptian art and history near Aswan's Kalabsha Temple.

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Beit el-Wali

Beit el-Wali is a small, rock-cut temple in Nubia, built by Pharaoh Ramses II. Originally located 50 kilometers south of Aswan, it was relocated to higher ground near the Kalabsha Temple during the 1960s to save it from submersion by the Aswan High Dam project. Dedicated to the deities Amun-Re, Re-Horakhti, Khnum, and Anuket, it offers insights into ancient Egyptian art, culture, and history.

A brief summary to Beit el-Wali

XV68+QH6, Aswan, Aswan Governorate, EG

Local tips

Combine your visit with the nearby Kalabsha Temple for a comprehensive exploration of Nubian monuments.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces around the temple site.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

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Getting There

Taxi

From central Aswan, a taxi is a convenient way to reach the New Kalabsha area where Beit el-Wali is located. Taxis are readily available throughout Aswan. A typical taxi ride from Aswan to the Kalabsha area takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Expect to pay around 30-50 EGP for the ride. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
Public Transport

While public transport options to the New Kalabsha area are limited, you can take a local bus towards the Aswan High Dam and then hire a taxi for the remaining distance to Beit el-Wali. Bus fares are typically very low, around 5-10 EGP. The subsequent taxi ride should cost around 20-30 EGP. This option requires more time and coordination.

Discover more about Beit el-Wali

Beit el-Wali, meaning 'House of the Holy Man,' is an ancient Egyptian temple built by Pharaoh Ramses II in Nubia. It is believed that the name came from its use by a Christian hermit at some point in time. Constructed as the first in a series of temples by Ramses II in this region, it served as a place of worship and ritual ceremonies dedicated to the deified Pharaoh and other gods.In the 1960s, the temple faced submersion due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam. As part of the International Campaign to Save the Monuments of Nubia, the temple was dismantled and relocated to a new location near the Temple of Kalabsha.The temple's architecture includes a pylon entrance, a courtyard, and a sanctuary. The walls are adorned with well-preserved reliefs and inscriptions depicting scenes from Ramesses II's reign, showcasing his military campaigns and interactions with foreign dignitaries. The temple provides insights into the religious and political aspects of the New Kingdom period in ancient Egypt.