Temple of Amada
Temple of Amada: Nubia's Oldest Temple
Abu Simbel Temples: A Nubian Marvel
Explore the majestic Abu Simbel temples, a testament to ancient Egyptian power and architectural prowess, relocated to preserve history.
The Abu Simbel temples, located in southern Egypt, are a stunning testament to the power and ambition of Pharaoh Ramesses II. Carved into a sandstone cliff in the 13th century BC, the Great Temple and Small Temple were dedicated to Ramesses II, his wife Nefertari, and various gods. Relocated in the 1960s to save them from the rising waters of the Aswan High Dam, they remain one of Egypt's most iconic and awe-inspiring sites.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Abu Simbel Temples
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
5 am-6 pm
Tuesday
5 am-6 pm
Wednesday
5 am-6 pm
Thursday
5 am-6 pm
Friday
5 am-6 pm
Saturday
5 am-6 pm
Sunday
5 am-6 pm
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Getting There
Flight
The quickest way to reach Abu Simbel is by flying from Aswan to Abu Simbel Airport. EgyptAir operates direct flights, with a flight time of approximately 45 minutes. Upon arrival at Abu Simbel Airport, a complimentary bus service is typically provided by the airline to transport passengers to the temple complex, which is a short 5-minute ride. The bus will wait at the temple parking lot while you visit the site. A roundtrip flight from Aswan can cost between $200 and $500 per person.
Car
Alternatively, you can travel by car or taxi from Aswan to Abu Simbel, a journey of approximately 3-4 hours. A private taxi can be arranged in Aswan for around 2000-3800 EGP. Some hotels, such as the Sofitel Old Cataract and Movenpick in Aswan, can arrange day trips by land. Keep in mind that the drive involves passing through police checkpoints. Upon arrival, there is a parking area near the temple entrance.
Local tips
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Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and the midday heat, enhancing your experience of the temples.
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Purchase tickets with a credit card at the on-site ticket booth.
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Consider booking a guided tour from Aswan for seamless transportation, entrance fees, and expert commentary.
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Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, as the area can be very hot and sunny.
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Check the dates for the Abu Simbel Sun Festival (February 22 and October 22) to witness the sun illuminating the inner sanctum.
Discover more about Abu Simbel Temples
Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to two massive rock-cut temples built by Ramesses II in the 13th century BC. The Great Temple is dedicated to Ramesses II and the gods Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, while the Small Temple honors his chief wife Nefertari and the goddess Hathor.The Great Temple's facade is dominated by four colossal seated statues of Ramesses II, each about 20 meters (66 feet) tall. Inside, the temple extends 56 meters (185 feet) into the cliff, adorned with more statues and scenes from Ramesses' purported victory at the Battle of Kadesh. The Small Temple features six statues, four of Ramesses II and two of Nefertari, showcasing the queen at equal scale to the pharaoh, a rare occurrence in ancient Egyptian art.In the 1960s, the temples were dismantled and relocated to higher ground to save them from submersion due to the Aswan High Dam's construction. This incredible feat of engineering, led by UNESCO, ensured the preservation of these magnificent monuments for future generations. Today, visitors can explore the temples and marvel at their grandeur, intricate carvings, and the rich history they represent.
A brief summary to Abu Simbel Temples
Use Abu Simbel Temples as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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