Abu Simbel Temples: A Monumental Legacy

4.8 (15978)

Discover the majestic Abu Simbel temples, a testament to ancient Egyptian power and architectural prowess, relocated to preserve its legacy.

Home
Egypt
Upper Egypt
Abu Simbel Temples

The Abu Simbel temples, located in southern Egypt, are a stunning testament to the power and ambition of Pharaoh Ramesses II. Carved into a mountainside in the 13th century BC, the twin temples were dedicated to the gods and to Ramesses II and his wife Nefertari. Relocated in the 1960s to save them from the rising waters of the Aswan High Dam, they remain an awe-inspiring sight.

A brief summary to Abu Simbel Temples

Abu Simbel, Aswan Governorate, EG
Click to display
Click to display

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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Abu Simbel Temples.

Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and the midday heat. The temples open at 5 AM, and visiting at this time allows for a more peaceful experience.
Consider visiting during the Abu Simbel Sun Festival (around February 22 and October 22) to witness the solar alignment that illuminates the inner sanctuary.
Purchase tickets in advance online or at the visitor center to save time. Credit cards are accepted.
Hire a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of the temples. The entrance fee includes a guide service.
Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, especially during the hotter months. Temperatures can reach extreme highs, so it's important to protect yourself from the sun.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Temple of Amada

Temple of Amada: Nubia's Oldest Temple

Getting There

Flight

The quickest way to reach Abu Simbel is by flying from Aswan International Airport (ASW) to Abu Simbel Airport (ABS). EgyptAir operates flights taking approximately 45 minutes. Round-trip tickets start around $100 USD. From Abu Simbel Airport, a complimentary shuttle bus ('Happy Year Transport') provides transport to the temple complex, a short 5 km trip. Alternatively, taxis are available.
Taxi

Taxis offer a direct route from Aswan to Abu Simbel, a journey of approximately 4 hours. Negotiate the fare in advance, with prices starting around 4000 EGP (approximately $130 USD) for a round trip. Note that taxi drivers typically do not accept card payments, so ensure you have local currency.
Tour Bus

Many tour operators in Aswan offer day trips to Abu Simbel by bus. These tours usually include hotel pick-up and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and sometimes a guide. Prices range from 1500-2000 EGP ($30-$40 USD), excluding the entrance ticket. The bus will park at the designated parking lot near the visitor center, a short walk to the temple entrance.

Discover more about Abu Simbel Temples

The Abu Simbel temples, located on the western bank of Lake Nasser, stand as a remarkable feat of ancient engineering and a lasting symbol of Pharaoh Ramesses II's reign. Constructed in the 13th century BC, during the 19th Dynasty, the complex comprises two main temples: the Great Temple, dedicated to Ramesses II himself and the gods Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, and the Small Temple, dedicated to his beloved wife Nefertari and the goddess Hathor.The Great Temple's facade is dominated by four colossal statues of Ramesses II, each over 20 meters tall, carved directly into the rock face. These imposing figures were designed to project the pharaoh's power and divinity. Inside, a series of halls and chambers are adorned with intricate carvings and artwork depicting Ramesses' military victories, religious rituals, and scenes of daily life.The Small Temple, located a short distance north of the Great Temple, features six statues on its facade: four of Ramesses II and two of Nefertari. Unusually, Nefertari's statues are almost the same size as those of the pharaoh, highlighting her importance and the great affection Ramesses II held for her. The interior of the Small Temple is decorated with scenes of the royal couple making offerings to the gods.In the 1960s, the temples faced a major threat due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam, which would have submerged them under the rising waters of Lake Nasser. An international rescue effort, led by UNESCO, dismantled the entire complex and relocated it to higher ground, preserving it for future generations. Today, Abu Simbel is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to marvel at its grandeur and learn about its fascinating history.Twice a year, around February 22 and October 22, a remarkable phenomenon occurs at the Great Temple. The rays of the rising sun penetrate the entire length of the temple, illuminating the statues of the gods in the innermost sanctuary, except for Ptah, the god of the underworld, who remains in shadow. This event, known as the Abu Simbel Sun Festival, draws crowds of people who gather to witness this incredible display of ancient Egyptian engineering and astronomical knowledge.