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Abu Simbel Temples Abu Simbel, Egypt ☎ +20 2 22617304 Last Updated: 02/11/2026 |
| The Abu Simbel Temples are a pair of ancient Egyptian temples located near the southern border of Egypt, close to the town of Abu Simbel. These temples are renowned for their monumental size, impressive architecture, and historical significance. | |
| - Location: The Abu Simbel Temples are located in the Nubia region of southern Egypt, near the banks of Lake Nasser. They are approximately 280 kilometers (174 miles) southwest of Aswan. - Construction: The temples were originally constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BCE. They were built to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Kadesh and to honor the gods Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty, Ptah, and Ramesses himself. - Monumental Size: The two main temples at Abu Simbel are the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari. The Great Temple is particularly notable for its massive rock-cut façade with four colossal seated statues of Ramesses II, each standing around 20 meters (66 feet) tall. - Relocation: In the 1960s, the temples faced the threat of submersion due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam and the resulting formation of Lake Nasser. To preserve these historically significant structures, an international effort was undertaken to dismantle and relocate the temples to higher ground. The process was completed in 1968. - Abu Simbel Sun Festival: One of the most remarkable aspects of the Abu Simbel Temples is the alignment of the sun's rays with the temple's interior twice a year. On February 22 and October 22, the sunlight illuminates the inner sanctuary of the Great Temple, highlighting the statues of the gods while leaving the statue of Ptah, the god of darkness, in shadow. - Iconic Façades: The façades of both temples are decorated with intricate reliefs, hieroglyphics, and scenes depicting Ramesses II's military achievements and religious rituals. - Nefertari Temple: The Small Temple of Nefertari is dedicated to Ramesses II's favorite wife, Queen Nefertari. The façade features statues of the pharaoh and the queen, symbolizing their divine roles. - Tourism: The relocated Abu Simbel Temples are now a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to admire their architecture, history, and the fascinating phenomenon of the sun alignment. - UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Abu Simbel Temples, along with other Nubian monuments, were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 for their cultural significance and the remarkable engineering feat of their relocation. - Cultural and Archaeological Significance: The Abu Simbel Temples not only showcase the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture but also provide insight into the political and religious beliefs of the time. The relocation effort highlighted the international collaboration to safeguard world heritage. The Abu Simbel Temples stand as a testament to the engineering prowess and cultural heritage of ancient Egypt. Their significance has been preserved through their relocation and restoration, allowing modern visitors to marvel at their magnificence. | |
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Egypt » Aswan
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Philae Temple Complex Place » Historical Place The Philae Temple Complex is an ancient Egyptian temple complex located on Philae Island in the Nile River near Aswan, Egypt. It is renowned for its well-preserved temples and structures dedicated to various deities. 658 views 💖 1 👍 0Aswan, Aswan Governorate, Egypt |
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Aswan Governorate Place » City Aswan Province is one of Egypt's 27 provinces. It is the southernmost province of Upper Egypt, covering much of Lake Nasser. The provincial capital is Aswan City. The province's population was 1,685,743 in 2024. 8 views 💖 1 👍 0Egypt |
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Temple of Nefertari Place » Historical Place The Temple of Nefertari is an ancient Egyptian temple located in the province of Aswan, Egypt. Built during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BC, it was dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Queen Nefertari, Ramesses II's principal wife. The temple is renowned for its beautifully decorated walls, featuring numerous inscriptions and reliefs depicting Nefertari and Ramesses II. 7 views 💖 1 👍 0Abu Simbel, Aswan Governorate 1211501, Egypt |