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What Are the Abu Simbel Temples?
The Abu Simbel temples Egypt are two massive rock cut temples located in southern Egypt that are carved into the cliffs on the west bank of the Nile. The larger one known as the Great Temple of Abu Simbel was dedicated to Ramses II himself and the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty and Ptah. And the smaller one often called the Small Temple of Queen Nefertari was built in honor of Ramses II’s beloved wife Nefertari and the goddess Hathor.
Both temples were constructed to impress both; the gods and also Egypt’s neighbors to the south. And back in the day they were a bold political message: “This is Egypt and we are powerful” Even now after thousands of years that message still stands loud and clear with the temples.

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What Is the History of Abu Simbel Temple?
The history of the Temple of Abu Simbel Egypt starts around 1264 BCE during the reign of Ramses II who was also known as Ramses the Great; he wanted to leave behind monuments that would last for eternity and Abu Simbel was one of his greatest projects.
The temples were meant to mark Egypt’s southern boundary and to show the strength of his empire to anyone coming from Nubia and they also celebrated his victories in battle especially the famous Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites.
Over centuries, sand buried Ramses II Abu Simbel temple almost completely and the temples were rediscovered in 1813 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt and later studied in detail by Italian explorer Giovanni Belzoni in 1817

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Where Is Abu Simbel Temple Located?
The location of Abu Simbel is about 280 km south of Aswan city and close to the border with Sudan. Originally the temples stood on the banks of the Nile but today they sit beside Lake Nasser; (the massive artificial lake formed after the construction of the Aswan High Dam)
Getting there usually involves either a an early morning bus ride or even a Nile cruise and one of the best things about it is that the remote Abu Simbel location makes it feel even more special like a holy treasure at the edge of Egypt.

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What Is the Architecture of Abu Simbel Temples?
The architecture of Abu Simbel temples is a wonder of ancient engineering as the Ramses II temple at Abu Simbel is fronted by four colossal statues of the pharaoh each standing about 20 meters tall seated on a throne and wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt and even their toes are taller than an average person!!
The entrance leads into a grand hall supported by massive pillars carved into the shape of Osiris the god of the afterlife which symbolizes Ramses II’s eternal rule. And the entire layout was designed with astronomical precision (twice a year, the sun’s rays penetrate deep into the sanctuary to light up the statues of the gods inside)

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What Is the Description of Abu Simbel Temples?
Inside the Great Temple of Abu Simbel the walls are decorated with colorful reliefs showing Ramses II’s victories in war along with offerings to the gods with scenes of daily life too. The sanctuary at the very back holds statues of four gods and they are: Ra-Horakhty, Amun, Ramses II (as a god) and Ptah
The Abu Simbel temple inside feels almost like an art gallery! as the carvings still show the craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian artists and the scale makes you feel both impressed and humbled at the same time!

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What Is the Small Temple of Queen Nefertari?
The Small Temple of Queen Nefertari stands right next to the Great Temple and it is dedicated to the goddess Hathor the deity of love, beauty & music… as well as to Queen Nefertari herself. The façade features six statues (four of Ramses II and two of Nefertari) each about 10 meters high.
And inside, the walls show Nefertari making offerings to Hathor with scenes of music and dancing along with more images of Ramses II’s military power. And the fact that Ramses built a temple of such size for his queen was rare in ancient Egypt and is often seen as a sign of his deep love and affection for her. Seems cute right?!

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How Were the Abu Simbel Temples Relocated?
One of the most amazing Abu Simbel facts is that these temples are not in their original location, how come? In the 1960s, the construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened to flood them under the waters of Lake Nasser and that is when an international rescue mission led by UNESCO began in 1964.
So what happened? The temples were cut into massive blocks (some weighing up to 30 tons ) and moved 65 meters higher and 200 meters back from the riverbank. The process took 4 years and is considered one of the greatest feats of modern archaeological engineering! 

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What Is the Abu Simbel Sun Festival?
Twice a year the Abu Simbel Sun Festival draws visitors from around the world; On February 22 and October 22, the sun’s rays travel through the temple entrance and illuminate the statues in the sanctuary except for Ptah the god of darkness who always stays in shadow! Brilliant isn’t it?!
These dates are the best time to have an Abu Simbel Temple tour as they believed to mark Ramses II’s birthday and his coronation day though historians still debate the exact reason. Today the festival is celebrated with music, dancing & a lively atmosphere… making it a unique experience to witness.

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What Are the Most Interesting Facts About Abu Simbel Temples?
Here are some fascinating Abu Simbel facts that you will love:

  • The Great Temple of Abu Simbel is aligned so precisely that the sun only lights the sanctuary twice a year
  • The relocation in the 1960s cost around $40 million which was an enormous sum at the time
  • The temples took about 20 years to build
  • Each of the colossal statues outside the Great Temple weighs around 1000 tons
  • The temple Abu Simbel Egypt complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; part of the “Nubian Monuments” list
  • Carvings inside show Ramses II’s famous peace treaty with the Hittites which is one of the earliest recorded treaties in history.

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Why Should You Visit the Abu Simbel Temples?
Visiting the temple of Abu Simbel Egypt is more of an emotional experience because when you be standing under those colossal statues, walking through halls that have witnessed thousands of years and knowing they were saved from being lost forever… that’s all give the place a magical and surreal energy. So if you are currently planning your next trip to Egypt, make sure to include the temple tour with Step To Egypt as it is the perfect way to experience one of the most extraordinary wonders of the ancient world!

Abu Simbel Temples are located in southern Egypt about 230 km southwest of Aswan near the borders of Sudan and they are originally carved into the cliffs on the west bank of the Nile. These amazing temples are the lasting historical monument for the king Ramses II and his queen Nefertari. 
The temples were built more than 3000 years ago by king Ramses II and they are famous for their huge size as well as the way they were moved piece by piece to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.