Abu Simbel

The Temples of Abu Simbel are Egypt's most spectacular monument next to the pyramids — and perhaps the most impressive example of ancient megalomania. Ramses II. (reigned 1279–1213 BC) had the two rock temples carved into the rock on the west bank of the Nile, 280 km south of Aswan, on the border with Nubia.

The Great Temple

The facade is 33 m high and 38 m wide, flanked by four seated colossal statues of Ramses II., each 20 m high. Inside, halls full of reliefs (battle scenes, the Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites) lead to the sanctuary with four seated statues: Ramses II. alongside the gods Ptah, Amun-Re, and Re-Harachte.

Twice a year — on February 22 and October 22 — the rising sun shines exactly through the entrance and illuminates the three statues in the sanctuary (Ptah remains in the dark — deliberately planned as the god of the underworld). This astronomical phenomenon attracts thousands of visitors.

The UNESCO Rescue Operation

From 1964 to 1968, the temples were cut into 1,042 blocks (weighing up to 30 tons each) and rebuilt 65 m higher and 200 m inland — to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. An unprecedented feat that cost 40 million USD and demonstrated international solidarity.