Abu Simbel Temples Egypt

The highlight of these temples is the four statues on the entrance. They are the largest sculptures that stood the test of time from the ancient Pharaonic era. You can see the many temples here but the most stunning and grand is the Sun Temple built to commemorate the great Egyptian pharaoh, King Ramses II.

So, why wait? Plan a trip to Egypt and explore the most magnificent temples of Egypt which got lost, rediscovered, and relocated. Since these twin temples have been the most popular site in Egypt’s south, they will provide you with the most memorable experience on your trip.

Overview of Abu Simbel Temples

Location The western bank of Lake Nasser
Address Abu Simbel, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
Timings 6 am – 5 pm 
Google Map  

Highlights

  • Witness the marvelous sculptures and statues of the Abu Simbel Temple complex.
  • Visit Aswan Governorate.
  • Take a bus tour to these rock-cut temples.
  • Hire a cycle and explore the area on your own.
  • Watch the Sound and Light Show.
  • Visit the Temple of Hathor.

Abu Simbel Temples Ticket Prices

As Abu Simbel Temples are visited by a large number of tourists, we recommend you book your tickets in advance to avoid the last-minute hassle. The cost of Abu Simbel Temples rises during the Sun Festival, so that is something you must keep in mind. Here are the ticket prices for Abu Simbel Temples in Aswan, Egypt – 

  • Entry Cost for Abu Simbel Temples: INR 1115
  • Entry Cost for Abu Simbel Temples During Sun Festival (February 22nd & October 22nd): INR 2323

Recommended For

History and architecture lovers will love this tourist attraction in Egypt. Whether you are an adult or are visiting with kids, the massive temples will leave you fascinated.

About Abu Simbel Temples 

Abu Simbel Temples are the most famed attractions in Egypt. Erected to convey the power of Egypt’s rulers to any who laid eyes upon them, Abu Simbel Temples are massive structures in Aswan. They gained more popularity after being featured in the popular movie “The Mummy Returns”, which presented the four seated figures at the doorway. 

Constructed over the course of 20 years in the 13th century, these majestic temples impress the tourists and locals living in southern Egypt. Dedicated to Ramesses II, Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, The Great Temple is grand and beautiful with four colossal statues. The Small Temple is just as stunning as the Great Temple and is dedicated to Queen Nefertari, the beloved wife of Ramesses the Great. 

The most interesting thing about Abu Simbel Temples is that the larger temple is aligned with the sun and twice a year the sun shines brightly in its deepest corners. Erstwhile architects aligned the larger temple with the sun so that the sunlight reached the room on February 22 and the anniversary of his inauguration to the throne and on pharaoh’s birthday, October 22. On these two dates, the sun lights up the temple corridor as well as the three of the four statues. Ptah, the fourth statue is the god of darkness and stays in the dark. Also, this statue has not seen sunlight in more than 3,200 years.

According to a legend, it was a local boy after whom the name Abu Simbel was given to the temples as he helped the excavators to the site of the temples. Unfortunately, due to the rise in River Nile, Abu Simbel Temples in Egypt submerged and got covered by sand and soon people forgot about them. But in the 19th century, they were rediscovered by a Swiss explorer named John Lewis Burckhardt. When the sand cleared up in the year 1909, Abu Simbel Temples again became a popular attraction in Egypt.

You will be amazed to know that in 1964, Abu Simbel Temples were dismantled and relocated; 65 meters above and 180 meters west of their original built site. This was due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam, which raised the water of the Nile River. And in order to rescue the temples, they were relocated. It was not an easy task and thus, it took nearly five years to complete.


Interesting Facts about Abu Simbel Temples

  • Abu Simbel Temples are two twin temples, one is dedicated to King Ramesses II and the other one to his beloved wife Queen Nefertari.
  • Many Nile River Cruises include this temple location, which may stop and allow you to explore it.
  • The temples of Abu Simbel in 1964 were cut into many pieces, moved further away, and relocated roughly 65 m above the original spot.
  • The Great Temple was built to honor Ramesses II’s triumph at the battle of Kadesh. They were also dedicated to serving the gods Ra-Horakhty and Ptah.
  • The Small Temple was established for Queen Nefertari. This was the second time in Egypt when a temple was dedicated to a queen.
  • Under the four seated sculptures at the doorway, there are smaller statues representing King Ramesses II’s defeated enemies – the Libyans, Nubians, and Hittites.
  • After Abu Simbel Temples were rediscovered by the Swiss explorer, John Lewis Burckhardt, it was Giovanni Belzoni, an Italian explorer, who entered the temples after 4 years of rediscovery.
  • The temples are built in a specific manner that Ptah, the god of darkness remains in the dark.
  • The sunlight goes through Abu Simbel Temples only twice a year, during the planting and flooding seasons. These represent the birth and coronation of king Ramesses II.

FAQs

Q: What happened to Abu Simbel Temples in 1964?

Ans: In 1964, the process of dismantling Abu Simbel Temples began. It was done in order to save temples in Abu Simbel from submerging under the Nile River. And since the temples were carved into a cliff, the complete process took nearly 5 years.

Q: What is the significance of Abu Simbel Temples in Egypt?

Ans: The temples of Abu Simbel were dedicated to gods Amun, Ptah, and Ra-Horakhty and to Ramesses II himself, and therefore they are of importance in Egypt. Moreover, they are considered the most beautiful and largest temples in Egypt, which were built during the reign of Ramesses II.

Q: Why is Abu Simbel Sun Festival important and why is it celebrated?

Ans: Sun Festival in Abu Simbel is celebrated when the sun rays hit the statues on February 22nd, which is the anniversary of Ramesses II’s accession to the throne, and on October 22nd, the birthday of the king. To celebrate it, people gather at the temples to watch the sunlight hit the innermost temple room and once the statues fall back into shadow, they come together to eat and drink.

Q: Can you enter Abu Simbel Temples?

Ans: Yes, you can go inside the Abu Simbel Temples and witness amazing statues and carvings. Please note that photography inside the temples is not allowed.