Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is a small village in southern Egypt, approximately 300 kilometers south of Aswan and just 20 kilometers north of the Sudanese border. Nestled on the western bank of Lake Nasser in the historical region of Nubia. Abu Simbel is primarily known and visited for its awe-inspiring temple complex which is a declared UNESCO world heritage site and features the Great Temple of Ramses and the Small Temple of Nefertari. It is usually visited on a day trip from Aswan.

Constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BC, the two grand temples are meticulously carved into the rocky mountainside. First, The Great Temple of Ramses was built in 1244 BCE by Ramses II and is the main attraction of Abu Simbel. It is the largest of the two temples and features four large seated statues of Ramses II. Ramses II built the Small Temple of Nefertari in honor of his beloved wife, Nefertari. It features two statues of the goddess Hathor.

The location of Abu Simbel is particularly impressive, as it is situated in a remote desert region along the banks of the Nile River. The highlights of Abu Simbel are the incredible carvings and hieroglyphics that adorn the walls of the temple. Visitors can also explore the surrounding area and take a boat ride on the Nile. Activities for travelers include exploring the temples and their carvings and taking a boat ride on the Nile. There are also numerous other attractions in the area, including the Temple of Seti I, the Temple of Hathor, and the Tomb of Nefertari.