Abu Simbel, Egypt

Quick Facts

• The Great Temple of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel features four colossal statues of the pharaoh, each standing 20 meters (66 feet) tall.
• The temples were originally carved out of a mountainside in the 13th century BC, and their relocation in the 1960s involved cutting the structures into over 1,000 pieces to avoid flooding from Lake Nasser.
• The smaller temple at Abu Simbel is dedicated to the goddess Hathor and features a statue of Queen Nefertari, which is one of the few examples of a queen being honored in such a monumental way.
• The alignment of the Great Temple is such that, twice a year on February 22 and October 22, the sun illuminates the inner sanctuary, casting light on the statues of Ramesses II and the gods seated beside him.
• Abu Simbel was rediscovered in 1813 by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, but it wasn't until the 19th century that the full extent of its grandeur was appreciated.

Travel Details

Country

Egypt

Population

Varies

Daily Budget

$60-120

Best Time to Visit

Nov–Mar

Current Weather

🌙

19°C/66°F

Clear

Currency

E£ EGP

Coordinates

22.3369, 31.6256