Abu Simbel Temples

　　The Abu Simbel Temples are an ancient cultural site located about 290 kilometers southwest of Aswan, Egypt. It is said that the name comes from the guide who was the first to bring Westerners to the site. Situated on the western bank of Lake Nasser, the complex consists of two massive rock-cut temples. Together with many other ruins downstream as far as Philae Island, Abu Simbel has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site under the name Nubian Monuments.

　　The construction of the Abu Simbel Temple complex began around 1284 BC and took 20 years to complete, finishing in 1264 BC. This grand structure is known as the “Temple of Ramesses II, Beloved of Amun,” and it is one of the six rock temples built by Ramesses II in Nubia for his favorite wife, Nefertari, during his reign. The purpose was to demonstrate Egypt’s power to the southern region of Nubia and to reinforce the status of Egyptian religion there.

　　The Abu Simbel Temple is over 60 meters deep. On two specific days each year—February 21st (traditionally believed to be the birthday of Ramesses II) and October 21st (traditionally believed to be the day of his coronation)—sunlight penetrates directly into the innermost sanctuary, illuminating the entire temple. Later, due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam, the United Nations decided to cut the temples into blocks and relocate them 200 meters higher to prevent them from being submerged. However, as modern astronomers could not replicate the precise astronomical alignment achieved by the ancient Egyptians, the sunlight now enters the temple one day earlier than it originally did.

　　Abu Simbel Temples Reason to Visit: One of the most popular temples among tourists in Egypt Continent: Africa [Africa] Country/Region: Egypt [Egypt] Province/State: Aswan Governorate [Aswan Governorate] City: Abu Simbel [Abu Simbel]