Nubian Monuments

　　   Abu Simbel to Philae is an extraordinary archaeological area featuring the temples of Ramses II and the sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Isis. These magnificent architectural ruins were saved from the flooding of the Nile thanks to an international rescue campaign initiated by the United Nations. The Nubian archaeological sites boast the most spectacular ruins in southern Egypt, such as the Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel and the Sanctuary of Isis on Philae Island.

　　   The Temple of Ramses II has become the most iconic relic of ancient Egypt. The four 20-meter-high seated statues of Ramses II outside the temple and the murals inside depicting his military achievements exude the overwhelming presence of this pharaoh. The most famous structures among the Nubian sites are the Great Temple, the Temple of the Queen, and the Philae Temple, with the Great Temple and the Temple of the Queen at Abu Simbel being the most majestic.

　　   The temples were designed and built to ingeniously incorporate the most advanced geographical, astronomical, and mathematical knowledge of the time. This allows sunlight to shine directly through the 60-meter-long corridor into the innermost sanctuary and onto the statue of Ramses II twice a year—on February 21 and October 21—creating a one-of-a-kind “solar alignment spectacle.”

　　   Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae [Egypt]

　　   Foreign Name: Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae    Must-visit Reason: The most spectacular ruins in southern Egypt    Continent: Africa [Africa]    Country/Region: Egypt [Egypt]    Province/State: Aswan Governorate [Aswan Governorate]