Abu Simbel in Egypt - ancient temples

Where is located Abu Simbel?

Address of Abu Simbel is Egypt
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When was built Abu Simbel?

Built date of Abu Simbel is Ok. 1260 BC

Facts, informations and history of Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is an archaeological complex that consists of two temples carved into the rock. They are one of the most important examples of monumental architecture in ancient Egypt, and their history is as fascinating as their appearance.

The main temple, dedicated to Ramesses II, is known for the four impressive pharaoh statues that appear on its facade. Each of these statues is approximately 20 meters tall, making them among the largest known sculptures of the ancient world. Inside this temple there are numerous rooms decorated with beautiful wall paintings and reliefs depicting scenes from the life and reign of Ramesses II. One of the most famous elements of the interior is the sanctuary, where the sun's rays, on certain days of the year, illuminate the statues of deities, including Ramesses II.

The second, smaller temple is dedicated to Nefertari, the beloved wife of Ramesses II. The façade is decorated with six statues, three of which represent Ramesses himself and the remaining three of Nefertari. Each of them is about 10 meters high. This temple is unique because it was rare for a queen to be so clearly distinguished on an equal footing with the pharaoh.

In the 1960s, due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam and the damming of the Nile, there was a risk that the temples would be flooded. In response, the international archaeological community undertook the extraordinary operation of moving the temples to higher ground. Soon, the prepared landfill contained 807 meters of blocks from the main temple and 235 meters from the smaller one, as well as almost 7,000 rock blocks framing both temples. The relocation was completed in 1966, and the place where the temples were located had long been flooded.

The entire complex was then dismantled into hundreds of rock blocks, which were then reassembled in a new location approximately 200 meters from the original site. This operation lasted from 1964 to 1966 and was one of the most ambitious undertakings in the history of archeology.

Thanks to these efforts, Abu Simbel is today one of the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt, attracting thousands of visitors every year. This place is not only a symbol of the power of Ramesses II, but also a testimony to the achievements of modern archeology and engineering.

The temples at Abu Simbel also have cultural and religious significance that goes beyond the mere commemoration of Ramesses II and his wife Nefertari. The main temple was dedicated to three gods: Amun, Re-Horakhte, and Ptah, as well as the pharaoh himself, who was considered a deity. This made Abu Simbel a place of worship and religious rituals that were significant to ancient Egypt.

One of the most unusual aspects of the temple of Ramesses II is its structure, which is oriented so that twice a year - around February 22 and October 22 - the sun's rays fall deep into the interior of the temple, illuminating the statues of the deities and Ramesses II himself. This phenomenon, called the "miracle of the sun", was for the ancient Egyptians proof of the pharaoh's divinity and his relationship with the deities. To this day, this phenomenon attracts crowds of tourists who want to witness this extraordinary moment.

The Temple of Nefertari, although smaller, is equally interesting for its decorations and historical significance. The scenes depicted on the walls show Nefertari in the company of deities, a rare sight in the context of ancient Egyptian temples. This temple is also one of the few places where the pharaoh's wife is depicted with so much dignity and significance.

Both temples are not only a marvel of ancient architecture, but also a place that shows us the unique approach of the Egyptians to religion, power and art. The grand statues, detailed reliefs and murals in Abu Simbel's temples continue to inspire archaeologists, historians and art lovers from around the world.

With a unique combination of history and engineering, Abu Simbel remains an important place for understanding ancient Egypt and for appreciating the achievements of modern science and technology that have saved this extraordinary heritage. Today, both tourists and researchers can enjoy the beauty and mystery of this place, which remains one of the most famous and appreciated monuments in Egypt.

How many meters have Abu Simbel?

Height of Abu Simbel is 33 m - facade

Construction/building type

Building Abu Simbel is of type Temple

Architectural style

Architectural style of Abu Simbel is Ancient Egyptian

What material is the building made of?

Abu Simbel is made of the following materials: Rock, stone

Is the building on the UNESCO World Heritage List?