260 kilometers from the Aswan dam, Abu Simbel still reigns supreme over Upper Egypt and remains today the most telling symbol of the reign of Ramses II.
Introducing Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel is a spectacular temple complex located in southern Egypt, close to the border with Sudan. Built by Ramses II, one of the most famous pharaohs of ancient Egypt, this complex is made up of two majestic temples, carved out of the cliff. These temples are a testimony to the ambition and power of the reign of Ramses II, and they are considered among the masterpieces of Egyptian art and architecture.
The great temple of Ramses II
The great temple of Abu Simbel is dedicated to Ramses II himself, as well as three Egyptian gods: Amun, Ra et Ptah. This monumental temple is 60 meters high, 30 meters wide and 20 meters deep, and it was carved directly into the rock. Here are some notable features of the Great Temple:
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The facade: The facade of the temple is adorned with four colossal statues of Ramses II, seated on his throne, each measuring about 20 meters in height.
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The Hypostyle Hall: Inside the temple, the hypostyle hall is supported by eight gigantic pillars representing Ramses II in the form of the god Osiris. The walls of this room are decorated with reliefs depicting battle scenes and military victories of the pharaoh.
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The shrine: At the back of the temple is the sanctuary, where the statues of the gods and Ramses II. Twice a year, the rays of the sun penetrate the temple to illuminate the statues of the sanctuary, with the exception of that of the god Ptah, associated with darkness.
The small temple of Nefertari
The small temple of Abu Simbel, also dug into the cliff, is dedicated to Queen Nefertari, beloved wife of Ramses II, and to the goddess Hathor. Although less imposing than the large temple, the small temple is equally fascinating, with rich decoration and impressive architectural details:
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The facade: The facade of the small temple is adorned with six colossal statues, four of which represent Ramses II and two represent Nefertari. Each statue is approximately 10 meters in height.
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The interior rooms: Inside the temple, visitors can admire several rooms decorated with paintings and reliefs depicting Nefertari, the Egyptian gods and scenes of daily life.
The rescue of temples and visiting tips
In 1960, due to the construction of the Aswan Dam and the rising waters of Lake Nasser, the temples of Abu Simbel were threatened with flooding. To preserve them, a huge international rescue project has been launched under the aegis of UNESCO. Both temples were dismantled, piece by piece, and reassembled on an artificial hill 65 meters above their original location. This rescue project lasted four years and remains an outstanding example of international cooperation for the preservation of World Heritage.
Advice for the visit
The Abu Simbel complex is accessible by plane, boat or bus from Aswan, the nearest city. Flights are often organized as day trips. Here are some tips for your visit:
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Opening time: The temples are open every day of the year, generally from 5:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. Opening hours may vary depending on the season and weather conditions.
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Best time to visit: To avoid the heat and crowds, it is advisable to visit Abu Simbel early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you want to witness the spectacle of the sun illuminating the statues of the Grand Temple Shrine, plan your visit around February 22 or October 22.
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Sun protection: Don't forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and water to protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated.
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Guidance and information: It is recommended to hire a local guide or bring a travel guide to better understand the history and significance of the temples and their decorations.
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