Overview
About 280 km south of Aswan in Nubia stand the colossal rock-cut temples of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel. Four 20-meter seated statues guard the entrance, and the temple is astronomically aligned so that sunlight reaches the inner sanctuary just twice a year, on 22 February and 22 October. When the Aswan High Dam threatened to submerge the site, a UNESCO-led international rescue effort lifted the entire complex 65 meters higher, in what became the 20th century's most famous heritage preservation project.
Opening Hours
Daily 06:00-17:00
Travel Tips
Reach it from Aswan by a 30-minute flight or a 3-hour drive. Pre-dawn tours are the norm, and many multi-night Nile cruises include the visit.
Hotels near Abu Simbel Temples
Hotels and guesthouses in Aswan, Abu Simbel, Aswan Governorate
