Two Temples Carved for a King and Queen
Carved into cliffs in the 13th century BCE, Abu Simbel proclaimed Ramesses II’s power at Egypt’s southern frontier. Four seated colossi dominate the Great Temple, whose halls celebrate kingship, warfare and worship of Amun-Re, Re-Horakhty and Ptah.
The Small Temple honors Hathor and Queen Nefertari. Its facade gives the queen unusual prominence beside Ramesses, while its interior pillars carry Hathor’s distinctive face. Twice each year, sunlight reaches deep into the Great Temple sanctuary.
In the 1960s, the temples were cut into large blocks and reconstructed on higher ground during UNESCO’s international Nubian rescue campaign, preserving both monuments from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
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Ten Distinct Highlights of Abu Simbel
Explore the Great Temple, Nefertari’s Small Temple and the UNESCO rescue story through ten different views.
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Plan a Better Abu Simbel Visit
Avoid Peak Heat
Confirm transport, tickets and current regulations before travel.
Allow 2–3 Hours
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Road or Domestic Flight
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Great Temple First
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Water & Sun Cover
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Follow Photo Rules
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Expect Walking & Steps
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Reconfirm Opening
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Explore Abu Simbel with a Private Egyptologist
Understand the colossal facades, interior reliefs, solar alignment and remarkable UNESCO rescue story.
Remarkable Abu Simbel Facts
Rock-Cut Temples
The Great Temple and Nefertari’s Small Temple form one monumental ensemble.
Colossi of Ramesses II
Four immense seated statues dominate the Great Temple facade.
International Rescue
The temples were dismantled and rebuilt above the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
World Heritage
Abu Simbel forms part of UNESCO’s Nubian Monuments World Heritage property.
Travel to Abu Simbel on a Tailored Journey
Nearby Attractions Around Abu Simbel
Continue through Upper Egypt with four published ETC attraction guides.
Wadi El-Sebua Temple Complex
Continue through the monuments and landscapes of Nubia.
Explore →
Abu Simbel Visitor Questions
Where are Abu Simbel Temples?
They stand beside Lake Nasser in southern Egypt, near the Sudanese border.
Who built Abu Simbel?
Ramesses II built both temples in the 13th century BCE.
Who is the Small Temple dedicated to?
It honors Hathor and Queen Nefertari.
What is the Abu Simbel sun festival?
Twice yearly, sunlight reaches deep into the Great Temple sanctuary.
Why were the temples moved?
They were relocated to escape the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
How long is the visit?
Allow around two to three hours at the site.
How far is Abu Simbel from Aswan?
It is roughly 280 kilometers by road southwest of Aswan.
Can I fly from Aswan?
Domestic flights may operate; schedules should be checked for your date.
Is photography allowed?
Rules can differ between exterior and interior areas, so follow current signs.
Is Abu Simbel UNESCO-listed?
Yes, it belongs to the Nubian Monuments World Heritage area.