Interesting Facts To Know About Abu Simbel

Far from the bustling streets of Cairo or the ancient wonders of Luxor, Abu Simbel stands as a testament to Egypt’s pharaonic grandeur in the remote Nubian desert. Carved into a mountainside on the west bank of Lake Nasser, this UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises two awe-inspiring temples built by Ramses II over 3,000 years ago. Located near Egypt’s southern border with Sudan, about 230 km southwest of Aswan, Abu Simbel is a marvel of ancient engineering, artistry, and ambition. The temples were designed to assert Egypt’s dominance over Nubia, a region rich in gold and trade routes, while honoring the gods and Ramses’ beloved queen, Nefertari. What makes Abu Simbel truly fascinating isn’t just its scale, but its incredible history—from its rediscovery after being buried in sand to its dramatic relocation in the 1960s to escape the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a traveler seeking the extraordinary, here are some captivating facts about Abu Simbel that will deepen your appreciation for this iconic site.

The Great Temple of Abu Simbel

The Great Temple of Abu Simbel is the larger of the two temples, a colossal monument dedicated to Ramses II and the gods Ra-Horakhty, Amun, and Ptah. Carved directly into the sandstone cliff around 1264 BCE, it took about 20 years to complete, finishing around 1244 BCE. The temple’s façade is dominated by four massive statues of Ramses II, each standing 20 meters (66 feet) tall, seated on a throne and wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt—a symbol of his unified rule. Inside, the temple stretches 56 meters (185 feet) into the rock, with a hypostyle hall supported by eight Osiride pillars depicting Ramses as the god Osiris, symbolizing his eternal nature. The walls are adorned with intricate carvings, many celebrating Ramses’ victory at the Battle of Kadesh in 1274 BCE against the Hittites, though historians note the battle likely ended in a draw despite Ramses’ boasts. A unique feature of the temple is its solar alignment: twice a year, on February 22 and October 22—believed to mark Ramses’ birthday and coronation—the sun’s rays penetrate the inner sanctuary, illuminating three of the four statues (Ra-Horakhty, Amun, and Ramses), leaving Ptah, the god of the underworld, in darkness. This astronomical precision showcases the ancient Egyptians’ advanced knowledge and adds a mystical allure to the temple.

Small Temple of Abu Simbel

Just 100 meters northeast of the Great Temple lies the Small Temple of Abu Simbel, a rare and intimate monument dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor, associated with love and music. Also carved into the rock, this temple stands 12 meters (40 feet) high and 28 meters (92 feet) long, making it significantly smaller than its counterpart but no less significant. Its façade features six colossal statues—four of Ramses II and two of Nefertari—each about 10 meters (33 feet) tall. Remarkably, Nefertari’s statues are the same size as Ramses’, a rare honor in ancient Egyptian art where queens were typically depicted much smaller than their pharaohs, reflecting Ramses’ deep affection for her. Inside, the temple’s hypostyle hall is supported by six pillars adorned with Hathor’s cow-eared image, and the walls are decorated with poetic reliefs of Nefertari and Ramses making offerings to Hathor and other deities like Isis and Mut. The inner sanctuary features a niche where Hathor, depicted as a divine cow, emerges from the mountain, symbolizing her protective role over Nefertari. This temple is only the second in Egyptian history dedicated to a queen, following Akhenaten’s temple for Nefertiti, making it a profound testament to Nefertari’s status and Ramses’ devotion.

Temple of Queen Nefertari (Temple of Queen Ramses)

Often referred to as the Temple of Queen Nefertari, the Small Temple of Abu Simbel is also known as the Temple of Hathor and Nefertari, though the title “Temple of Queen Ramses” seems to be a misnomer since both temples were built by Ramses II, not for a “Queen Ramses.” Nefertari, Ramses’ most beloved wife, was a remarkable figure—educated, diplomatic, and skilled in hieroglyphics, a rarity for women of her time. The temple’s dedication to her and Hathor underscores her elevated status, as she was often depicted as a divine consort. The façade’s equal-sized statues of Nefertari and Ramses break from tradition, symbolizing her importance as his equal in this sacred space. Inside, the bas-reliefs are a love letter to Nefertari’s legacy, showing her crowned by Hathor and Isis, and presenting offerings alongside Ramses. Smaller statues of their children—princes and princesses—flank the colossi, with the princesses unusually depicted taller than the princes, perhaps emphasizing the temple’s feminine focus. The temple’s alignment to the east and its serene interior, with scenes of Nefertari sailing through papyrus thickets, create a peaceful contrast to the grandeur of the Great Temple, offering a glimpse into the personal side of Ramses’ reign and his reverence for his queen.

Giant statues in Abu Simbel

The giant statues of Abu Simbel are among the most iconic features of the complex, embodying the pharaoh’s power and divine connection. The Great Temple’s façade is guarded by four colossal statues of Ramses II, each 20 meters (66 feet) tall, seated majestically with the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. One statue, to the left of the entrance, was damaged in an ancient earthquake, its head and torso now resting at its feet—a poignant reminder of time’s toll. Beneath these giants are smaller statues, none taller than Ramses’ knees, depicting his wife Nefertari, his mother Mut-Tuy, and his children, including his first two sons, Amun-her-khepeshef and Ramses B, and his first six daughters. The Small Temple’s façade boasts six statues—four of Ramses and two of Nefertari—each 10 meters (33 feet) tall, a rare depiction of equality between king and queen. Above the Great Temple’s entrance, a frieze of 22 baboons, arms raised to worship the sun, adds a symbolic touch, as baboons were believed to herald the sunrise. These statues, carved directly from the cliff, were designed to intimidate Nubian neighbors and awe visitors, their serene expressions and towering presence still evoking wonder today.

Tips for Visiting Abu Simbel

Planning a trip to Abu Simbel? Here’s how to make it unforgettable. The temples are a 3-hour drive from Aswan, but the quickest way is a 30-minute flight to Abu Simbel Airport, with daily flights from Aswan costing around $100 round-trip as of 2025. Entry tickets are about 300 EGP for adults, with an extra fee for photography (cameras are restricted in some areas to protect the delicate carvings). Visit early in the morning to avoid the desert heat—temperatures can soar above 35°C by noon—and to catch the temples in softer light, perfect for photos. If you’re there on February 22 or October 22, you’ll witness the solar alignment in the Great Temple, a magical event drawing crowds, so book accommodations in advance; the Nefertari Hotel Abu Simbel, within walking distance, is a convenient option. Hiring a local guide (around 200 EGP) can bring the history to life with stories of Ramses and Nefertari. For a unique experience, consider a Lake Nasser cruise, which stops right at the temples, offering stunning views from the water. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water—there’s little shade in this remote desert spot.