Must-See Places in Egypt: The Abu Simbel Temples

Egypt is an ancient land with a rich and diverse culture. It is a country with a long history and a captivating present. One of the most popular places to visit in Egypt are the Abu Simbel Temples. These two temples are located in the Nubian Desert, in southern Egypt and are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The two temples, the Great Temple and the Small Temple, were built by Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC to commemorate his victory in the Battle of Kadesh.

The History of the Abu Simbel Temples

The Abu Simbel temples are an incredible example of the power and wealth of the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. They are the largest and most impressive of the Nubian monuments built by Ramses II. The Great Temple was initially dedicated to the gods Ra-Horakhty, Amun and Ptah, while the Small Temple was dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Nefertari, the Chief Queen of Ramses II.

The Great Temple is particularly impressive. It is a massive structure with four colossal statues of the Pharaoh himself, each one over 20 metres tall. Inside, there are a number of smaller statues and reliefs depicting gods and other figures from Ancient Egyptian mythology. The Small Temple is also impressive, though much smaller than the Great Temple. It has six statues of Ramses II and his wife, Nefertari, as well as several reliefs.

The Abu Simbel Temples were originally carved out of the sandstone cliffs of the Nubian Desert. In 1960, the temples were relocated to their current location, as part of a UNESCO project to save them from the rising waters of the new Aswan High Dam. The temples were carefully dismantled and re-erected in their current location, about 65 metres above their original location.

The Significance of the Abu Simbel Temples

The Abu Simbel Temples are an important part of Ancient Egyptian history. They are a reminder of the grandeur and power of the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. The temples were built to honour Ramses II and his wife, Nefertari, and to commemorate their victories in battle. They are a symbol of Ramses II’s power and legacy.

The Abu Simbel Temples are also significant for the Egyptians today. They are a source of pride and inspiration for the people of Egypt. The temples are a reminder of the greatness of Ancient Egypt, and how it can still be seen in the present.

The Abu Simbel Temples are also a source of inspiration for archaeologists and historians. The temples are an important source of information about the culture and beliefs of Ancient Egypt, as well as the engineering skills of the Ancient Egyptians. The temples are a source of fascination and admiration for many people around the world.

The Abu Simbel Temples in Popular Culture

The Abu Simbel Temples have been featured in many books, films and television programs over the years. They were featured in the 1962 classic film “Lawrence of Arabia”, as well as the 1981 film “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. The temples have also been featured in many books, including the popular “The Adventures of Tintin” series. In recent years, the temples have been featured in the hit video game “Assassin’s Creed Origins”.

The Abu Simbel Temples are also a popular tourist destination. Every year, thousands of people visit the temples to marvel at their grandeur and learn more about Ancient Egyptian culture. The temples are also a popular destination for school trips and educational tours.

Things to Do at the Abu Simbel Temples

Visiting the Abu Simbel Temples is an unforgettable experience. There are a number of things to do at the temples, including taking a tour of the temples, exploring the surrounding area and taking a boat ride on the Nile River. Tourists can also take a camel ride through the desert and visit the other nearby monuments.

Visitors to the Abu Simbel Temples can also take part in a number of cultural activities. Tourists can learn about the history of the temples and the Ancient Egyptians, participate in traditional ceremonies and learn about the local culture. Visitors can also take part in a number of workshops and demonstrations, such as pottery making and basket weaving.

The Abu Simbel Temples are open from 8am to 4pm, and admission is free. Visitors should be aware that the climate in the Nubian Desert can be very hot, so it is important to wear light, loose clothing and bring plenty of water.

The Abu Simbel Temples in Photography

The Abu Simbel Temples are also a popular destination for photographers. The temples are a great subject for photographs, as they provide a unique backdrop for stunning photographs. The temples provide a great opportunity to capture the beauty and grandeur of Ancient Egypt, as well as the surrounding desert landscape. Photographers should be aware that the climate in the Nubian Desert can be very harsh, so it is important to bring plenty of water and protect your equipment from the heat.

The Abu Simbel Temples are also a great place to take landscape photographs. Photographers can capture the beauty of the Nubian Desert, as well as the surrounding landscape. Photographers can also take advantage of the incredible light and shadows that the temples cast in the desert, creating stunning images.

The Abu Simbel Temples are a great place for photographers to take stunning photographs. The temples provide a unique backdrop for photographs, and the surrounding desert landscape offers stunning views. Photographers should be aware of the harsh climate in the Nubian Desert, and take steps to protect their equipment from the heat.

The Abu Simbel Temples at Night

The Abu Simbel Temples are particularly impressive at night. The temples are illuminated by floodlights, creating a beautiful and dramatic effect. The floodlights create an incredible sense of grandeur and awe, and the temples seem to come alive at night. Visitors to the temples can also take a boat ride on the Nile River to get a better view of the illuminated temples.

The Abu Simbel Temples are also a great place to take night photographs. The floodlights create a beautiful and dramatic effect, and photographers can capture the beauty of the illuminated temples. Photographers should also be aware of the harsh climate in the Nubian Desert, and take steps to protect their equipment from the heat.

The Abu Simbel Temples in Music

The Abu Simbel Temples are an inspiration for music and musicians. Many composers have written music inspired by the temples, such as the famous “Abu Simbel” by the French composer Jean-Michel Jarre. Musicians can also take part in traditional ceremonies and workshops at the temples, such as pottery making and basket weaving.

The Abu Simbel Temples are also a popular destination for music festivals. Every year, the temples host a number of music festivals, such as the Abu Simbel Jazz Festival and the Abu Simbel Music Festival. These music festivals feature a variety of genres, from jazz and blues to classical and traditional Egyptian music.

Where to Stay Near the Abu Simbel Temples

The Abu Simbel Temples are located in the Nubian Desert, in southern Egypt. The nearest town is Abu Simbel, which is about 10km away. There are a number of hotels and guesthouses in Abu Simbel, as well as a number of campsites in the surrounding area. Visitors to the Abu Simbel Temples should be aware that the climate in the Nubian Desert can be very hot, so it is important to wear light, loose clothing and bring plenty of water.

Where to Eat Near the Abu Simbel Temples

The nearest town to the Abu Simbel Temples is Abu Simbel, which is about 10km away. There are a number of restaurants and cafes in Abu Simbel, serving a variety of cuisines. Visitors can also try traditional Egyptian dishes, such as koshari and falafel. There are also a number of street food vendors in the area, selling traditional snacks such as falafel and falafel sandwiches.

How to Get to the Abu Simbel Temples

The Abu Simbel Temples are located in the Nubian Desert, in southern Egypt. Visitors can fly to the nearby city of Aswan, and take a bus or taxi to the temples. The journey takes about 5 hours. Visitors can also take a boat from Aswan to Abu Simbel, which takes about 8 hours. Visitors can also take a guided tour from Aswan to the temples.

Conclusion

The Abu Simbel Temples are a must-see destination in Egypt. They are an incredible example of the power and wealth of the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt, and a reminder of the grandeur and majesty of Ancient Egypt. The temples are a popular tourist destination, with a number of activities and things to do. They are also a popular destination for photographers, musicians and music festivals. The Abu Simbel Temples are an unforgettable experience, and a great way to explore and experience the culture and history of Ancient Egypt.