Two temples cut into a cliff near the Sudanese border, and then cut out of that cliff again and moved, block by block, to higher ground.
Abu Simbel is about 280 kilometres south of Aswan, close to the Sudanese border, on the shore of Lake Nasser. Two temples stand there, both carved into rock by Ramesses II in the 13th century BC.
It is a long way from anywhere and it is worth every hour of the journey.
The four seated colossi of Ramesses II across the front of the Great Temple are each about twenty metres high, cut from the living rock rather than assembled. The facade is the most imposing thing in Egypt and it is the reason people make the trip.
Inside, the temple runs deep into the hillside through halls lined with standing figures of the king, to a sanctuary at the back with four seated gods. Twice a year — around 22 February and 22 October — the rising sun reaches the length of that axis and lights three of the four. The fourth, Ptah, is a god of the underworld and stays in shadow. It is deliberate.
The second, smaller temple next door was built for Ramesses's wife Nefertari and the goddess Hathor. Its facade shows the queen at the same scale as the king, which is almost unheard of in Egyptian royal art.
And then there is what happened in the 1960s, which is arguably as remarkable as the original construction.
The temples were built by Ramesses II, in Nubia, facing south — a deliberate statement of Egyptian power aimed at everyone coming north up the river.
They were lost to sand for centuries and rediscovered in the early nineteenth century, buried nearly to the heads of the colossi.
When the Aswan High Dam was built in the 1960s, the reservoir behind it would have drowned both temples. In an international rescue operation coordinated by UNESCO, the entire complex was cut into more than a thousand blocks, lifted, and reassembled sixty-five metres higher and two hundred metres back from the water, inside an artificial hill built to replace the cliff. The sun alignment was recalculated and reproduced, though it now falls a day later than it originally did. If you look carefully at the statues you can see the seams.
The temples of Philae, at Aswan, were moved in the same programme.
Winter, for the drive. Any season if flying. Early morning or the last light of the day for the facade.
Opening hours: Opens early — the road convoys are timed around it — and closes in the late afternoon. There is an evening sound and light show.
Opening hours and ticket prices may change. Please confirm the latest details before visiting.
The traditional lateen-sailed boat of the Nile — an hour of it at Aswan is the cheapest good thing in Egypt.
Painted houses, domed roofs and a distinct language and cuisine — the Nubian settlements on the west bank and the islands at Aswan.
The island in the middle of the river at Aswan — Egypt's ancient southern frontier post, with a Nilometer, a ruined town and two Nubian villages on top of it.
A thousand-tonne obelisk still lying in the quarry where it cracked — the best evidence anywhere of how Egyptian stone was actually worked.
The dam that ended the Nile flood, created the largest reservoir in Africa, and rewrote Egyptian agriculture, archaeology and politics in a decade.
An upscale private journey that combines Cairo highlights, a polished Luxor stay, and a refined Aswan finish.
Experience an extraordinary 9-day expedition through the heart of Egypt and Nubia, where ancient history and vibrant culture intertwine. Begin in Cairo, home to the timeless pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, then journey south to Luxor and Aswan to uncover the temples, tombs, and treasures of the pharaohs. Sail along the Nile aboard a deluxe cruise, visit the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel temples, and immerse yourself in the warmth and traditions of the Nubian people. This journey offers a perfect blend of discovery, relaxation, and cultural connection.
A classic Nile cruise itinerary with temple visits, river views, and a comfortable four-night rhythm.
Set sail on a captivating 4-day Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, where the ancient world unfolds before your eyes. Journey along the legendary Nile River and uncover Egypt’s most iconic temples and monuments. Begin in Aswan with visits to the High Dam and the enchanting Philae Temple, then continue to Kom Ombo and Edfu to explore magnificent sanctuaries dedicated to ancient gods. As you sail northward, reach Luxor—the open-air museum of Egypt—home to the grand Karnak and Luxor Temples and the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings. With expert-guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and full
Set sail on a remarkable 4-day, 3-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, where the grandeur of ancient Egypt unfolds before your eyes. Journey along the legendary Nile River aboard a comfortable cruise ship, visiting some of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. Discover the enchanting Temple of Philae in Aswan, the twin sanctuaries of Kom Ombo, and the magnificent Temple of Horus in Edfu. Continue to Luxor to explore the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the colossal statues of Memnon on the West Bank, before concluding your adventure at the awe-inspiring Karnak
Set out on a remarkable full-day adventure from Aswan to Luxor, the world’s largest open-air museum. This private excursion immerses you in the splendor of ancient Egypt, where monumental temples and royal tombs reveal the legacy of the pharaohs. Designed for travelers eager to witness Luxor’s most iconic landmarks in a single day, this tour blends history, culture, and comfort for an unforgettable experience.
Want to include Abu Simbel in your Egypt itinerary? Browse our tours or ask for a custom plan.