Do you want to visit Egypt and the Nile Valley? Do you like ancient history? Don’t miss visiting the Temples of Abu Simbel! This is our guide on this visit!
A 280 kilometers south of Aswan and north of Lake Nasser on the Nile, the temples of Abu Simbel are mythical places. Once named Ibsamboul, this archaeological site consisting of two temples dug into the rock were built by Pharaoh Ramses II. Pharaoh famous, he lived in the New Empire (from -1,500 to -1,000 before our era).
The Temples of Abu Simbel are one of the most important relics of Nubia to have resisted the imprecations of time over three millennia.
Would you like to visit the Temples of Abu Simbel in Southern Egypt? Here is our mini tour guide and everything you need to know about the history of the site, the visit, the rates and the schedules!
Presentation and History of Abu Simbel Temples
Photo credit: Shutterstock / De Ignatius Tan
The history of the Temples of Abu Simbel dates back to the time of the famous Pharaoh Ramses II (from around -1,304 to ~1,213). He is the third pharaoh of the 19th Egyptian dynasty. From the beginning of his reign, Ramses II launched the construction of these temples.
What usefulness to the Temples of Abu Simbel?
His aim is to perpetuate the work of his predecessor and model, Pharaoh Ahmenotep III. The latter had built monumental sanctuaries in Upper Nubia. It is complicated to have certainty as to the purpose of the project. However, the current Egyptology joins to evoke several:
- to fill the gods;
- ensuring the food security of its subjects through the Nile floods;
- Renew with prosperity.
Iouny and Hekanakht, Viceroy of Nubie and his successor, were responsible for the construction of the two temples. The Grand Temple of Abu Simbel is a hemispéos in the rock of the hill of Méha. It is a type of Egyptian archaeological building, both in the stone and in masonry for the pylons and outer courtyards. The building is dedicated to the cult of Amon, Rê, Ptah and Ramses II. The Pharaoh even deified himself. The other monument, the Little Temple, is a speo dedicated to the worship of Nefertari, wife of Ramses II, deified and represented as Hathor. A speo represents a temple dug in the rock.
Why Abou Simbel in Nubie?
The Nubia region was strategic for the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Indeed, it represents an essential hub in Africa. The Nubia facilitates transactions to the south of Africa. There are many gold and gem mines: they generated huge revenues for the Egyptian government.
Building such a monumental complex was also a political interest. In the eyes of Ramses II, Abu Simbel was certainly a propaganda tool. The goal: to intimidate the Nubians and its enemies.
Today, the temples of Abu Simbel are a symbol of ancient Egypt, although less frequented than the pyramids.
Abu Simbel and the Aswan Bar
During the construction of the Aswan Dam, the temples were moved to the UNESCO initiative. More than 1,000 blocks of stone of each 20 to 30 tons are cut, transported then assembled on an artificial hill, 65 meters higher from their original location. After 4 years of work, the temples of Abu Simbel were saved in 1968.
What to see and what to do in the Temples of Abu Simbel?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / From meunierd
Visit the temples of Abu Simbel allows to visit the Petit and the Grand Temple. The latter is the most emblematic of the archaeological site.
Four colossal statues of Ramses II adorn the façade of the Grand Temple. They are seated. Other statues were erected, as well as bas-reliefs and fries. When the sun sets the horizon at dawn, the rays illuminate the bottom of the sanctuary: it can therefore be interesting to visit the temples of Abu Simbel in the early morning. Six statues of Ramses II and Nefertari decorate the Little Temple.
Access to the site is rather difficult. However, tourist weakness can further discourage Egyptian art lovers. We strongly advise you to visit the temples in the morning. Departures take place from Aswan at 3 a.m. The bus route lasts between 3 and 4 hours.
When you arrive on site, you will surely be amazed by the splendour of the Grand Temple. Take your time on arrival to detail everything you can! The outside is a treasure to him. Once inside the building, enjoy the front courtyard, a terrace and the large gate with its four statues, 20 metres tall. Two main rooms are located inside the temple, with various statues of the Pharaoh and his wife. Then go to the small temple dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Nefertari. The latter is one of the eight known wives of Ramsès.
This trip out of time will disturb you. You will inevitably ask yourself this question: “How has Man built all this, almost 3,000 years ago, to the sole strength of his hands? »
How to go to the Temples of Abu Simbel?
It is often said that southern Egypt is an enamelled area of multiple tensions. It is true that the region has not been spared by the attacks and violence related to Islamist terrorism. In response, the government had taken strict measures to protect tourists, including:
- the escort of the minibus by the army
- the establishment of mandatory crossing points to supervise excursions.
To get to Abu Simbel by plane, there are several daily flights between Aswan or Louxor and Abu Simbel. Our partner Ulysses allows you to book a flight. The many departures are enough to be able to visit the temples of Abu Simbel in one day. Other means of transport: the boat. We find some cruise ships that sail on the Lake Nasser connecting Aswan to Abu Simbel. To board, you will have to book your ticket in advance, with tour operators in Aswan.
However, it is important to know that the site is visiting very early in the morning:
- Departures are around 3 o'clock in the morning from Aswan!
- bus ride takes 3h30
- This journey takes place through the desert and along Lake Nasser.
Since the bus will arrive after 7am, you will not be able to admire the sunrise on the temple. Some tourists prefer this book a hotel directly in the city of Abu Simbel . There are few hotels: plan your move in advance!
Schedules and rates of the Temples of Abu Simbel
Schedule
The site is open from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day and up to 6 p.m. in the summer.
The minibus leaves around 9 o’clock: the tour time is about an hour.
Rates
The rates are fluctuating because the Egyptian book is unstable in recent years.
The rates indicated on the travel guides published in paper format may therefore not be up to date.
In November 2018, the price to visit the temples of Abu Simbel was 215 LE, or 10,50 €.
You must add 300 LE, or 15 € to have the possibility to take photos inside the temples.
Good to know.
- On 22 February and 22 October, the rays of the sun illuminate the most remote sanctuary and statues: it is the anniversary date of Ramses II and that of its accession to the throne,
- Water supply: the temperature can exceed 40°C in summer.
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