Abu Simbel Temples

Other Egyptian temples have a similarity where Abu Simbel stands alone. It was built by Ramses II in southern Egypt, so that all who entered from the south would know who’s boss. This temple was carved into a mountain, with such precision that on Ramses birthday October 22, the rising sun shines directly into the chamber where his principle statue is. The sunlight lights his face! This also happens in February, the day he was crowned.
What you see in the pictures has been relocated from the area below that is now flooded by the Nasser Dam. It was a massive project that took about 4 years finishing in 1968.
The ride here took about 3 1/2 hours through mostly desert. Nasser lake extends another 100 km or so further south into Sudan. It is a big lake. Abu Simbel is one of our favourite temples.Read more