Aswan
Abu Simbel is among the most awe-inspiring monuments constructed by Ramses the Great around 1264 B.C. The temple, which was entirely cut out of the mountain, is thought to have taken 20 years to build. Abu Simbel serves as a testament to the king’s dominion over Nubia and a display of his piety. The main temple is dedicated to the gods Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty, Ptah and the deified Ramses II. A smaller temple to the north is dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Queen Nefertari.
Four imposing colossal statues of Ramses II stand at the entrance, measuring about 20 meters high, and are among the most recognized sights in Egypt. The hall leading to the sanctuary is lined with massive statues of Ramses II in the form of the god Osiris. On two days a year, the sun’s rays light up the deities’ statues in the innermost chamber of the temple.
The entire temple was moved from its original location in 1968 after the Aswan High Dam was built, which threatened to submerge the temple. The relocation of the temple was completed through an international effort led by UNESCO. The temple was admitted into the list of World Heritage Sites in 1979.
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