Abu Simbel Temples

Among the famous sights of Egypt, Abu Simbel is one of the first places, second only to the pyramids and the sphinx. The value of the temple is emphasized by the UNESCO organization, which included the landmark of Egypt in the list of World Heritage Sites. This unique cultural monument was carved directly into the rock 100 meters high. Getting to it is not so easy, because Abu Simbel was built deep in the desert, near the banks of the Nile River .

Abu Simbel - a temple that was built twice

Construction was completed in 1244 BC. e. and is directly related to the name of Ramses II. Pharaoh, having won the battle of Kadesh, ordered to erect a majestic temple in honor of this event. For 20 years, workers have been processing stones, turning an ordinary rock into an unsurpassed masterpiece. By the way, at least five shrines were built during the 66-year rule of Ramses II, but Abu Simbel deservedly became a cherry on top of the cake .

The complex includes two temples: large and small. A small temple was erected in the name of the beloved wife of the pharaoh - Queen Nefertari Merenmut. The large temple was intended for the ruler of Egypt (Ramses II), as well as for some Egyptian gods. Here are perfectly preserved wall pictures, letters. Perhaps the most famous is the one where Ramses II worships his divine image. The entrance to the temple is guarded by four twenty-meter colossi. The sculptures carved into the rock are identical copies of Ramses II. The accuracy with which the statues are made does not cease to amaze modern tourists.

Abu simbel

Until 1813 nobody knew about this magnificent place, since it had been hidden from human eyes with a thick layer of sand for several centuries. Abu Simbel was found by the traveler Burkhardt, who accidentally stumbled upon the top of the building. And only a few years later, experts were able to completely free the cultural monument from the sand captivity.

But in the middle of the 20th century, the sight of Egypt was in catastrophic danger. The fact is that the state planned to build a dam on the Nile. Because of this, according to estimates, the river would begin to overflow, threatening the sanctuary with flooding. Had this happened, a sandstone building would have been completely destroyed. It is unthinkable! But the country could not abandon the dam, so it was decided to transfer the historical heritage. . It so happened that Abu Simbel is a temple that was built twice . As a result, Abu Simbel was cut into 1036 parts, weighing 20 tons each, and reassembled in a safer place, to which a large amount of financial resources was sent, as well as the forces of specialists from different countries and directions. This engineering and archaeological project is one of the largest in the world.

Abu Simbel - a temple that was built twice

The temple, which survived the second construction, continues to delight visitors with its majestic beauty. And after the restoration, during which the majority of all the images on the walls were restored, he became even better. So much so that local excursions are becoming more popular from year to year.

To Book a day tour to Abu Simbel from Aswan contact Deluxe Tours Egypt reservation department at their website https://www.deluxetoursegypt.com/contact-us/