Abu Simbel temples

September 6, 2016
Destinations

AbuSimbel Temple (Ramses II )
In the southern region of Nubia near the Sudanese border. Here stands the Great Temple of RamsesII, The temple faces east at a very precise angle.
Just twice a year in the early morning, the sun slowly creeps into the cavernous temple through its large chambers and narrow halls and illuminates its inner sanctum. This scientific phenomenon occurs on February 22 and October 22, the dates of RamsesII’s birthday and coronation, respectively. For only a few hours, the back wall of the innermost shrine is illuminated, mystically lighting up the three statues of Ramses II

The temples are situated 165 miles south of Aswan the largest temple consists of 12 chambers extending 200 yards back into the rock and its façade measures about 33 yards in the width. The front is adorned with four beautiful statues of RamsesII each of which stands 21 yards high facing the rising sun. Short distance away is the small temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari. These 3200 year old temples were menaced by the rising level of the Nile waters following the construction of the High Dam and for the purpose of preserving this unique complex, teams of experts used modern technology for cutting the monuments into blocks to restore them safely, stone by stone on higher site out of reach of the water.

Translate »