Abu Simbel Temples

Introduction

Ramses II had the Great Temple carved into a Nubian cliff in the 13th century BC, its facade dominated by four seated figures of the king, each about 20 meters tall. Beside it, the smaller Temple of Hathor honors Queen Nefertari. Between 1964 and 1968 an international effort cut both into blocks and rebuilt them on higher ground to keep them clear of the rising lake. Inside, reliefs cover the walls, and the sanctuary catches sunlight on two dates a year. Most people come on a dawn convoy from Aswan, about three hours each way, or fly into the small airport. November to March is cooler.