The Abu Simbel Temple, one of the temples, is one of Aswan's top tourist attractions and has acquired a degree of fame comparable to that of the Giza Pyramids. The Ramses II Temple, built by the greatest of all kings, Ramses II, includes both the main building of King Ramses II and the smaller temple, the Nefertiti temple, which was built in honour of his adored wife Nefertiti.
This blog covers the history of Abu Simbel, the key information about Abu Simbel, and a description of the inside. While you learn about Abu Simbel, enjoy the trip. Thus, keep reading.
Relocation of Abu Simbel
When it started in 1964, one of the biggest undertakings in history had the goal of protecting historical sites from the Nile's flood from sinking this ancient civilization beneath so that Egypt tours would not be destroyed. The Temple of Abu Simbel, which was disassembled and relocated to its current location beside Lake Nasser, was one of the temples that was preserved.
History of the Relocation Process in Abu Simbel
The most valuable temples at Abu Simbel will sustain long-term harm as a result of the construction of the Aswan Dam, according to a 1959 letter from the governments of Egypt and Sudan to UNESCO begging for assistance in their preservation. Foreign governments' help allowed for the preservation of Abu Simbel's Ramses II Temple and Nefertari Crossing.
Up until Vattenbyggnadsbyrn, a Swedish company, figured out the mechanics of moving the temples, international funds were donated for the rescue mission in 1960. To move the temple without causing any damage, the walls, ceilings, and sculptures had to be painstakingly cut. The temple's statues and walls were really torn up into 20 - 30 tonne pieces. This large-scale project was dangerous, and several Swedish companies participated, led by Atlas Copco, Sandvik, Skanska Cement, and Syntab.
Interior design of Abu Simbel
Two temples can be found. The Small Temple is dedicated to Ramses II's wife, Queen Nefertari, while the Great Temple is dedicated to Ramses II himself. Should we do a brief day trip from Aswan to Abu Simbel with a knowledgeable Egyptologist?
The Great Temple: Ramses II Temple
One of the largest and most impressive temples in Aswan, as well as in Egypt vacation packages and the rest of the globe, is the Temple of Ramses II. It was built to house Ramses II, the deity Amun, and the gods Ra-Harakhty and Ptah.
Four enormous statues depicting King Ramses II seated on his throne and encircled by hieroglyphic embellishments can be seen at the temple's entrance. These sculptures commemorate King Ramses II's greatest victory in the Battle of Cadiz.
When you first enter the enormous temple, you will see numerous famous persons and various apartments belonging to Ramses II. The most noteworthy room and considered a miracle is the final sacred chamber. Except for two days a year when the sun shines into the room, this chamber is always black. This miracle did not occur by accident! Instead, it was the result of engineering, architectural, and astronomical research that altered the timing of the sun's perpendicularity to the face of the Ramses II monument every year till the present.
RAMSES II TEMPLE AND THE RELATION OF THE SUNRISE
Since the temple's construction more than 3200 years ago till the present, the sun rises on two days every year directly over the face of the Ramses statue in the last chamber, which is the hallowed room of King Ramses II! To be amazed by this creativity, you must reserve from Egypt day tours your journey to Aswan during one of these two days.
Following much investigation, the ancient builders were able to design the temple such that Ramses II's hallowed hall would receive sunlight on both his birthday, October 22 and the anniversary of his accession to the kingdom, February 22.
During these two days, the sun shines on three sculptures (the statue of Ramses II, the statue of Ra the sun god, and the statue of Amon the king of the gods) in a passageway in the temple that is dark the rest of the year. The fourth and final statue of the god Ptah is always dark since he is the god of darkness and has never seen the light since its construction till today! A genuine miracle that must be seen!
The Small Temple: Nefertiti Temple
The second temple inside the Temple of Abu Simbel is called the Temple of Nefertari (Nefertiti), and it was built in recognition of the king's intense affection for Queen Nefertiti since she is his favourite wife. Since it is devoted to the goddess Hathor, the building is also known as the Temple of Hathor.
Within the little temple are two towers, each containing three sculptures two of Ramses II and one of Queen Nefertiti. The most spectacular statue of Queen Nefertiti was created, and it included her wearing a long, translucent clothing, clutching a clay tool (used in one of the temple's important rites), donning a crown made of two feathers called a Hathori, and holding a sun orb in the centre. This is Queen Nefertari's most amazing statue.
From Aswan, how do you travel to Abu Simbel?
Most visitors choose between two ways for travelling from Abu Simbel to Aswan and vice versa. The first option is flying. When holiday time is limited, travellers often choose for a quick day trip to Abu Simbel by plane from Aswan in order to maximise their experience. The journey takes around 30 minutes.
Taking the finest Egypt Nile Cruises from Aswan to Abu Simbel Temple is another option, and one that some travellers choose. From there, you may take in the landscape of the many temples and islands on the route to Abu Simbel Temple.
