Abu Simbel is one of the most beautiful and certainly the most unusual and majestic temples in Egypt. It was built by, and to glorify, Ramesses II.

The facade, 38 meters long and 31 meters high was carved into the mountain. Four colossal seated statues of Ramesses II replace the supporting column of the facade, and other statues are sculptured between the legs of each colossus. They represent various members of the royal family including Nefertari, wife of Ramesses II.

Abu Simbel, with the help of the United States and UNESCO, was moved onto higher ground when the Aswan Dam was built. Amazingly, they were able to cut the facade in pieces from the mountain and reconstruct onto a man-made mountain and have placement within 1/4 of an inch.

Close this Window