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Abu Simbel is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt. It is also one of the most impressive ancient monuments that still exist today in Egypt tours. If you are planning to visit the Abu Simbel temple from Aswan, or if you are simply curious about this ancient wonder, read on to learn some facts about Abu Simbel that you may not know.
Abu Simbel Location
Abu Simbel is located in Nubia, southern Egypt. It is situated on the western bank of Lake Nasser, about 280km southwest side of Aswan day tours. The temple complex is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Egypt.
History of Abu Simbel Temple
Southern Egypt is home to the enormous Temple of Abu Simbel, a temple complex that was hewn out of the rock. The magnificent Pharaoh Ramses II erected the temple in the 13th century BCE as a monument to him and his queen Nefertari. The Little Temple of Nefertari and the Great Temple of Ramses II are the two temples that may be seen on the Abu Simbel temples tour:
The Great Temple of Ramses II is the largest and most impressive of the two temples. It has four massive statues of Ramses II, each over 20 meters tall. It has a distinctive architecture among Egypt day tours temples, the front of the temple is decorated with reliefs depicting scenes from Ramses II's military victories, including the Battle of Kadesh.
South of the Great Temple is where you'll find the Little Temple of Nefertari. While being considerably smaller than the Great Temple, it is just as stunning. Six sculptures of Nefertari, each sporting her recognisable blue crown, are present. Reliefs illustrating episodes from Egyptian mythology, including the tale of Isis and Osiris, appear all over the temple's walls. Your tour guide will be with you while on the historical Egypt tour packages to provide you all the information you need to understand the country's historical and cultural tours in Egypt.
The temples at Abu Simbel were built during a time when Egypt was one of the most powerful empires in the world. But by the time they were finished, Egypt was in decline and would never regain its former glory. In 663 BCE, just 50 years after they were built, the Abu Simbel temples were sacked by invaders from Kush (modern-day Sudan). They were abandoned and forgotten for over 1,000 years.
How to get to Abu Simbel
After taking one of the many Cairo day tours, travellers have a few alternatives for getting to Abu Simbel. The most common choice is to continue their classic tours in Egypt by taking a 3-hour flight on Egypt Air from Cairo International Airport to Aswan International Airport and then a 1.5-hour drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel.
Take an overnight train from Cairo's Ramses Station to Aswan as an alternative, and then proceed as planned with your Egypt luxury tours. Travelers will arrive in Aswan early in the morning because the trip takes roughly 12 hours. Abu Simbel is another 1.5 hours' drive from Aswan.
The third choice is to go directly to Abu Simbel by bus, which takes five hours, leaving from Cairo's South Terminal. While it's less comfortable than the other two, this option is the most affordable for your Egypt budget tours.
Tips for visiting Abu Simbel
When visiting Abu Simbel, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection. The desert heat can be intense, and it’s important to stay hydrated on any desert tours in Egypt. Second, wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Third, if you want to take photos inside the temples, remember that flash photography is not allowed. Lastly, have fun and enjoy your time at this amazing archaeological site! And book Nile cruises in Egypt to wonder about Egyptian attractions while you’re sailing.
Abu Simbel is an incredible place with a long and fascinating history that you will enjoy with your family during your family tours in Egypt. The temple complex was built by Ramses II to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Kadesh, and it took twenty years to complete. Today, the temples are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Egypt, and they are certainly worth a visit if you find yourself in the area.
