The Abu Simbel Temples are located in which country?

The Abu Simbel Temples are located in southern Egypt, near the western bank of Lake Nasser, close to the border with Sudan. These magnificent rock-cut temples stand as one of the most impressive monuments of ancient Egyptian civilization. They were constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BCE, primarily to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Kadesh and to honor the gods of Egypt. The site consists of two temples — the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Small Temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari, his beloved wife.

The Great Temple features four colossal statues of Ramses II seated majestically, each towering over 20 meters (66 feet) high, carved directly into the sandstone cliffs. Inside, intricate carvings and colorful wall reliefs depict scenes of royal achievements, battles, and religious rituals. The Small Temple, though smaller in size, is equally remarkable, with detailed artwork showcasing Queen Nefertari alongside the goddess Hathor.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Abu Simbel is the solar alignment phenomenon. Twice a year, on February 22 and October 22, the rising sun illuminates the inner sanctuary and the statues of the gods — except for Ptah, the god of darkness. This precise astronomical design demonstrates the extraordinary engineering and astronomical knowledge of the ancient Egyptians.

In the 1960s, the temples were relocated piece by piece to higher ground to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam — a monumental UNESCO-led preservation project.