Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel Temples
New Kingdom · 19th Dynasty (c. 1264 BC)
- PeriodNew Kingdom · 19th Dynasty (c. 1264 BC)
- LocationAbu Simbel
- Opening HoursDaily 06:00 – 17:00
Abu Simbel is a pair of rock-cut temples carved into the sandstone cliffs of Nubia by Ramesses II in the 19th Dynasty, around 1264 BC. They were built to commemorate the king’s victory at the Battle of Kadesh and to project Egyptian power at the southern frontier.
The Great Temple is fronted by four colossal seated statues of Ramesses II, each about 20 metres high. The smaller temple beside it is dedicated to Queen Nefertari and to the goddess Hathor. In the 1960s, UNESCO led an international effort to cut the temples into blocks and raise them about 65 metres to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
What you will see
- The four colossi of the Great Temple, one of which collapsed in antiquity.
- The inner sanctuary, where the sun aligns with the deified Ramesses on 22 February and 22 October each year.
- Reliefs of the Battle of Kadesh and scenes of the king before the gods.
- The Temple of Nefertari, with six standing colossi and Hathor-headed columns.
The sun alignment
Twice a year, on 22 February and 22 October, the rising sun reaches deep into the sanctuary of the Great Temple and lights three of the four seated deities. Tickets on those days are sold at a higher price and sell out well in advance.
Practical tips
- Most visitors arrive on a morning convoy from Aswan, about a three-hour drive each way; a private car with an early start is more comfortable.
- Allow around 2 hours on site to see both temples.
- Photography inside the temples is not permitted; tripods and flash are not allowed.
- Bring water and sun protection — the site is exposed and can be very hot by mid-morning.
Tickets
| USD | Adult | Student |
|---|---|---|
| Foreigners | $15 | $8 |
| Egyptians | $1 | $1 |
Official ticket prices published by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, converted from Egyptian pounds at a rate of EGP 50 = USD 1. See the official page Last checked: 2026-09-23
Opening Hours
- Sunday 06:00 – 17:00
- Monday 06:00 – 17:00
- Tuesday 06:00 – 17:00
- Wednesday 06:00 – 17:00
- Thursday 06:00 – 17:00
- Friday 06:00 – 17:00
- Saturday 06:00 – 17:00
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