Abu Simbel - Attractions in Aswan

Abu Simbel, on the bank of Lake Nasser in Egypt, is a major tourist attraction.

Abu Simbel is a set of two huge rock temples that were carved out of mountains during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II. The monument is exceptionally beautiful and its architecture is marvellous. One of the two temples is dedicated to three deities of Egypt—Ra-Harakhty, Pitah and Amun. The Small Temple is dedicated to Goddess Hathor, personified by Queen Nefertari and Ramses II. The temples are designed in such a manner that on the mornings of 22 February and 22 October the sun’s rays illuminate the entire back wall of the temple and the statues of the four gods.

The temples were feared to be drowned in the waters of Lake Nasser, and so they were removed from their original site to an artificially d mountain, this has become another reason for attracting tourists.