Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae
Egypt ·
Description
Abu Simbel is the triumph of pharaonic ambition and modern engineering. Four 20-meter colossi of Ramesses II guard the entrance to the temple excavated into the mountain, where twice yearly the sun penetrates 60 meters to illuminate the inner sanctuary. In the 1960s, the world joined forces to relocate these temples piece by piece, saving them from Aswan Dam waters in an unprecedented feat.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
The Nubian monuments represent masterpieces of ancient Egypt saved through an unprecedented international campaign. UNESCO recognized both their exceptional archaeological value and the achievement of their relocation, which marked the birth of international heritage cooperation.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
45-minute flight from Aswan or 3-hour ground convoy. Flights allow seeing sunrise at the temples.
On February 22 and October 22, the sun penetrates to the inner sanctum. Thousands of visitors come to witness it.
Between 1964-1968, they were cut into blocks up to 30 tons and rebuilt 65 meters higher. It cost 40 million dollars.
Absolutely. It's one of Egypt's most impressive monuments, despite the distance.
Besides Abu Simbel, it includes Philae (Agilkia Island), Kalabsha, and other Nubian temples saved from the waters.