Huge 13th-century BC monument to Ramesses II, one of two temples relocated when Aswan dam was built.
This was my favourite temple in Egypt and the most incredible sight to see. From the outset right through the temple the history and detail is incredible. You will be awestruck at just how this was all achieved, the detail, craftmanship and historical artifacts truly had me in awe. There was quite a few people there at first but the tour buses had left by 10:00 and it was near empty. The place went from around 200+ tourists to less than 8 which gave the place an even more incredible aura when empty. This is a MUST SEE attraction if in Egypt. You will not regret it.
Probably as the sole major tourist sight in the Southern Egypt, it is well maintained with an AC briefing room of chairs, and publications, before the entry. However the hustling vendors along the way were a bit annoyingly unpleasant.
Incredible, the best ever temple which I see. We strongly recommend arrive early morning to have the opportunity to see without agglomeration and due to the heat.
These two temples were carved out of a mountainside during the 19th Dynasty reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC. It was moved to a higher location than its original location in 1968 to avoid being submerged in Lake Nasser, which would occur when the Aswan High Dam is built. Of the two temples, the Great Temple was dedicated to the gods Ra Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, and to the deified Rameses himself. It took approximately 20 years to build, and was completed in 1265 BC, about 24 years after Ramses II came to the throne. It is considered one of the most beautiful temples in Egypt. The entrance is famous for its four huge rock reliefs depicting Ramses II. Inside, eight huge pillars depicting the deified Ramses support the main hall. The walls are mainly carved with scenes from the Battle of Kadesh, where Ramses II's heroic leadership was highlighted. The sanctuary contains rock statues of seated Ra-Horakhty, the deified Ramses, Ra Amun, and Ptah. The temple axis was positioned so that on 22 October and 22 February the sun's rays would penetrate the sanctum and illuminate the statues on the back wall. The only exception is the statue of Ptah, the god associated with the world of the dead. Ptah always remained in darkness.
3 hour ugly drive from Aswan but worth it I guess.. Lots to see and expect spending an hour or so . It's close to the water so a beautiful setting. There are bathrooms before the entrance for 10 EP ,yes shameful even for Egypt...It's worth the 500 EP to see and inside it is very beautiful and well preserved..
This, and the Valley of the Kings, was my favourite place in Egypt. Well worth the visit even though it takes most of the day. Structure is impressive and the details and art fascinating
On-site services
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Getting tickets in advance recommended
Good for kids
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This was my favourite temple in Egypt and the most incredible sight to see. From the outset right through the temple the history and detail is incredible. You will be awestruck at just how this was all achieved, the detail, craftmanship and historical artifacts truly had me in awe. There was quite a few people there at first but the tour buses had left by 10:00 and it was near empty. The place went from around 200+ tourists to less than 8 which gave the place an even more incredible aura when empty. This is a MUST SEE attraction if in Egypt. You will not regret it.
Probably as the sole major tourist sight in the Southern Egypt, it is well maintained with an AC briefing room of chairs, and publications, before the entry. However the hustling vendors along the way were a bit annoyingly unpleasant.
Incredible, the best ever temple which I see. We strongly recommend arrive early morning to have the opportunity to see without agglomeration and due to the heat.
These two temples were carved out of a mountainside during the 19th Dynasty reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC. It was moved to a higher location than its original location in 1968 to avoid being submerged in Lake Nasser, which would occur when the Aswan High Dam is built. Of the two temples, the Great Temple was dedicated to the gods Ra Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, and to the deified Rameses himself. It took approximately 20 years to build, and was completed in 1265 BC, about 24 years after Ramses II came to the throne. It is considered one of the most beautiful temples in Egypt. The entrance is famous for its four huge rock reliefs depicting Ramses II. Inside, eight huge pillars depicting the deified Ramses support the main hall. The walls are mainly carved with scenes from the Battle of Kadesh, where Ramses II's heroic leadership was highlighted. The sanctuary contains rock statues of seated Ra-Horakhty, the deified Ramses, Ra Amun, and Ptah. The temple axis was positioned so that on 22 October and 22 February the sun's rays would penetrate the sanctum and illuminate the statues on the back wall. The only exception is the statue of Ptah, the god associated with the world of the dead. Ptah always remained in darkness.
3 hour ugly drive from Aswan but worth it I guess.. Lots to see and expect spending an hour or so . It's close to the water so a beautiful setting. There are bathrooms before the entrance for 10 EP ,yes shameful even for Egypt...It's worth the 500 EP to see and inside it is very beautiful and well preserved..
This, and the Valley of the Kings, was my favourite place in Egypt. Well worth the visit even though it takes most of the day. Structure is impressive and the details and art fascinating
