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Abu Simbel, Egypt
Abu Simbel consists of two massive rock-cut temples built by Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BC on the banks of the Nile. Four 20-meter seated colossi of Ramesses guard the entrance to the Great Temple, which was precisely aligned so that twice a year sunlight penetrates 60 meters to illuminate the statues of gods in the inner sanctuary. In the 1960s, the entire complex was cut into blocks and relocated 65 meters higher to save it from Lake Nasser. This engineering feat is almost as remarkable as the temples themselves.
explore by interest
Most visitors fly from Aswan (45 minutes each way). The temples can be visited in 2-3 hours. Arrive early or stay overnight to see the temples at sunrise without crowds. The February and October solar alignment events draw huge crowds.
October through April when temperatures are bearable. February 22 and October 22 are the solar alignment dates — extraordinary but extremely crowded. Summer temperatures exceed 45°C.