The magnificent Abu Simbel

Because of security reasons tourists were able to travel to Abu Simbel only in a police convoy a couple of years ago. Most tourists still visit the magnificent site in this way even if it allows only a short stay on the site (and you have to leave Aswan at 3 o'clock at night). We decided to avoid the tourist crowds and stayed the night in Abu Simbel. It was an excellent decision as we had the temple only for us during our visit. Even if the little city around was quite boring it was worth it as Abu Simbel was one of the best sites we visited in Egypt.

The second statue was damaged already during the reign of Ramses II due to an earthquake.

As the Temple of Philae, also this temple was relocated from its original site to avoid it being submerged by Lake Nasser. It is now built around an artificial hill 50 metres above its original location. It is amazingly beautiful and the decorations inside are absolutely magnificent. It was built by Ramses II, one of the big pharaos of Ancient Egypt. Next to his templs is the temple of his wife Nefertari.

Well well, is it Isis and Osiris again...

Temple of Nefertari, wife of Ramses II.