Abu Simbel Temple

It took two and a half hours to drive from Aswan to the area near the border of Sudan where the temple of Abu Simbel was relocated after the High Dam was built. This 3000 year old temple contains actually two temples - one dedicated to Ramses II and one to his wife Nefertari . They were both built by Ramses. His temple features four 60 foot high statues, sitting and facing the sun. Her temple features 6 statues, 4 of Ramses and 2 of Nefertari, who was a Nubian. The temples are now backed by artificial mountains to resemble the original situation. Originally the sun shone into the door of Ramses' temple on the mornings of October 21 and February 21. After reconstruction, the sun shines in the door on October 22 and February 22.

on the bus