An absolute must see in Egypt is the magnificent temple complex of Abu Simbel, commissioned 3,000 years ago by Ramses II for himself and his beloved wife Nefertari.
The impressive structures commemorate his victory at the Battle of Kardesh and they were meant to impress his enemies in the south.
The facade of the Great Temple is 35m high and 30m long. The Great Temple was constructed on the position of the sun.
On February 22 and October 22 sunlight penetrates 55m into the inner sanctuary to illuminate 3 of the statues at the back wall.
Only the 4th statue of Ptah, the god of the Underworld, remains in darkness all year round. The Smaller Temple is completely dedicated to Nefertari and her being crowned as the Goddesses Isis and Hathor. From 1964-1968, UNESCO started an initiative to move both the Great Temple and the Small Temple to a plateau on the cliffs to safe them from flooding.
The temples were dismantled, moved 60 meters up the sandstone cliff that they originally stood on and were then reassembled. Near the re-erected temples now stands a man made dome, which houses an exhibit of photographs, detailing the entire relocation.
