Abu Simbel is one of Egypt’s most awe-inspiring archaeological sites, famous for its colossal statues and historical significance. Located near the southern border with Sudan, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to two massive temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BCE. While the exterior is striking, stepping inside Abu Simbel is like walking into a living museum carved into stone.
1. A Grand Entrance into the Great Temple
Once you pass the towering statues of Ramses II outside the Great Temple, you’ll walk into a vast hall known as the hypostyle hall. This chamber is supported by eight massive pillars shaped like the god Osiris, symbolizing the king’s divinity and eternal rule. Expect:
High ceilings covered in ancient inscriptions
Walls filled with carvings of battle scenes, including Ramses’ victory at the Battle of Kadesh
A deep, immersive atmosphere enhanced by low lighting and cool stone air
2. The Inner Sanctum
As you walk deeper into the temple, the path leads to the sanctuary—a sacred room at the very heart of the temple. Here, you’ll find four seated statues: Ramses II, and the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah. Twice a year, on February 22 and October 22, sunlight illuminates the statues of Ramses and the gods (except Ptah, associated with the underworld), a phenomenon that still attracts visitors from around the world.
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3. Hieroglyphics and Artistic Detail
The walls throughout the temple are covered in beautifully preserved hieroglyphics and reliefs depicting gods, goddesses, and scenes from Ramses' reign. Expect vibrant carvings showing:
Religious rituals
Ramses making offerings to the gods
Queen Nefertari featured prominently alongside him
4. The Small Temple: Nefertari’s Shrine
Next to the Great Temple is the Small Temple, dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor. The interior is more intimate but equally detailed. Inside, you’ll see:
Columns decorated with images of Hathor
Reliefs showing Nefertari in divine settings
A central sanctuary honoring Hathor with smaller chambers branching off
5. A Quiet, Sacred Atmosphere
Inside both temples, the atmosphere is surprisingly quiet and solemn. It feels less like a tourist site and more like a sacred space. Photography is not allowed without a special permit, which helps maintain the ancient aura.
In Short: What to Expect Inside Abu Simbel
Massive stone halls and statues
Carvings of gods, battles, and royal life
A unique light phenomenon in the inner chamber
Quiet, sacred ambiance that feels frozen in time
Visiting Abu Simbel with Egypt Tours Group is more than sightseeing—it’s an emotional and historical journey. Every wall and column tells a story over 3,000 years old, and being inside feels like you’ve stepped into a different era.
