Abu Simbel Temples

Located south of Aswan lies the Abu Simbel Temples, also known as the Twin Temples. These temples are the second most famous site in all of Egypt, after the Pyramids of Giza. Built by the greatest of the pharaohs, Ramses II, these temples were used to convey the power of Egypt when anyone laid their eyes on them. The four statues guarding the doorway to the larger of these temples are the largest sculptures that survive from the ancient Pharaonic era. The larger temple is dedicated to Ramses II and the smaller temple is dedicated to his wife, Queen Nefertiti. The ancient architects positioned the temple so that sunlight reached the room on February 22, the anniversary of his accession to the throne and on his birthday, October 22. On these two days, the sunlight floods the temple corridor creating a beautiful sight and people come to the temple to celebrate the power of the ancient Egyptians in a festival, aptly named the Sunlight Festival.