Overview:

Nefertari Temple is a Temple of Hathor, the goddess of love, found in the Ancient Egyptian city of Abu Simbel, located southwest of modern Aswan, Egypt. Originally built by Pharaoh Ramesses II in honor of his beloved wife, Nefertari, this structure is considered to be one of the most remarkable monuments from the New Kingdom. Most of the temple has been preserved despite damage due to natural disasters and numerous other threats. Visitors are able to explore this stunningly decorated temple and admire its riverfront location, intricate hieroglyphics, and breathtaking artwork. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

1. The Great Temple of Nefertari, the beloved wife of Ramesses II, located at Abu Simbel in southern Egypt. 2. The temple contains four massive statues of Ramesses II on either side of the entrance, which are approximately 20 metres tall. 3. Inside the temple are several different rooms, including one that was decorated with scenes of Ramesses II being crowned by the gods and goddesses of Egypt. 4. At the back of the temple are two small rooms that contain a painted relief of Nefertari offering a sacrifice to the gods and another that shows her seated between the gods of the Nile Delta. 5. The exterior of the temple shows carved reliefs depicting the pharaoh’s triumphs over the Nubians, the Libyans and the Syrians, along with scenes of Nefertari and Ramesses II worshiping the sun god, Amun-Re. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

Nefertari (also known as Nefertari Meritmut) was the first wife of Ramesses the Great, the third pharaoh of the nineteenth dynasty of Egypt. She was one of the most important consorts of Ramesses, and the mother of his heir, the prince and later pharaoh Merneptah. The Abu Simbel temple complex was built during Ramesses reign in the 13th century BC, and was dedicated to the pharaoh, his first wife, Nefertari and the gods of Ancient Egypt. The design of the temple was based upon his own grand vision and expressly designed to awe visitors. Its four colossal seated statues of Pharaoh Ramesses II, depict his powerful presence and authority, and were placed at the entrance of the hollowed out mountain. Inside, the temple complex contains two temples-- one dedicated to Ramesses and the other to Nefertari. The Nefertari Temple, dedicated to Nefertari, was decorated with beautiful paintings, carvings and reliefs, featuring Isis, Anubis, Hathor, Nefertari herself and other gods of Ancient Egypt. The symbolism and images of Nefertari were so significant because of her power and role as queen – she was a symbol of both her marriage and the strength and fertility of Egypt. In 1963, the temples at Abu Simbel used to be intercepted by the flooding of the Aswan Dam project, and thus were relocated to higher grounds. This relocation is considered one of the greatest archaeological achievements of the 20th century. Today, the Nefertari Temple and Ramesses the Great Temple provides a valuable insight into the values, beliefs, and history of ancient Egypt. The murals and scenes present still evoke admiration and amazement. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Nefertari Temple was built by Pharaoh Ramses II for his Great Royal Wife, Queen Nefertari, as a sign of his love and admiration for her. 2. The temple was built in approximately 1264 BC and is considered to be one of the most beautiful monuments of Ancient Egypt. 3. Nefertari Temple is one of two twin temples that lie side-by-side at Abu Simbel in southern Egypt. 4. The facade of Nefertari Temple includes four colossal statues of Ramses II. 5. Inside the temple there are wall reliefs with battle scenes, religious hymns, and scenes of Nefertari being led to the gods. 6. The walls of the temple are decorated with vivid hieroglyphics depicting the Queen’s most important contributions to ancient Egypt. 7. In 1960, the entire temple complex including Nefertari’s Temple were moved to higher ground to avoid the rising water below due to the Aswan Dam. 8. Nefertari Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era