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Temple · Abu Simbel, Aswan
Small Temple of Abu Simbel
The smaller temple at Abu Simbel, dedicated to Hathor and Queen Nefertari, with six statues on the façade: four of Ramses II and two of the queen, all the same size.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Small Temple of Abu Simbel
The Temple of Nefertari, also called the Small Temple, stands about 100 meters from the Great Temple on the same rock. Ramses II had it carved in honor of his principal wife, Nefertari, and the goddess Hathor.
The façade has six statues of roughly 10 meters: four of the pharaoh and two of the queen, equal in size to the king — something rare in Egyptian art. Inside, the pillared hall has columns with Hathor’s heads and reliefs of Nefertari with the gods.
The temple was saved along with the Great Temple in the same UNESCO campaign and reconstructed on the artificial hill beside Lake Nasser.
The interior chamber is smaller and more intimate than that of the Great Temple, and the reliefs of the queen offering flowers to the gods are among the most delicate at Abu Simbel.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About half an hour.
Best time
In the morning, right after visiting the Great Temple, or in the late afternoon.
How to get there
On foot, about 100 meters from the Great Temple of Abu Simbel.
Tip
Notice on the façade the statues of the queen that are the same size as those of the pharaoh.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Small Temple of Abu Simbel
What is the Temple of Nefertari at Abu Simbel?
The smaller temple at Abu Simbel, dedicated to Hathor and to Queen Nefertari, wife of Ramses II.
Why are Nefertari’s statues the same size as the king’s?
It was a rare honor: the façade shows the queen equal in size to the pharaoh.
Is the Temple of Nefertari far from the Great Temple?
No, about 100 meters away, on the same rock.