Sun Aligns on Ramses II Statue at Abu Simbel

 

Sun Aligns on Ramses II Statue at Abu Simbel

Twice a year, an extraordinary event takes place in southern Egypt — the sun aligns perfectly with the inner sanctuary of the Abu Simbel Temple, illuminating the face of Pharaoh Ramses II.

Built over 3,200 years ago, the Great Temple of Abu Simbel was carefully designed so that the sun’s rays penetrate its 60-meter corridor and light up three of the four statues inside: Ramses II, Ra-Horakhty (the sun god), and Amun-Ra (the god of creation). The fourth statue, Ptah, the god of darkness, remains in shadow — symbolizing the balance between light and dark.

This rare solar alignment happens on February 22 and October 22 each year, believed to mark Ramses II’s coronation and birthday. Even after the temple was moved in the 1960s to protect it from flooding by the Aswan High Dam, the phenomenon still occurs, just one day later.

Each year, thousands of visitors gather before dawn to witness this breathtaking moment — a perfect blend of ancient architecture, astronomy, and divine symbolism that continues to inspire awe more than three millennia later.