The sun’s rays fall directly on the Abu Simbel Temple twice a year.

 

The sun’s rays fall directly on the Abu Simbel Temple twice a year.

Deep in southern Egypt lies the magnificent Abu Simbel Temple, built over 3,000 years ago by Pharaoh Ramses II. What makes this temple truly unique is a rare solar phenomenon that happens twice a year — when the sun’s rays shine directly into the inner sanctuary.

On February 22 and October 22, the rising sun’s light travels through the temple’s long corridor and illuminates the statues of Ramses II, the sun god Ra-Horakhty, and the creator god Amun-Ra. Only the fourth statue, Ptah, the god of darkness, remains in shadow — just as the ancient architects intended.

This incredible alignment is a testament to the advanced astronomical knowledge of ancient Egyptians. Even after the temple was relocated in the 1960s to save it from flooding caused by the Aswan High Dam, the phenomenon still occurs, though it now happens one day later than before.

The event attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to witness the golden sunlight illuminating history itself. Truly, Abu Simbel is not just a temple — it’s a marvel of light, time, and human genius