Abu Simbel

In 1968 the temples were moved from their original location to avoid them being submerged due to construction of the Aswan High Dam. They were moved 64 meters (210 feet) above and 180 meters (590.5 feet) West of their original site. To make this shift possible the temples were cut into pieces that weighed between 2.7 and 19 tonnes (3 and 20 ton), then carefully reassembled where you now see them overlooking the Nubian Lake (Lake Nasser).

Both temples were commissioned by Ramesses II. On the exterior of the main temple, two on either side of the entrance, are seated figures of Ramses II, each 20 meters (66 feet) in height. At their feet are smaller figures of his children, queen Nefertari, and his mother, Muttuy (Mut-tuy, or Queen Ti). Statues of the pharaoh line the main hall which leads to the sanctuary that houses representations of the gods Amun‑Ra, Ra‑Horakhty, Ptah, and a deified Ramesses II. The temple commemorates the victory of Ramesses II at the Battle of Kadesh.
The second temple is dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Queen Nefertari, wife of Ramesses II. The exterior features statues of the king and queen, 10.5 meters (35 feet) in height.

The main temple was aligned so that on two days a year, which now are the 22nd of February and 22nd of October, the rays of the rising sun enter the temple, cross the main hall, and illuminate the statues in the sanctuary. Egyptologists believe these dates correspond to the coronation and birthday of Ramesses II.
Abu Simbel was admitted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. 
Abu Simbel is often visited in a day trip from Aswan, 3-4 hours drive each way. Alternatively 20 minute flights are sometimes available. Overnight stay in Abu Simbel is not common, because apart from the temple there is not much to see unless you wish to attend the Sound and Light show or watch sunrise there