Temple of Beit El-Wali
Temple of Beit El-Wali located in Aswan, near the temple of Kalabsha, south of the High Dam. It is considered as one of the monuments wanted by Ramesses II in Nubian dress, dedicated to the cult of the god Amon and other deities. Beit el Wali was preserved from the flooding of Lake Nasser by a team of Polish archaeologists whose work was funded by the partnership of the Oriental Institute of Chicago/Swiss Institute of Cairo Project.
Interior Design of Beit El Wali:
The Design of the temple is cruciform, with a large Hall in the center, a transverse antechamber with columns, and a sanctuary. The temple was mostly carved out of the rock bed, with the exception of the wall of the main hall. In it, there are remains of inestimable value, among them some paintings depicting battles against the ancient Syrian people, Libyan, and the triumph of Ramesses II over the people of Nubia. These scenes, in particular, depict various sons of the Pharaoh involved in the battle.
The central entrance, added in a second period, communicates with the inner antechamber. The rock ceiling rests on two architraves oriented north-south, supported by two solid columns. The latter is thought to date back to the pre-doric period, with 4 vertical sides, hollowed out at the top and a squared abacus.
At the end of these rooms, a rear wall contains a niche showing a group of statues, Ramesses II between two other deities. From the rear wall to the antechamber, an entrance leads to the sanctuary.
There are many and varied opinions about the artistic quality of the temple. Archaeologists believe that it was built in 4 stages and various artists have followed one another in the creation of the niches and statuary groups. During the next one was co-opted, the temple was transformed into a Christian place of worship.
Sail the Nile River with our best Lake Nasser Nile Cruises, Book your tour Now!