Ancient Egypt In California? This Egyptian Temple Replica Near Los Angeles Is Quite Convincing

California is the final place historical past buffs consider when craving for a dose of historic Egyptian surprise. Being among the many most visited states in the U.S., California is essentially referred to as the land of Hollywood glam, with iconic sights just like the Golden Gate Bridge, palm-lined seashores, and nationwide parks with numerous landscapes.

Nevertheless, for these in the hunt for the sudden and a style of Historic Egypt with out leaving the U.S., there may be one exceptional web site that delivers simply that. Situated outdoors Los Angeles, one of many most visited cities in the U.S., this hidden spot boasts large columns inscribed with hieroglyphics, towering statues that echo the pharaohs, and complicated carvings harking back to temples as soon as buried by desert sands.

Right here’s a better have a look at the California-based Egyptian temple that’s a tribute to the timeless allure of Egyptian civilization.

The Egyptian Constructing Is A Lesser-Recognized Egyptian-Impressed Landmark In Chino Hills, California

Inbuilt 2019, this Egyptian-inspired construction replicates the well-known Abu Simbel Temples

Amid the suburban sprawl of Chino Hills, a surprising construction rises, seemingly misplaced within the coronary heart of the town. The Egyptian Building, a reproduction impressed by the traditional temples of Egypt, brings a style of antiquity to Southern California.

Nevertheless, this architectural marvel, positioned within the Commons Mall at Chino Hills, is greater than only a monument to historical past. It’s a story of ambition, cultural homage, and delayed desires.

The historical past behind the Chino Hills Egyptian Constructing

Constructed to accommodate the Egyptian restaurant Farou Meals, the Egyptian Constructing was designed to resemble the well-known Abu Simbel Temples of Egypt, albeit on a smaller scale. This grand endeavor started in 2019 with the aim of opening its doorways in 2020.

Nevertheless, the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic delayed its completion and opening to a later date. Regardless of this setback, the constructing’s exterior stands full and mesmerizing, fascinating guests with its hanging resemblance to one in every of Egypt’s top historic sites and structures.

The architectural design was impressed by Abu Simbel, particularly its depiction of Ramesses II (an Egyptian pharaoh), Nefertiti (queen of the 18th Dynasty), and Hathor (a distinguished goddess).

The second statue on the left facet of the constructing’s façade is purposefully lacking, a direct reference to the unique Abu Simbel temple, the place one of many statues disappeared shortly after its development. This considerate element provides an genuine contact to the reproduction, hinting on the wealthy historic and cultural significance of the traditional Egyptian monument.

Location and find out how to get to the Egyptian Constructing in Chino Hills

Tucked inside the quiet, residential sprawl of Chino Hills, on the positioning of the Commons Mall, the Egyptian Constructing is one in every of Chino Hills’ most sudden sights.

Although the constructing’s inside, with its glass ceilings, stays unfinished because of the pandemic’s influence, the outside is an awe-inspiring sight. Each facet of the construction is meticulously detailed, with columns and carvings reflecting the grandeur of the unique Abu Simbel temple, one of many ancient Egyptian monuments saved and relocated from Lake Nasser.

One other intriguing reality about this architectural masterpiece is that every one the supplies utilized in its development had been handmade in Egypt and shipped internationally to convey its imaginative and prescient to life.

A Nearer Look At The Constructing’s Egyptian-Impressed Design

Like its Egyptian inspiration, it options massive carvings and detailed facades

From a distance, the Egyptian Constructing in Chino Hills seems to be like one thing transported straight from the Nile River valley. With sandstone-colored partitions and towering statues carved within the likeness of Egyptian deities and royals, the constructing captures the theatrical splendor of an historic world.

The constructing’s facade options 4 grand statues modeled after Ramses II, Nefertiti, and Hathor. Along with mimicking historic kinds, these figures echo the size, posture, and solemn dignity of these carved into the cliffs at Abu Simbel over 3,000 years in the past.

Notably, one of many statues is lacking its higher portion, a deliberate design resolution that nods to the unique Abu Simbel temple.

Like most Egyptian temples, together with Egypt’s ancient temple of goddess Hathor, each inch of the outside is full of decorative symbolism. The columns and partitions are etched with Egyptian-style carvings and hieroglyph-like decorations. Whereas they don’t supply precise translations of historic texts, the impact is visually beautiful.

Each ornamental piece was handmade in Egypt and shipped to Chino Hills, giving the facade a real texture and hue that plastic replicas can not seize. The constructing’s intricate detailing continues on all 4 sides, providing an entire wraparound expertise, uncommon for themed industrial areas.

Whereas it might not maintain sacred relics or historic spirits, this Chino Hills gem invitations curious guests to step momentarily into North Africa, with out ever leaving California.

What This Egyptian-Impressed Constructing Is Used For Right this moment

Although unfinished, this constructing was designed for use as an Egyptian restaurant named “Farou Meals”

Regardless of its grandiose look and detailed structure, the Egyptian Constructing at the moment stands empty. Initially meant to accommodate an Egyptian-themed restaurant named Farou Meals, development was practically full when the COVID-19 pandemic introduced all the things to a halt.

Nevertheless, the constructing’s shell has taken on a lifetime of its personal. Whereas not formally in use, it has turn out to be a beloved curiosity and roadside spectacle for locals and guests. Vacationers bump into it with vast eyes, some believing it to be a temple or cultural heart. Others deliberately search it out after seeing pictures on-line or listening to rumors about “the Egyptian temple within the suburbs.”

Whereas no occasions or festivals are at the moment hosted there, the constructing has turn out to be a minor landmark amongst lovers of structure, quirky street journeys, and hidden LA gems. It’s incessantly used as a backdrop for picture shoots, TikToks, and Instagram posts, drawing consideration to how bizarrely out-of-place but fascinating it feels within the panorama.

Though there isn’t a formal entrance or customer signage, recognizing this construction, which is one in every of California’s most unique places to visit, is difficult to overlook as soon as shut. The large facade, that includes columns and towering partitions, rises unexpectedly amid trimmed lawns and stucco houses, giving the entire setting an otherworldly setting.

Parking: There isn’t a designated car parking zone, however avenue parking is out there close by. Additionally, it’s best to go to throughout off-peak hours (weekday mornings or early afternoons) for simpler entry.

Stumbling upon the Egyptian Constructing within the coronary heart of California seems like discovering a film set that by no means wrapped. This hidden gem provides a hanging, offbeat journey for anybody craving tradition, curiosity, and a break from the anticipated LA itinerary. It’s one in every of California’s lesser-known landmarks, proving that the Golden State by no means runs out of surprises.