Unfinished Obelisk
A colossal, unfinished granite obelisk lying in its quarry, offering a rare glimpse into ancient Egyptian stone-cutting mysteries.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Unfinished Obelisk
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal, unfinished granite obelisk lying in its quarry, offering a rare glimpse into ancient Egyptian stone-cutting mysteries.
"It's amazing to see this massive monument still lying in the granite quarry where it was carved thousands of years ago."
☀️ Beat the Heat
Wear a hat, sunscreen, and bring water. The sun is intense!
🤝 Polite Vendor Encounters
Be prepared for souvenir sellers; a firm 'no' works best.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Massive Unfinished Obelisk
Granite Quarry
A colossal 1,200-ton granite obelisk, abandoned due to cracks, showcasing ancient engineering.
Ancient Tool Marks
Surface of the Obelisk
Observe the 'scoop' marks, hinting at mysterious ancient stone-working methods.
Granite Quarry Landscape
Surrounding Area
Explore the vast granite quarry, imagining the immense effort to extract and shape these stones.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Unfinished Obelisk
Prepare for the Aswan Sun & Vendors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Beat the Heat
Wear a hat, sunscreen, and bring water. The sun is intense!
🤝 Polite Vendor Encounters
Be prepared for souvenir sellers; a firm 'no' works best.
🧐 Hire a Guide
Enhances understanding of ancient techniques and history.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be walking on uneven quarry terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Beat the Heat
Wear a hat, sunscreen, and bring water. The sun is intense!
🤝 Polite Vendor Encounters
Be prepared for souvenir sellers; a firm 'no' works best.
🧐 Hire a Guide
Enhances understanding of ancient techniques and history.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be walking on uneven quarry terrain. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Scale
Wide-angle lens recommended for the immense size. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Unfinished Obelisk a fascinating glimpse into ancient Egyptian stone-working, marveling at its immense scale and the mystery of its creation. While some find it a bit sparse for a long visit, its historical significance and the unique insights it offers into ancient engineering make it a worthwhile stop, especially when combined with other Aswan attractions. Be prepared for persistent vendors outside the site.
"The Unfinished Obelisk is definitely worth a short visit if you’re in Aswan. It was part of our Aswan tour, and we had a guide, which made the experience nicer as we had explanations for everything. It’s amazing to see this massive monument still lying in the granite quarry where it was carved thousands of years ago; it really helps you imagine the incredible skill and effort of ancient Egyptian craftsmen. The site is well laid out with clear signs and gives a great insight into how obelisks were made.
However once you leave the site, be prepared for quite a bit of hustling from local vendors selling spices, papyrus, and various souvenirs. While some are friendly, the persistence can get a bit overwhelming and takes away from the peaceful experience of the visit."
Marilena K.
"The Unfinished Obelisk of Aswan.
The Unfinished Obelisk, located in the northern granite quarries of Aswan, is one of Egypt’s most fascinating archaeological sites. Believed to have been commissioned during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut in the 18th Dynasty, this massive monument would have been the largest obelisk ever erected in ancient Egypt. If completed, it would have measured around 42 meters in height and weighed an estimated 1,200 tons.
The obelisk was intended to be carved directly from the bedrock, using simple tools made of dolerite. However, during the process, large cracks appeared in the granite, leading the ancient builders to abandon the project entirely. Today, the obelisk remains in situ, lying partially separated from the quarry floor, offering a unique glimpse into the techniques of ancient stone carving.
This site is significant because it reveals the scale and ambition of Egyptian engineering. Visitors can see the marks left by the workers’ tools and imagine the tremendous effort required to transport and erect such a colossal monument. It also provides valuable insight into why certain projects were never completed in antiquity.
A visit to the Unfinished Obelisk is like stepping back in time, uncovering the challenges and skills of a civilization that mastered monumental construction thousands of years ago."
Lefteris Stamatelatos
"This massive obelisk was being carved straight out of the bedrock, but a crack stopped the whole thing—and now it’s just lying there, half-finished. It gives you a real sense of how insanely skilled the ancient Egyptians were, using basic tools to shape something that big. there is sign of lost ancient technology"
Marwan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Unfinished Obelisk is located in the northern granite quarries of Aswan. It's easily accessible by taxi or as part of a guided tour. Many tours include it with the High Dam and Philae Temple.
It's a short drive from Aswan's city center, typically about 15-20 minutes, making it a convenient stop.
Walking is not recommended due to the distance and the intense Aswan heat. Taxis or organized tours are the best options.
Taxis are readily available in Aswan. Many visitors opt for guided tours that bundle the Unfinished Obelisk with other Aswan attractions like the High Dam and Philae Temple.
If you arrive by taxi, arrange for them to wait or have their contact number. Tour operators will handle return transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee for the Unfinished Obelisk site. It's advisable to check current prices before your visit.
The site is generally open during daylight hours, but specific times can vary. It's best to confirm the current operating hours before your visit.
Yes, you can visit independently, but a guide can significantly enhance your understanding of the site's history and the ancient stone-working techniques.
Often, tour operators offer combo packages that include the Unfinished Obelisk, Philae Temple, and the High Dam, which can be cost-effective.
The site involves walking on uneven quarry terrain, which may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A visit typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest and whether you have a guide.
The main attraction is the massive, partially carved obelisk itself, along with the surrounding granite quarry and evidence of ancient tools.
Basic restroom facilities are usually available at major tourist sites like this, but they may not be luxurious.
Light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the sun and terrain.
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash where prohibited.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the sheer scale of the obelisk from a distance, and get close to photograph the intriguing 'scoop' marks.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer harsh shadows, making for more dramatic photos.
Drone usage is often restricted at archaeological sites; it's best to check local regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the immense size of the obelisk. A zoom lens can be useful for details.
The 'scoop' marks and the sheer scale of the unfinished monument offer unique photographic perspectives on ancient engineering.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep the visit brief to manage energy levels and the heat. Bring plenty of water and snacks, and consider a guide to keep younger minds engaged with stories about the pharaohs and builders. The open space allows for some freedom of movement, but always supervise children closely due to the uneven terrain.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Visit during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the best light. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for conveying the obelisk's colossal size. Look for unique angles that emphasize its unfinished state and its connection to the surrounding quarry.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mystery of Ancient Stone Cutting
+1TikTok videos often highlight these 'scoop' marks, with creators like @reppin.nature and @derekolson questioning how such deep, consistent indentations could be made with simple tools. Some theories suggest the use of abrasive slurries or even methods to soften the stone, though concrete evidence remains elusive. The fact that the obelisk was abandoned due to a crack, rather than completion, also offers a rare glimpse into the challenges faced by ancient builders.
This site serves as a tangible link to a past where engineering marvels were achieved with seemingly basic resources. It invites visitors to ponder the ingenuity and perhaps unknown techniques of a civilization that mastered the art of monumental construction, leaving behind questions that continue to intrigue us today.
+1Significance of the Unfinished Obelisk
Unlike completed monuments, the Unfinished Obelisk remains in situ, directly revealing the process of its creation. Visitors can observe the marks left by tools, the methods of detachment from the bedrock, and the sheer scale of the undertaking. This provides a stark contrast to the polished perfection of finished obelisks, offering a more raw and honest perspective on ancient craftsmanship and engineering.
Its presence in the Aswan granite quarries, which supplied stone for many of Egypt's most famous structures, including the pyramids, underscores its historical importance. The site allows us to appreciate the immense labor, planning, and skill required to extract, transport, and erect these colossal monuments, making it a vital stop for anyone interested in ancient Egyptian history and engineering.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit