Overview
The Unfinished Obelisk lies in its ancient granite quarry on the northern outskirts of Aswan, believed to have been commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut in the 15th century BC. Had it been finished, it would have stood 42 meters tall and weighed 1,200 tons - the largest obelisk in ancient Egypt - but cracks discovered during quarrying ended the work. Preserved exactly as the masons left it, the site serves as a living textbook of how ancient Egyptians extracted enormous stones. Admission EGP 100. About 10 minutes by car from downtown Aswan.
Opening Hours
Daily 07:00-16:00
Travel Tips
There's no shade - bring a hat and water. 30-60 minutes is plenty. Combine with Philae Temple and the Aswan High Dam for a tidy half-day.
Hotels near Unfinished Obelisk
Hotels and guesthouses in Aswan, Aswan, Aswan Governorate
Other attractions in Aswan
Abu Simbel Temples
Massive rock-cut temples built by Ramesses II and famously relocated as a UNESCO World Heritage rescue.
Philae Temple
A temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, famously relocated island and all because of the High Dam.
Nubian Village
Brightly painted Nubian houses line the Nile, offering a vibrant cultural experience.
Elephantine Island
An island in the middle of the Nile mixing ancient Nubian border-town ruins with living Nubian villages.
Aswan High Dam
Completed in 1970, this massive dam created Lake Nasser and shaped modern Egypt.
Kitchener's Island (Botanical Garden)
A small botanical garden island in the middle of the Nile filled with tropical plants and birdsong.