Unfinished Obelisk

In the ancient granite quarries on the edge of Aswan lies the largest obelisk the ancient Egyptians ever attempted. It is thought to have been ordered by Queen Hatshepsut for the Temple of Amun at Karnak. Had it been finished it would have stood about 42 metres tall and weighed around 1,168 tonnes. Workers abandoned it after cracks and flaws appeared in the stone, and it still lies where it was cut, attached to the bedrock on one side.

What to see

A walkway leads around and over the quarry so you can look down on the full length of the obelisk. You can see the trenches the quarrymen cut around it and the marks of the hard dolerite pounders they used to shape the granite. It gives a rare, practical view of how obelisks were made, which you cannot get from the finished monuments in Luxor, Rome or Paris. The site was uncovered in the early 20th century after being buried in sand for thousands of years.

Visiting tips

• Allow 30–45 minutes. There is little shade, so come early in the morning in summer.
• Wear sturdy shoes for the uneven rock and steps.
• It combines easily with Philae Temple and the High Dam on a half-day tour.

Getting there

The quarry is in the southern part of Aswan city, a short taxi ride from the Corniche. Most tours include it on the way to Philae.

Last checked October 2026. Sources: egymonuments.gov.eg, mota.gov.eg, egyptindependent.com.