Landmark
Unfinished obelisk
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The Unfinished obelisk is a remarkable archaeological site in Aswan, offering a direct glimpse into ancient Egyptian stone-carving methods. This colossal granite obelisk, still attached to the bedrock, would have been the largest ever erected if completed. Cracks in the stone caused it to be abandoned, leaving visible tool marks and trenches that show how workers shaped and detached such massive monoliths. Visitors can walk around the site and see the precise cuts and wedging points, making it an open-air museum of engineering. It's a short, self-guided visit that provides fascinating insight into the challenges of ancient construction.
Don't miss
- The visible tool marks and trenches that show how ancient workers cut the granite.
- The sheer scale of the obelisk, which would have stood over 40 meters tall.
- The adjacent quarry area, which offers context on the extraction process.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Unfinished obelisk
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inPrivate Day tour to High Dam&Unfinished Obelisk&Philae From Aswan4.5★ · 83 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$20 per personSee dates →
Most bookedAswan Day Tour Visiting Philae Temple, Unfinished Obelisk and High Dam in Aswan4.7★ · 123 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$65 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleFull-Day Tour of Philae Temple, High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk5★ · 19 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$50 per personSee dates →More attractions in Aswan