Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan: Visitor Guide and Historical Overview

This was one of the most ambitious projects in ancient Egypt – a single slab of granite, standing upright, dedicated to the sun. And this one, they say, would have been the biggest – 42 meters long, weighing several thousand tons.
It is thought to belong to Queen Hatshepsut of the 18th Dynasty, who commissioned several similar obelisks at Karnak. If you have already visited the Hatshepsut mortuary temple in Deir el-Bahari, this sight will add another perspective to your appreciation of her building programme.
The masons found a crack in the granite shaft and abandoned the project. As a result, the obelisk never left the quarry, and the trenches were never filled in. The unfinished obelisk in Aswan provides a fascinating insight into the workings of ancient stonemasons.

Aswan is located at the southernmost part of Egypt’s Nile Valley, and the local reddish-pink granite was highly prized. This open-air quarry site shows how the ancient Egyptian stonemasons worked – pounding out the rock slowly, gradually hollowing out the shaft until it could be removed.
Pounding tools left their mark on the surface of the unfinished obelisk, forming distinctive shallow indentations. Other marks show where trenches were dug around the shaft.
You may want to ask your guide about the history of ancient Egyptian monuments while you are here. Seeing this site, with its massive scale and careful workmanship, puts it into perspective. These were the stones used to build Egypt’s ancient wonders.

This open-air quarry is laid out as an informal museum. A guide will help you see the most interesting features: the great obelisk still attached to the bedrock and the crack that stopped the masons from removing it.
They will show you the distinctive dolerite pounding marks and the trenches that formed around the stone. Enjoy the views over the wider Aswan granite quarry – including those characteristic rock formations that inspired ancient Egyptian architects.
Make sure you wear comfortable shoes: the surface of the obelisk is uneven in places. A sun hat and water bottle may come in handy during the warmer part of the day. Professional photographers will enjoy the morning light, which shows off the ancient tool marks.

This is a great opportunity to include a half-day tour around Aswan. Travelers often combine a visit to the unfinished obelisk with the Aswan High Dam, and the temples of Philae. These two can also be combined with a cruise down the Nile River.
You could spend the day seeing ancient Egyptian attractions, and then even spend the night in Aswan. Or, you could head upriver towards Luxor and visit more ancient monuments, including Habu Temple. The Red Sea in Egypt guide is also worth reading if you plan to spend a few days by the coast.

Aswan is the most southerly stop on Egypt’s classic Nile route. A Nile River cruises from Luxor to Aswan makes perfect sense if you want to see ancient monuments while you are still in the heartland of Egypt.
If you are planning to visit the Red Sea resorts after your time in Luxor, the Red Sea in Egypt guide will help you plan your time.

A visit to the unfinished obelisk in Aswan should form only a small part of your wider touring plans – it is ideal for a half-day visit. Opening times and other conditions may change, so it is worth double-checking before you go. A local guide is invaluable here, as there is quite a bit of fascinating detail which only they can explain.
Plan your visit to avoid the hottest part of the day, and bring sun protection. The surface of the unfinished obelisk is uneven in parts – so a steady pace is more important than rushing to get it all done.
Our team can help you with transport and a guide, as part of a wider touring itinerary. So, you can relax, knowing that the practical details have been taken care of.

Why was the obelisk never finished?

Cracks appeared in the granite during the carving process, making it impossible to remove. The masons had to leave the unfinished obelisk on site.

What is the Aswan granite quarry known for?

Aswan quarries provided blocks of red-pink granite for ancient Egypt’s obelisks, statues and temples. These were transported by boat to building sites.

Can you visit the unfinished obelisk in Aswan in a single morning?

Yes – it is possible to see it as a short visit. Many travelers include it in a half-day tour, along with the Aswan High Dam and the Philae Temples.

Who is the obelisk linked to?

It is thought to have belonged to Queen Hatshepsut of the 18th Dynasty.

How big was it meant to be?

It measured roughly 42 meters in length and was thought to weigh several thousand tons. Had it been completed, it would have been Egypt’s largest ever obelisk.