The Unfinished Obelisk, Aswan Quarry
At a glance
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
The Unfinished Obelisk entry ticket is a 1-day attraction ticket covering the ancient granite quarry and unfinished monument in Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Aswan
Best time to go
The best time to visit is typically from October to April, when daytime temperatures in Aswan are more comfortable, often in the mid-20s to low-30s Celsius. In summer, heat can be intense, so early morning entry is usually the most practical option. During Ramadan and major public holidays, visitor flow and local opening routines may change, so confirm hours before going.
02 Overview
A first look
Located in Aswan's northern stone quarries, the Unfinished Obelisk shows original quarrying marks and splitting channels in situ. Work clearly stopped when cracks appeared, leaving the obelisk attached to the bedrock for study.
Background
The facts
The Unfinished Obelisk is an ancient granite quarry site in Aswan, Upper Egypt, where a massive obelisk was abandoned after a crack developed during carving. It is generally dated to the New Kingdom, when obelisks were cut from Aswan’s red granite for temples and ceremonial use across Egypt. The monument is important because it preserves evidence of quarrying methods in place, including tool marks and extraction channels.
The intended obelisk was estimated to be about 42 metres long before the stone broke and the project was left incomplete. Visitors can see the obelisk still attached to the bedrock, along with the surrounding quarry floor and traces of ancient working surfaces. The site helps explain how large monolithic monuments were shaped, detached, and transported from Aswan.
The entry ticket grants access to the open-air quarry area and the unfinished monument itself. Standard entrance fees are typically included unless stated otherwise, while extras such as audio devices, printed materials, or special photography permissions are not part of the admission unless clearly noted on the ticket. Opening hours may vary seasonally, so checking the official site or arriving early is advisable.
Aswan’s quarry zone is usually visited as part of a wider sightseeing circuit that may also include the Nilometer, Philae area, or other nearby heritage stops. The location is a short visit rather than a long indoor museum stop, so it is often combined with other sites on the same outing.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This ticket is suitable for travelers interested in ancient engineering, stone-working, and New Kingdom history, especially adults and teenagers who enjoy archaeological sites. It also suits self-guided visitors who prefer a short, straightforward heritage stop in Aswan. Those with moderate mobility can usually manage the visit, but the quarry surface may be uneven.
What lingers
- 01 Open-air northern quarry in Aswan displaying the Unfinished Obelisk with visible tool marks, abandoned in situ.
- 02 We pair visits with Philae Temple or Aswan High Dam; typical visit 20–30 minutes.
- 03 See the stone's deep incision and horizontal draft lines that reveal ancient Egyptian quarrying techniques up close.
- 04 Open site with limited shade; midday heat can be intense – bring sun protection and water.
- 05 Located in Aswan's northern quarry; access involves uneven rock surfaces and a short uphill walk.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Entry ticket to The Unfinished Obelisk
Not included
- Professional Egyptologist guide (book separately if required)
- Transport to/from the site
- Meals and refreshments
- Photography permit where applicable; check restrictions at the entrance
- Printed ticket, where required by the venue (tickets are sent by email as a PDF)
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
-
01 Are tickets to the Unfinished Obelisk included?
Yes – the standard site entrance ticket for the Unfinished Obelisk is included with this attraction ticket. Transport and a site guide are not automatically included; check your booking or ask us to arrange them. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator we can book private transfers and an Egyptologist to accompany your visit. -
02 How long should I allow to visit the Unfinished Obelisk?
Allow about 30–45 minutes on site to view the quarry face, viewing platforms and interpretive panels. Many clients combine it with Philae Temple or the Aswan High Dam into a half-day excursion. We prefer private slots so you avoid busy coach turnaround times. -
03 Is the Unfinished Obelisk wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility is limited: the quarry has uneven rock surfaces, steps and a sloping pit that prevent standard wheelchair access. There are some level viewpoints reachable by vehicle but the main quarry pit is not wheelchair-friendly. Contact us before booking and we will propose closest viewpoints or arrange assistance. -
04 Can I take photographs at the Unfinished Obelisk?
Yes – personal photography is permitted at the Unfinished Obelisk for non-commercial use. Tripods, professional shoots or drone use require prior permits from Egyptian authorities; ask us to handle permissions. Please avoid blocking paths or ladder areas while photographing. -
05 What is the Unfinished Obelisk?
The Unfinished Obelisk is an incomplete granite obelisk carved in situ in Aswan's northern quarries. It was abandoned when cracks appeared, leaving exposed tool marks that illustrate ancient quarrying technique. The site includes interpretive panels explaining how stone was cut and prepared for transport. -
06 When is the best time of day to visit the Unfinished Obelisk?
Early morning is best to avoid heat and the busiest coach arrivals at the Unfinished Obelisk. Midday provides very limited shade and can be uncomfortable in summer; late afternoon is dustier. We can schedule private or small-group visits to avoid peak coach timetables.
Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: TKT-ASW-240331
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