First Obelisk of Senusret – Matariya, Cairo

The short answer

The First Obelisk of Senusret in Mataria Entry Ticket is a 1-day attraction ticket covering the obelisk display area in Mataria, Cairo, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

• Cultural

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations

Cairo

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

What lingers

• 01 Located in Matariya (ancient Heliopolis), the Senusret I obelisk dates to c.1971–1926 BCE, Twelfth Dynasty.
• 02 Entrance ticket included; the site is an open-air roadside monument requiring only a 15–20 minute visit.
• 03 Unlike Giza Plateau visits, most guests spend under 30 minutes here, making it an easy half-day addition.
• 04 The obelisk preserves hieroglyphic inscriptions naming Senusret I; our Egyptologists include translation highlights on-site.
• 05 Small, exposed location with limited shade; we recommend visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday sun.
• 06 We avoid mass-group buses here; visits are scheduled as private or small-group, respecting the site's scale.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01 Where is the First Obelisk of Senusret in Mataria?

   The First Obelisk stands in Mataria, eastern Cairo, within the modern district of Al‑Matariyyah. It marks the site of ancient Heliopolis and is visible from adjacent streets. Expect a short roadside stop; allow 15–30 minutes. Our Egyptologists usually pair it with Baron Empain Palace or the wider Heliopolis circuit.
2. 02 Do I need to buy a ticket to see the obelisk?

   There is generally no separate ticket for roadside obelisks; they are viewed from public spaces. Small fenced sites or nearby museums may charge entry, however. If you want a guided close‑up or access to controlled grounds we will confirm any fees and arrange permissions before travel.
3. 03 Is the obelisk site wheelchair accessible?

   Accessibility at the obelisk is limited: pavements are uneven and kerbs are often high. There are no formal ramps or visitor facilities at the immediate site. If you need step‑free access we can suggest nearby accessible Heliopolis stops or arrange a vehicle drop‑off adjacent to the monument.
4. 04 How long should I allow to visit the obelisk?

   Plan 15–30 minutes for the obelisk alone; allow longer if you add nearby Heliopolis sites. Our Egyptologists typically allocate 20 minutes for photographs and short interpretation. Remember eastern Cairo traffic and parking can add 20–40 minutes to your overall schedule.
5. 05 Can I take photographs or fly a drone at the obelisk?

   Photographs from public areas are normally permitted; drone use requires approval from the national civil aviation authority. Commercial photography and drones usually need permits and local police clearance. We can apply for permissions and advise on close‑up photography rules and timing.
6. 06 Can you include the obelisk in a private Cairo half‑day itinerary?

   Yes – we can include the obelisk as a short stop within a private half‑day Cairo itinerary. We treat it as a brief heritage stop rather than a stand‑alone attraction and do not operate obelisk‑only tours. Our drivers know local parking and drop‑off points and will factor traffic into the timing.