A thousand-tonne obelisk still lying in the quarry where it cracked — the best evidence anywhere of how Egyptian stone was actually worked.
In a granite quarry on the southern edge of Aswan lies an obelisk that was never finished. It is still attached to the bedrock along its underside, three sides cut free, a crack running through it.
Had it been completed it would have stood around forty-two metres and weighed something over a thousand tonnes — larger than any obelisk ever raised.
Almost every other Egyptian monument shows you the finished object. This one shows you the process, arrested. You can see the trenches cut around the shaft, the rounded pounding marks left by dolerite hammer-stones, and the exact point where the granite betrayed the project.
It answers the question every visitor to Egypt has been silently asking all week: how did they actually do this? Not by magic and not with iron — by pounding out a channel with harder stone, patiently, by hand, for months.
It is also a short walk, close to town, and takes half an hour.
The obelisk is generally attributed to Hatshepsut, in the 15th century BC, and may have been intended as a companion to one she raised at Karnak.
Had it been finished it would have stood around 42 metres and weighed something over a thousand tonnes — larger than any obelisk that was ever successfully raised, anywhere. That is the fact that makes the site worth thirty minutes: you are looking at the outer limit of what the technology could attempt.
Work stopped when fissures appeared in the granite. Rather than risk a shaft that would fail during transport or erection, the quarrymen abandoned it where it lay and started elsewhere.
The method is visible in the rock. Workers pounded the separation trenches with hand-held balls of dolerite, a stone harder than granite, crushing the surface away rather than cutting it. The rounded pits they left are still there along both sides of the shaft.
Aswan granite was quarried here for thousands of years and shipped downriver — the sarcophagi at Giza, the colossi at Luxor and the obelisks now standing in Rome, Paris, London and New York all came out of this ground.
Morning, before the granite heats up
Opening hours: Daytime hours.
Opening hours and ticket prices may change. Please confirm the latest details before visiting.
The traditional lateen-sailed boat of the Nile — an hour of it at Aswan is the cheapest good thing in Egypt.
Painted houses, domed roofs and a distinct language and cuisine — the Nubian settlements on the west bank and the islands at Aswan.
The island in the middle of the river at Aswan — Egypt's ancient southern frontier post, with a Nilometer, a ruined town and two Nubian villages on top of it.
The dam that ended the Nile flood, created the largest reservoir in Africa, and rewrote Egyptian agriculture, archaeology and politics in a decade.
Two temples cut into a cliff near the Sudanese border, and then cut out of that cliff again and moved, block by block, to higher ground.
An upscale private journey that combines Cairo highlights, a polished Luxor stay, and a refined Aswan finish.
Experience an extraordinary 9-day expedition through the heart of Egypt and Nubia, where ancient history and vibrant culture intertwine. Begin in Cairo, home to the timeless pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, then journey south to Luxor and Aswan to uncover the temples, tombs, and treasures of the pharaohs. Sail along the Nile aboard a deluxe cruise, visit the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel temples, and immerse yourself in the warmth and traditions of the Nubian people. This journey offers a perfect blend of discovery, relaxation, and cultural connection.
A classic Nile cruise itinerary with temple visits, river views, and a comfortable four-night rhythm.
Set sail on a captivating 4-day Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, where the ancient world unfolds before your eyes. Journey along the legendary Nile River and uncover Egypt’s most iconic temples and monuments. Begin in Aswan with visits to the High Dam and the enchanting Philae Temple, then continue to Kom Ombo and Edfu to explore magnificent sanctuaries dedicated to ancient gods. As you sail northward, reach Luxor—the open-air museum of Egypt—home to the grand Karnak and Luxor Temples and the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings. With expert-guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and full
Set sail on a remarkable 4-day, 3-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, where the grandeur of ancient Egypt unfolds before your eyes. Journey along the legendary Nile River aboard a comfortable cruise ship, visiting some of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. Discover the enchanting Temple of Philae in Aswan, the twin sanctuaries of Kom Ombo, and the magnificent Temple of Horus in Edfu. Continue to Luxor to explore the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the colossal statues of Memnon on the West Bank, before concluding your adventure at the awe-inspiring Karnak
Set out on a remarkable full-day adventure from Aswan to Luxor, the world’s largest open-air museum. This private excursion immerses you in the splendor of ancient Egypt, where monumental temples and royal tombs reveal the legacy of the pharaohs. Designed for travelers eager to witness Luxor’s most iconic landmarks in a single day, this tour blends history, culture, and comfort for an unforgettable experience.
Want to include The Unfinished Obelisk in your Egypt itinerary? Browse our tours or ask for a custom plan.