Martin Strachoň (CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons) · David Berkowitz from New York, NY, USA (CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons)
Aswan Unfinished Obelisk Tour
1 HourEasyAswanTempleFamily-FriendlySolo Traveler
Aswan Unfinished Obelisk Tour is a 1 Hour experience in Aswan, from $34.62 per adult. A cracked, abandoned obelisk still lying in its granite quarry — and a lesson in ancient engineering.
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Hotel pickup available
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About This Trip
Had it been completed, this would have been ancient Egypt's largest obelisk. A crack ended the project partway through, leaving it exactly where it was carved — a rare, hands-on look at how these monuments were actually made.
A cracked, abandoned obelisk still lying in its granite quarry — and a lesson in ancient engineering.
Why This Matters
Ancient quarrymen shaped obelisks by pounding the granite with dolerite balls, no metal tools, guided only by skill and patience passed down through generations. This unfinished giant, abandoned mid-carving after a fatal crack appeared, is the only place on Earth where you can see that raw process frozen in stone rather than admire a finished, polished result.
Best for: History lovers and curious travelers
Highlights
- Ancient Egypt's largest known obelisk attempt
- Hands-on look at quarrying techniques
Itinerary
Hotel pickup
Pickup from your hotel lobby.
Meet at the site entrance
Meet your licensed guide at the site entrance in Aswan.
The Unfinished Obelisk
See the obelisk left exactly where it was carved after a crack ended the project — a rare look at how these monuments were made.
Trip route
Pickup
Your hotel in Aswan
Unfinished Obelisk
Return to
Your hotel in Aswan
Open the route in Google Maps
For reference only — the route can change with traffic, weather and the day's plan.
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Licensed guide
- Entrance fee
What's Not Included
- Photos & videos (not included in the price)
Meeting Point
Hotel lobby pickup in Aswan.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 3 days before the trip.
FAQ
A crack ended the project partway through, so it was left exactly where it was carved.
Yes. The entrance fee and a licensed guide are included.
Hotel lobby pickup in Aswan.
About 1 hour.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before the trip.
Read before you go
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From
$34.62 / per person