Unfinished Obelisk

Located in the northern quarries of Aswan, the Unfinished Obelisk is the largest known ancient obelisk. Carved directly out of the bedrock, this massive granite monument provides a unique "behind-the-scenes" look at the incredible techniques used by ancient Egyptian stonemasons to create the monuments that still stand today. The Story of the Giant Obelisk If finished, this obelisk would have weighed nearly 1,200 tons and stood over 42 meters high. It is believed to have been commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut. However, as the workers were carving it out of the granite, a large crack appeared in the stone, forcing them to abandon the project and leave it attached to the bedrock for eternity. Key Highlights: Ancient Techniques: See the marks left by ancient tools and learn how workers used wet wooden wedges to split the hard granite. Granite Quarries: Explore the site that provided the high-quality pink granite used for the pyramids, temples, and statues throughout Egypt. The Pictographs: Look for ancient inscriptions and drawings left by the workers in the quarry area. Scale and Size: Walking alongside the obelisk gives you a true sense of the monumental scale of Pharaonic ambition. Traveler Tips for Etro Tours Guests: Beat the Heat: Since the quarry is an open-air site with no shade, we recommend visiting early in the morning. Combine Your Visit: The site is very close to the city center and the Nubian Museum, making it easy to visit both in one trip. Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the ground in the quarry is uneven and rocky.