Egypt Discovery
AttractionAswan

Unfinished Obelisk, Aswan

Admission to Aswan’s open-air granite quarry, where the unfinished obelisk remains among the original carving marks and extraction channels.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

The Unfinished Obelisk Entry Ticket grants admission to the ancient granite quarry in Aswan, booked and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Archaeology & history
  • Cultural

Snapshot

Good to know

Time to allow
Self-paced
Travel style
Self-Guided Entry
Arranged by
Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
Destinations
The Unfinished Obelisk
Includes
Entry to The Unfinished Obelisk quarry
Best for
Ancient Egyptian history enthusiasts · Architecture and archaeology visitors · Independent travellers

Best time to go

October to April is generally more comfortable, with daytime temperatures often in the mid-20s to low-30s Celsius. In summer, visit early to avoid the strongest heat; confirm opening hours before setting out, especially during Ramadan and major public holidays.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • The ticket is arranged for admission to The Unfinished Obelisk site.
  • Tickets are delivered by email as a PDF after booking confirmation.
  • The listed ticket inclusion is entry to The Unfinished Obelisk.
  • Transport and a professional Egyptologist guide are stated exclusions.

02Overview

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 open-air granite quarry site in Aswan, Upper Egypt. Its main feature is an obelisk left attached to the bedrock after a crack formed during carving. The entry ticket grants access to the quarry and the unfinished monument.

The obelisk was intended to measure about 42 metres long. Visitors can see tool marks, extraction channels and the broken stone on the quarry floor, evidence of how ancient workers shaped large granite monuments in situ.

The quarry is generally dated to the New Kingdom, when Aswan granite was used for obelisks intended for temples and ceremonial settings across Egypt. The site preserves evidence of ancient stone-working methods and the challenges of detaching and moving a single large block.

Opening hours vary seasonally, so check the official site before visiting. Photography rules can vary; confirm them at the entrance. Tickets are sent by email as a PDF. Some sites may require a printed copy, so print the ticket if in doubt.

Named in this entry

The Unfinished Obelisk·Aswan·Upper Egypt·Egypt·New Kingdom·Nile

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This ticket suits adults and teenagers interested in ancient engineering, granite quarrying and New Kingdom history. It is a practical choice for self-guided visitors seeking a short heritage stop in Aswan, provided they are comfortable walking on uneven ground.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose a different Aswan attraction if you need step-free access or a shaded, indoor visit. The quarry surface can be uneven and exposed to strong sun, particularly in summer.

What lingers

  • 01Open-air northern quarry in Aswan displaying the Unfinished Obelisk with visible tool marks, abandoned in situ.
  • 02We pair visits with Philae Temple or Aswan High Dam; typical visit 20–30 minutes.
  • 03See the stone's deep incision and horizontal draft lines that reveal ancient Egyptian quarrying techniques up close.
  • 04Open site with limited shade; midday heat can be intense – bring sun protection and water.
  • 05Located in Aswan's northern quarry; access involves uneven rock surfaces and a short uphill walk.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Many attraction tickets are bundled with transport or a guided visit. This is a standalone entry ticket; transport and a professional Egyptologist guide are not included.

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Entry ticket to the Unfinished Obelisk site in Aswan

Not included

  • Professional Egyptologist guide, available to book separately if required
  • Transport to and from the site
  • Food and drinks
  • Photography permit, where applicable; check the rules at the entrance
  • Printed ticket, if required by the venue; tickets are sent by email as a PDF

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Check the official site shortly before your visit, as opening hours vary seasonally.

  2. 02

    Print the PDF ticket if you are unsure whether the entrance accepts a screen display.

  3. 03

    Ask at the entrance about photography rules before taking pictures.

  4. 04

    Allow time to look closely at the tool marks and extraction channels beside the obelisk.

Tailor it

Make it yours

This is an entry ticket for a self-guided visit; a professional Egyptologist guide is not included and must be booked separately. Arrange your own transport to the site, and check photography rules at the entrance. Tickets arrive by email as a PDF; print yours if you are unsure whether the entrance accepts a mobile copy.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Where it fits

The Unfinished Obelisk fits into a day exploring Aswan’s ancient sites, alongside the Nubian Museum or Philae Temple. It can also be visited before travelling south to Abu Simbel.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Nubian Museum2 km
  • Aswan Museum3 km
  • Philae Temple9 km
  • Aswan High Dam13 km

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    PDF ticket delivered by email after booking confirmation

  2. 02

    Admission arranged before you reach the quarry entrance

  3. 03

    Clear advice on seasonal hours and printed-ticket requirements

·In summary

The unfinished obelisk in Aswan was intended to be about 42 metres long before a crack halted its carving. Its quarry preserves tool marks and extraction channels that show how ancient Egyptians worked Aswan granite.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01Are 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.
  2. 02How 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.
  3. 03Can visitors using wheelchairs access the Unfinished Obelisk?
    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.
  4. 04Can 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.
  5. 05What 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.
  6. 06What time of day is best for a visit to 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.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 18 November 2026

Last updated 18 November 2026Product ID: TKT-ASW-240331

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