Egypt Discovery
AttractionCairo

Obelisk of Senusret I, Mataria (Heliopolis)

Admission to the First Obelisk of Senusret in Mataria, Cairo, with access to the monument’s immediate viewing area.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

The First Obelisk of Senusret in Mataria Entry Ticket grants admission to the obelisk display area in Mataria, Cairo, booked and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Cultural

Snapshot

Good to know

Time to allow
Self-paced
Travel style
Self-Guided Entry
Arranged by
Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
Destinations
First Obelisk of Senusret, Mataria
Includes
Entry to the obelisk’s immediate viewing area · PDF entry ticket delivered by email
Best for
Independent visitors · Short heritage visits · Travellers exploring east Cairo

Best time to go

October to April is generally more comfortable for outdoor sightseeing in Cairo, with daytime temperatures often around 20 to 30°C. June to August can reach roughly 35 to 40°C, so an early visit is preferable; opening times and crowd levels may also change during Ramadan and public holidays.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • The ticket grants entry to the obelisk and its immediate display area.
  • A wider site circuit is not included.
  • Tickets are delivered by email as a PDF after booking confirmation.
  • Transport and an escorted visit are not included.

02Overview

A first look

Located in Matariya, east Cairo, the obelisk is a surviving Middle Kingdom monument from Senusret I's reign. The carved royal titulary and offering formulae remain legible.

Background

The facts

The First Obelisk of Senusret in Mataria is an ancient Egyptian monument associated with Senusret I, a ruler of the 12th Dynasty. It stands in Mataria, in east Cairo, within the wider area of ancient Heliopolis. The entry ticket covers the obelisk and its immediate display area, rather than a larger archaeological site circuit.

Mataria is part of modern Cairo, near the historic Heliopolis area. The visit centres on the monument in an urban setting; no precise route distance or visit duration is specified for this ticket.

Senusret I ruled during the Middle Kingdom, approximately 1971–1926 BCE. The obelisk is linked to royal building activity of that period and to Heliopolis, an important religious centre in pharaonic Egypt. No UNESCO World Heritage designation is specified for this monument.

Opening hours and admission categories can vary seasonally, so check current official site information before travelling and consider arriving early. The ticket is arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt. Transport and an escorted visit are not included. Photography rules may vary, so check at the entrance; confirm whether a printed ticket is required, as tickets are delivered by email as a PDF.

Named in this entry

First Obelisk of Senusret·Senusret I·Mataria·Cairo·Heliopolis·Middle Kingdom·12th Dynasty·Ancient Egypt

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This entry ticket suits adults and older children interested in Middle Kingdom monuments, Heliopolis and east Cairo. It works well for travellers who want a brief, self-guided heritage stop rather than a full archaeological visit.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose a larger museum or archaeological site if you want a full circuit or extensive interpretation. The outdoor display may be difficult for visitors who need step-free access, as surfaces can be uneven and shade limited.

What lingers

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

Worth knowing

How this compares

Many wider Cairo heritage itineraries include several archaeological sites; this ticket grants access only to the obelisk and its immediate display area. Unlike an escorted visit, it does not include an Egyptologist or transport.

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Admission to the First Obelisk of Senusret

Not included

  • Professional-led visit, which must be booked separately if required
  • Transport to and from the site
  • Meals and personal spending
  • Photography permit, if required by the venue
  • A printed ticket, if required by the venue; your ticket is sent as a PDF by email after booking

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Check official site information shortly before travelling, as opening hours and admission categories can change seasonally.

  2. 02

    Arrive early if possible.

  3. 03

    Check photography rules at the entrance rather than assuming cameras are permitted.

  4. 04

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

Tailor it

Make it yours

The ticket covers the obelisk's immediate viewing area only, and no wider site circuit or additional visit option is specified. You can plan it as a short stop alongside other east Cairo sights, but transport and any interpretation must be arranged separately.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Where it fits

The obelisk is a short heritage stop in Mataria, east Cairo, and can be paired with other Cairo visits before or after time in central Cairo. It is a standalone monument visit, not part of a wider archaeological site circuit.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Tree of the Virgin Mary15 min walk
  • Heliopolis Basilica4 km
  • Baron Empain Palace5 km

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    Entry arranged for the obelisk’s immediate viewing area

  2. 02

    PDF ticket sent by email after booking confirmation

  3. 03

    A focused heritage stop in Cairo’s Mataria district

·In summary

The First Obelisk of Senusret in Mataria is associated with Senusret I, who ruled Egypt’s 12th Dynasty during the Middle Kingdom, approximately 1971–1926 BCE. The monument stands in east Cairo near the historic Heliopolis area, and admission is limited to its immediate display area.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01Where 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. 02Do 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. 03Is 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. 04How 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. 05Can 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. 06Can 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.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 8 March 2025

Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: TKT-CAI-057800

You Might Also Like

Nilometer Entry TicketCairo

Nilometer Entry Ticket

The Nilometer on Rhoda Island in Cairo recorded changes in the Nile’s water level. This entry ticket grants access to the Nilometer enclosure and its measurement chamber, where a graduated column and steps were used to record the river’s levels. Unlike Cairo’s larger museums, the Nilometer is a single historic structure, so a visit can be brief. Opening hours may vary by season; check current details before travelling. Photography rules vary, so check at the entrance. Your ticket is sent by email as a PDF after booking. Some venues require a printed ticket, so print it if you are unsure whether a screen copy will be accepted.

From £4

Synagogue of Ben Ezra and Amr ibn al‑As Mosque, Old CairoCairo

Synagogue of Ben Ezra and Amr ibn al‑As Mosque, Old Cairo

Visit the Synagogue of Ben Ezra and Amr ibn al‑As Mosque in Old Cairo with a private Cairo-based Egyptologist. Ben Ezra contains a 19th-century Geniza manuscript collection once found in its storeroom. Amr ibn al‑As Mosque was first founded in 642 CE as Egypt’s first mosque and has undergone several reconstructions. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange 90–120 minute, on-foot visits rather than rushed bus drops. Unlike large monuments in Islamic Cairo, these sites require walking between narrow lanes and modest dress for mosque access. Note: mosque entry can be restricted during Friday prayers and there is limited shade and uneven stone underfoot.

From £6

Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) AdmissionCairo

Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) Admission

The Grand Egyptian Museum stands on the Giza Plateau and presents major collections of ancient Egyptian artefacts in a purpose-built museum. This single-entry admission covers the permanent galleries, including the Tutankhamun galleries and associated display halls. The collections place objects from different periods of Pharaonic history within a modern exhibition setting. Special exhibitions or temporary galleries may require a separate ticket. Opening hours and last admission can vary by season, so check the museum’s official website before visiting. Admission is arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt, and your ticket is sent by email as a PDF after booking. Check the venue’s printing requirements and print your ticket if in doubt.

From £33