We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 34 Aswan Attractions »

Unfinished Obelisk

South of Aswan, Aswan, Egypt
Ranked #12 of 16 attractions in Aswan
3.5 of 5 stars 66 Reviews
Type: Historic Sites, Ancient Ruins
Traveller Description: This gigantic semi-finished obelisk, dating from the New Kingdom, would have weighed a staggering 1,197 tons if completed.  The obelisk was abandoned... more »
Update attraction details
Write a Review

66 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    13
    24
    22
    4
    3
Date Rating
England
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
63 helpful votes 63 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2012

It doesn't take long to visit this quarry but it certainly clarified some of the techniques that were used by the ancient Egyptians to produce obelisks like that in London (Cleopatra's Needle) and helps you to appreciate what an enormous effort and achievement it was. Trips like this help you to understand more about how the ancient sites you see... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by Teabag for Aswan
Bangkok, Thailand
Top Contributor
76 reviews 76 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2012

It cost me 30 L.E. to see the Unfinished Obelisk—the largest obelisk ever attempted in ancient Egypt. It cracked before it could be taken out of the quarry so it just sits there partly hewn out of the quarry for us to see today. This place should be of interest to those wanting to see what a quarry might have... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by William J for Aswan
UAE
Top Contributor
74 reviews 74 reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2012

Originally, I wasn't interested in going to this site - but I thought it was interesting to learn about HOW obelisk's were made. And later on in the trip we saw many of the obelisks from Aswan in temples we visited. There are also several in other places around the world. It's a quick visit and worth it! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by tw6937a for Aswan
Dunston, Gateshead
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 April 2012

I enjoyed seeing how and where they came from but my wife's opinion was "Its a stone". Dosnt appreciate complex engineering. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2012

It's interesting to see how egiptians carve the stone to make this breathtaking temples and monuments. There lies this obelisk, as a testimony of the egiptian labor force. But there's nothing else to see. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by Erikusland for Aswan
london
Top Contributor
76 reviews 76 reviews
Reviews in 43 cities Reviews in 43 cities
102 helpful votes 102 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2012

There is only one thing to see here and it takes about ten minutes. I don't understand why it is on all the standard tours when they omit so many things which are much more interesting. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by verity1 for Aswan
Durban, South Africa
Top Contributor
56 reviews 56 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 April 2012

had it not been for our guide hassan this would have been very much like any other siteseeing feature however after listening to the history and studying the layout it made it all worthwhile it is a remarkable feature to see More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by maimunga for Aswan
Sutton in Ashfield, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
60 reviews 60 reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2012

This was ok to see,but i wouldnt go out my way to see it again. It basically an obelisk half carved out, still in the ground. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by englandadventure57 for Aswan
Dunblane, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2012

Don't allocate a lot of your time to seeing this. It is impressive and there will be security guards who offer you a closer look (they refused my offer of a tip, but I'm sure they accept most people's, as it seems that that is what they're looking for) at the obelisk than you can get from the vantage points,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by fraseyboyd for Aswan
Bristol, United Kingdom
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 April 2012

The explanation about the unfinished Obelisk was interesting but walking up and down a granite quarry doesn't hold the attention long! Usual hassle with vendors and not worth going through this for the sight. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by TimH82 for Aswan

Travellers who viewed Unfinished Obelisk also viewed

Temple of Philae
4.5 of 5 stars 143 Reviews
Aswan, Aswan Governorate
Nubian Village
4 of 5 stars 54 Reviews
Aswan, Aswan Governorate
 
High Dam
3 of 5 stars 74 Reviews
Aswan, Aswan Governorate
Temple of Karnak
5 of 5 stars 581 Reviews
Luxor, Nile River Valley
 

Been to Unfinished Obelisk? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Unfinished Obelisk, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing