Unfinished Obelisk
Take in the impressively gigantic Unfinished Obelisk.
Area
Aswan
Type
Art & Architecture
History
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
1-2 Hours
At the southern end of Aswan is one of the granite quarries that supplied stone for temples and colossi in ancient times. Here lies a gigantic unfinished obelisk, which began to be hewn from the bedrock but was later abandoned after a flaw was detected. Had this obelisk been finished, it would have weighed 1168 tonnes and stood at a height of nearly 42 meters.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationMarriott Mena House
The Mena House is a large and palatial hotel, situated in the shadow of the great Pyramids of Giza on the outskirts of Cairo. Its own rich and colorful history is reflected in its ornate interiors and it, without doubt, boasts the best view in Cairo.
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View AccommodationFour Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh
The Four Seasons Resort, Sharm El Sheikh is a luxury hotel situated on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. With a huge range of facilities including a dive center and superb spa, The Four Seasons is perfect for both a romantic getaway or a luxury family vacation.
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View AccommodationThe Oberoi Zahra
The Oberoi Zahra is the finest and most luxurious ship operating on the Nile. This leisurely cruise gives the perfect balance between sightseeing and relaxation – with on board spa treatments that pamper you like a Pharaoh.
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View AccommodationThe St. Regis Cairo
A more recent addition to the city skyline, St. Regis Cairo is one of the more luxury accommodation options in the city, offering lavishly appointed rooms, abundant dining and first-class facilities on the bank of the Nile.
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View AccommodationMovenpick Aswan
The Movenpick Resort Aswan is located on Elephantine Island in the middle of the Nile with excellent views of the river. It is well-situated for sightseeing but also perfect for relaxing by the pool. Arriving at the hotel by ferry adds to the adventure.
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View AccommodationThe Oberoi Philae
The Oberoi Philae offers a luxurious cruise along the Nile that sails past the landmarks of an ancient civilization. The elegant cruiser sails from Aswan to Luxor or vice versa and courses through Pharaonic dynasties that span thousands of years.
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View AccommodationOld Cataract Aswan
The Old Cataract Aswan is an opulent 19th century palace transformed into a luxury hotel. It occupies a prime location on the River Nile, and has a selection of restaurants and swimming pools which make it a haven for both families and couples.
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View AccommodationSofitel Winter Palace
The Sofitel Winter Palace is steeped in Egyptian history. Built in 1886, it has hosted world leaders throughout the years as well as notable figures such as Agatha Christie, and the 5th Earl of Carnavon while excavating Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922.
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View AccommodationHilton Luxor Resort & Spa
Luxor's most contemporary and luxurious spa resort, the Hilton Luxor, has glorious, uninterrupted views from the unique water’s edge location of the River Nile and is the ideal base from which to explore the region’s rich and ancient culture.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceAswan Dam
Understand the history of the famous Aswan Dam.
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View ExperienceSail Aswan by Felucca
Sail the Nile by felucca passing through sights such as Agha Khan Mausoleum, Kitchener's Island and ending at Elephantine Island.
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View ExperienceTemple of Philae
The Temple of Philae is a superb temple complex dedicated to the goddess Isis.
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View ExperienceTemple of Horus & Kom Ombo
As you make your way between Luxor and Aswan, make a visit to Temple of Horus in Edfu as well as Kom Ombo, where you will find a huge temple dedicated to the God Sobek and Harocies.
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View ExperienceSail to Aswan Botanical Garden
For those with longer time, extend your felucca sail and drop off at the Botanical Garden for a stroll.
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View ExperienceNubian Museum
The indigenous people of Upper (southern) Egypt and the north of Sudan are known as Nubians, and the Nubian Museum shows off the culture, history and art from ancient times until the present day. The building housing the museum is of local architecture.
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