The UNFINISHED OBELISK

Obelisks… sacred gold tipped stones reflecting the Egyptian sun like a beacon above the temples within which they stood… well, not anymore as it happens. As you may have realized if you’ve ever visited Cleopatra’s Needle in London or other famous obelisks in Paris, Rome etc., most of them have either been given away, taken or in the case of the French exchanged for a clock (which has never worked).

There are just few left, no gold tipped ones though... however, there is a special one that will stay in place forever.

Hidden in the stone quarry for many years, the discovery of what would’ve been (had it have been finished) the largest carved obelisk revealed a wealth of detail about how the ancient Egyptians used stone. The reason it was unfinished is because it had cracked beyond repair. However it’s untimely end has been our timely gain, allowing for crucial insights into how craftsmen went about their work with stone, Egypt’s most important building material. The quarry has been made accessible for tourists, although it is a difficult pathway, not for those with a fear of heights and should only be attempted by if you’re fit enough. Once at the top of the quarry, the view across Aswan is great. You can even have a go at chipping away at the rock like the ancient Egyptians did (not the obelisk mind!)