Aswan, Egypt
Ancient obelisk
In the ancient northern quarries of Aswan, about a kilometre east of the Nile, lies the largest known obelisk of ancient Egypt, still in the bedrock. Finished, it would have stood about 41.75 metres tall and weighed around 1,090 tonnes, nearly a third larger than any obelisk ever raised. It was probably ordered by Hatshepsut for Karnak. Workers cut the pink granite on three sides, then cracks appeared and the project was abandoned, its underside still attached to the rock. There are signs of attempts to salvage part of it. The real interest is what it shows about technique: tool marks, the trenches dug around the block, and the dolerite pounders used to bash the granite into shape. The quarry is part of the Nubian Monuments World Heritage Site, listed in 1979.
Thirty minutes to an hour is enough. It is close to central Aswan and fits into a morning with the Nubian Museum and the Fatimid cemetery. There is no shade, so go early with water. Walk up to the viewing path around the edge to grasp its full length.
Hours and prices change — check before you go. Source: en.wikipedia.org
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AttractionAswan, Egypt
