Aswan was the main supplier of granite for Egypt. There are four main quarries here, of which the most famous is the Unfinished Obelisk Quarry. This site has recently been cleared and new discoveries made, and is well worth a visit.

The site is dominated by the Unfinished Obelisk, a colossal stone spire (42 meters long) most likely begun during the reign of Hatshepsut or Thutmose III and left in its bed when it cracked during carving. The quarry was used during both the Bronze and Iron Ages, and the differences in stone working between the two periods can be seen on the surface of the bedrock.

Other points of interest in this quarry include a high rock face, left behind when obelisks were removed, covered with ancient graffiti, and an inscription dating from the reign of Thutmose III, which describes the quarrying of two obelisks for the Temple of Amun at Karnak.

HOURS OF OPERATION:
Daily, 9 AM - 5 PM

TICKET COST:
Egyptian: 1 LE
Foreign: 25 LE

50% reduction for bearers of International Student ID Card

LOCATION:
The northern quarries are about 1.5 km outside of town, near the Fatimid Cemeteries.

DIRECTIONS:
BY TAXI: From Aswan, ask for el masala en naqsa.

FACILITIES:
There is a nearby tourist bazaar.

The site is not fully wheelchair accessible, although the graffiti and the obelisk may be seen from the ground.