Discovery Tours Egypt
AttractionCairo

Obelisk of Senusret I, Mataria (Heliopolis)

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

The First Obelisk of Senusret in Mataria Entry Ticket is a 1-day attraction ticket covering the obelisk display area in Mataria, Cairo, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Cultural

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations
Cairo

Best time to go

The most comfortable months for outdoor sightseeing in Cairo are generally October to April, when daytime temperatures are milder and walking conditions are easier. Summer months can be hot, especially from June to August, so early morning visits are preferable. During Ramadan and major public holidays, opening times and crowd levels may change, so checking the site information in advance is advisable.

02Overview

A first look

The Obelisk of Senusret I stands in Mataria, Cairo; it was erected at ancient Heliopolis during Senusret I's reign. We arrange private visits with our Egyptologist; onsite time is usually 20–30 minutes and shade is limited.

Background

The facts

The First Obelisk of Senusret in Mataria is an ancient Egyptian monument associated with Senusret I of the 12th Dynasty, who ruled during the Middle Kingdom, approximately 1971–1926 BCE. It is linked to the broader sacred landscape of ancient Heliopolis, one of the most important religious centers of pharaonic Egypt, located in what is now east Cairo.

The site is in the Mataria district of Cairo, close to the historic Heliopolis area. Visitors typically see the obelisk in an urban display setting rather than as part of a large archaeological park, so the visit is brief and focused on the monument itself and its immediate viewing area.

The entry ticket grants access to the monument and the surrounding display area only. It does not include a wider site circuit, transport, or any escorted service. Because opening hours and admission categories can change seasonally, visitors should check the official information before traveling and arrive early if possible.

This monument is of interest for its connection to Middle Kingdom royal building activity and the ancient cult landscape of Heliopolis, where obelisks symbolized solar worship and royal power. Onsite information panels may help explain the inscriptions and historical context, but the exact visitor experience depends on current site arrangements.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This ticket suits travelers who want a short heritage stop in east Cairo, especially visitors interested in ancient Egyptian monuments, Heliopolis history, and Middle Kingdom archaeology. It is also practical for adults and older children who prefer a brief, self-guided cultural visit rather than a full-day museum circuit.

What lingers

  • 01Visit the First Obelisk of Senusret in Mataria (ancient Heliopolis), about 10 km northeast of Tahrir Square.
  • 02Carved from red granite during Senusret I's reign (c. 1971–1926 BCE); inscriptions record royal titles and offerings.
  • 03Located in Mataria public garden; short walk from Mataria Metro Station (Line 1) – plan 10–15 minutes walking.
  • 04Unlike museum displays, the obelisk remains in situ; we explain its original alignment with Heliopolitan temple axes.
  • 05Admission is typically free; nearby archaeological sites may charge – we confirm exact opening hours before your visit.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Entry ticket

Not included

  • Professional Egyptologist or guided visit, book separately if required
  • Transport to or from the site
  • Meals and personal expenses
  • Photography permit if required by the venue
  • Printed ticket requirement: tickets are sent by email as a PDF after booking, and some venues may insist on a printed copy

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01Where is the First Obelisk of Senusret located?
    The obelisk stands in the Mataria district of Cairo on the site of ancient Heliopolis. It is an outdoor monument at street level within a modern urban area, so signage can be limited and nearby traffic busy. We usually include it as a short private stop rather than a large coach drop-off, which reduces time spent negotiating crowds and parking.
  2. 02How old is the First Obelisk of Senusret?
    It dates to the 12th Dynasty under Senusret I, approximately c.1971–1926 BCE. The stone is red granite and parts of the original hieroglyphic inscriptions survive. Our Egyptologists can point out legible inscriptions and discuss later re-erection and conservation history.
  3. 03Do I need tickets to visit the First Obelisk of Senusret in Mataria?
    No dedicated admission ticket is normally required; the obelisk stands in a public outdoor location. Access can be temporarily restricted for conservation work or municipal events, so we check current access before your visit and can arrange timed visits or short permissions if needed.
  4. 04What are the opening hours for visiting the obelisk?
    The obelisk is outdoors and formally has no opening hours; visit during daylight for safety and visibility. Night illumination is limited and guards are not always present, so morning or late-afternoon visits also avoid Cairo’s strongest sun and provide better viewing conditions.
  5. 05Is photography allowed at the First Obelisk of Senusret?
    Casual photography for personal use is generally allowed at the outdoor obelisk. Drones, tripods, and any commercial photography normally require municipal permits; as a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we can apply for filming or commercial permits on your behalf.
  6. 06How long should I plan to spend at the obelisk?
    Plan 20 to 45 minutes for a focused visit to the obelisk and immediate surroundings. If you want archaeology context or to combine this with other Heliopolis sites, allow 60–120 minutes; uneven paving and limited shade mean you may want extra time for walking and sun breaks.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour

Product ID: TKT-CAI-057800

You Might Also Like

Nilometer Entry TicketCairo

Nilometer Entry Ticket

The Nilometer is the historic riverside structure on Rhoda Island, Cairo, used to measure the Nile's water level. This ticket grants admission to the Nilometer enclosure and the measurement chamber. We book Nilometer admission separately, because most visitors prefer a short, focused visit rather than a larger museum schedule. Unlike major Cairo museums, the Nilometer is a single-structure site, so visits are brief and combine easily with neighbouring Old Cairo sights. Check opening hours before travel, and keep a printed copy of your PDF ticket if the site requests it at the entrance.

From $6

Synagogue of Ben Ezra and Amr ibn al‑As Mosque, Old CairoCairo

Synagogue of Ben Ezra and Amr ibn al‑As Mosque, Old Cairo

Visit the Synagogue of Ben Ezra and the Amr ibn al‑As Mosque in Old Cairo on a guided half-day walk. Ben Ezra houses fragments of the Cairo Geniza; Amr ibn al‑As dates to 642 CE and is Egypt's first mosque. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange access and our Egyptologists explain each site's changing use and architecture. We avoid large coach groups and schedule visits outside prayer times to maximise interior access. Unlike typical coach stops that rush both sites, we allow 45–60 minutes at each site for photography and questions. Expect narrow doorways, limited shade, and mosque closures during Friday midday prayers. Standard site entrance fees are included.

From $8

Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) AdmissionCairo

Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) Admission

Grand Egyptian Museum admission grants entry to the museum's permanent galleries. The museum houses the Tutankhamun collection alongside tens of thousands of Pharaonic artefacts in a purpose-built complex on the Giza Plateau. This ticket covers standard single-entry access to display halls; special exhibitions or temporary displays may require a separate ticket. Opening hours and last-admission times vary seasonally, so check the museum's official site before you travel. We arrange and book these admissions through Discovery Tours Egypt, and your ticket is sent by email as a PDF after booking.

From $45