Where 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.

How 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.

Do 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.

What 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.

Is 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.

How 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.

Attraction Cairo

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.

02 Overview

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

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

01 Where 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.
02 How 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.
03 Do 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.
04 What 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.
05 Is 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.
06 How 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.

Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: TKT-CAI-057800

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