Heliopolis Obelisk (Al-Masalla), Cairo - Obelisk
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Heliopolis Obelisk (Al-Masalla) Cairo

4.2
·587 reviews·, Egypt

A solitary granite monolith, the Heliopolis Obelisk is a rare surviving remnant of ancient Heliopolis, offering a profound connection to Egypt's rich ...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime, weekdays

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
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Heliopolis Obelisk (Al-Masalla), Cairo - Obelisk

Heliopolis Obelisk (Al-Masalla) Cairo

Best Time

Daytime, weekdays

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A solitary granite monolith, the Heliopolis Obelisk is a rare surviving remnant of ancient Heliopolis, offering a profound connection to Egypt's rich past.

4.2
(587 reviews)

"Majestic obelisk from the ancient city of Heliopolis whose most remnants still lie underneath the buildings of the surrounding neighborhoods."

Vertical photo
TIP

Visit with a Group

The neighborhood can feel unsafe for solo walks; consider visiting with others or using Uber.

Look for Details

Zoom in to appreciate the intricate carvings and potential orbs captured by visitors.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Heliopolis Obelisk

The Heliopolis Obelisk

Al-Matarriyah district, Cairo

A towering granite monolith, this obelisk is a rare surviving remnant of the ancient sun temple of Ra-Atum, erected by Senusret I.

Ancient Sun Temple Site

Ancient Sun Temple Site

Surrounding the Obelisk

Explore the grounds where a significant sun temple once stood, expanded from the 4th dynasty through the Roman period.

Ramses II Statue Fragment

Ramses II Statue Fragment

Near the Obelisk

See a fragment of a giant statue of Ramses II, offering a tangible connection to another powerful pharaoh.

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Ancient History Amidst Modern Cairo

The Heliopolis Obelisk (Al-Masalla) is a rare surviving monument from ancient Heliopolis. While the obelisk itself is impressive, the surrounding area is not heavily touristed and may feel less safe for solo travelers. Consider visiting with a group or using ride-sharing services for convenience and security. Reddit

Uncovering Ancient Secrets

Finding detailed information and high-resolution photos of the obelisk's stonework can be challenging. This ancient site, once part of a sun temple, offers a glimpse into Egyptian mythology and history, but much of its original context is now buried beneath modern Cairo. Reddit

Best Times

When
Daytime, weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Softer light for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Favorite restaurant in Cairo so far 🏮 Tree Trunk in Heliopolis #cairo #egypt
@manonhellc
73.6K likes • 761.8K views

Visit with a Group

The neighborhood can feel unsafe for solo walks; consider visiting with others or using Uber. Reddit

Look for Details

Zoom in to appreciate the intricate carvings and potential orbs captured by visitors. Instagram

New Mexican food spot in Heliopolis! 🇲🇽🌮 ‎مكان جديد بيعمل أكل مكسيكي في مصر الجديدة! 🇲🇽🌮 — Follow @stuffedddd.ayad for more food content! 😍 ‎اعمل فولو @stuffedddd.ayad عشان تشوف اماكن اكل اكتر! 😍 #stuffedddd #stuffed #egypt #cairo #foodporn #food #mexicanfood #nachos #burrito #tacos #salsa @La Fiesta Loca!
@stuffedddd.ayad
48K likes • 1.1M views
Had a special visit to the oldest large standing Obelisk dating back to the reign of Senusert I from around 3900 years ago. The charming @historywithkayleigh and I explored the site that was once a sun temple that was expanded from the 4th dynasty all the way to the Roman period. 1. The obelisk, myself & Kayleigh 2. Face of Ramses ii from a giant statue 3. Interesting offering table with Ramses I...
curtisryanwoodside
200 likes • 0 views

Historical Context is Key

Research the site's significance as part of ancient Heliopolis and a sun temple. Reddit

Photography Opportunities

Capture the grandeur of the obelisk, especially during softer light conditions. Instagram

The major surviving remnant of Heliopolis is the obelisk of the Temple of Ra-Atum erected by Senusret I of Dynasty XII
tourguidesherine
87 likes • 6.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Visit with a Group

The neighborhood can feel unsafe for solo walks; consider visiting with others or using Uber. Reddit

Look for Details

Zoom in to appreciate the intricate carvings and potential orbs captured by visitors. Instagram

Historical Context is Key

Research the site's significance as part of ancient Heliopolis and a sun temple. Reddit

Photography Opportunities

Capture the grandeur of the obelisk, especially during softer light conditions. Instagram

Combine with Local Eats

Explore nearby Heliopolis for dining options, though some reviews suggest it can be overpriced. TikTok+1

What Travellers Say

4.2
(587 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Heliopolis Obelisk to be a simple yet profound historical site, offering a glimpse into ancient Heliopolis. While the obelisk itself is majestic and worth the effort for history enthusiasts, the surrounding neighborhood is noted as not being very tourist-friendly or safe for solo exploration, with some finding local dining options overpriced.

"It's so simple and so deep place🙏🏻😊"

Natalee

"Majestic obelisk from the ancient city of Heliopolis whose most remnants still lie underneath the buildings of the surrounding neighborhoods ... The renovated area is nice and not crowded, but the neighborhood doesn't seem very safe for lonely walking travelers, it will be better to come in groups or use Uber."

Bishoy Samir

"Totally worth the effort. This is the origin place of the Egyptian mythology.now a open air museum."

Maxwell

What People Like

Majestic ancient monument
Glimpse into Egyptian mythology
Open-air museum feel

What People Dislike

Unsafe neighborhood
Overpriced dining

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Heliopolis Obelisk (Al-Masalla) is located in the Al-Matarriyah district. The most convenient way to reach it is by using a ride-sharing service like Uber or Careem, as the surrounding neighborhood is not heavily touristed and may feel less safe for solo exploration. Reddit Public transport options exist but can be more complex for tourists. Taxis are also available, but ensure the meter is used or agree on a fare beforehand.

While the obelisk itself is a historical site, reviews suggest the surrounding neighborhood might not feel very safe for solo travelers. It's recommended to visit in groups or use ride-sharing services for a more secure experience. Reddit

For exploring Heliopolis and reaching the obelisk, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem are highly recommended for their convenience and relative safety. Taxis are also an option. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Heliopolis Obelisk is generally accessible as an open-air monument. While there isn't typically a formal ticket booth for the obelisk itself, the surrounding area is being renovated and may have some access points. It's best to check for any local advisories upon arrival. Reddit

As an outdoor monument, the Heliopolis Obelisk is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, the surrounding area's accessibility might vary. It's advisable to visit during the day when the area is more active and safer. Reddit

There is typically no specific entrance fee for viewing the Heliopolis Obelisk itself, as it's an outdoor historical monument. However, any renovated areas or adjacent facilities might have associated costs. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The best times for photography are during the day when there's ample natural light. Late afternoon offers softer light, which can be ideal for capturing the obelisk's details and texture. Some visitors have reported capturing interesting orbs around the monument. Instagram

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed at outdoor historical sites like the Heliopolis Obelisk. However, it's always wise to be respectful of the site and any local regulations that may be in place. Instagram

Finding high-resolution photos of the stonework can be challenging. While some images exist on social media and travel blogs, detailed shots might be scarce. Reddit Searching specific hashtags on Instagram or TikTok might yield more results. Instagram+1

🎫 🏛️ History & Significance

The Heliopolis Obelisk (Al-Masalla) is a significant remnant of the ancient city of Heliopolis, once a major religious center. Erected by Pharaoh Senusret I of the 12th Dynasty, it was part of the Temple of Ra-Atum and is one of the few surviving Pharaonic structures from the area. InstagramReddit

The obelisk was originally part of the Temple of Ra-Atum in ancient Heliopolis, serving a religious and symbolic purpose related to the sun god. It's believed to have been a monumental marker and possibly a conduit for solar energy. InstagramReddit

Yes, the area of ancient Heliopolis is considered one of the spots where the Holy Family may have visited during their journey in Egypt approximately 2,000 years ago. Instagram

Besides the obelisk, fragments of a giant statue of Ramses II have been found in the vicinity, offering further glimpses into the grandeur of ancient Heliopolis. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Heliopolis is known for its dining scene. While some visitors find local spots to be 'ordinary and overpriced,' others highlight the pleasant ambiance. TikTok+1 You can find various restaurants, including Mexican cuisine, in the broader Heliopolis area. TikTok

Heliopolis offers a diverse range of culinary options. You can find everything from traditional Egyptian fare to international cuisines like Mexican food, as seen in some TikTok reviews. TikTok+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting the Heliopolis Obelisk with children can be an educational experience, offering a tangible link to ancient history. However, the surrounding neighborhood's safety concerns mean that extra precautions are advised. Consider visiting during daylight hours and perhaps combining the visit with a meal at a family-friendly restaurant in a more developed part of Heliopolis. Reddit Ensure children are supervised closely, and utilize ride-sharing services for transportation to and from the site.

🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts

For those with a deep interest in ancient Egyptian history, the Heliopolis Obelisk is a must-see. It's one of the few remaining structures from the ancient city of Heliopolis, a major religious center. Researching the site's connection to the Temple of Ra-Atum and Pharaoh Senusret I before your visit will greatly enhance the experience. Reddit Look for details in the stonework and consider the broader context of ancient Heliopolis's influence. Instagram+1

📸 Photographers

The Heliopolis Obelisk offers unique photographic opportunities, especially for those interested in ancient monuments. The late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the texture of the granite. Instagram Be mindful of the surrounding urban environment, but focus on capturing the grandeur of the obelisk itself. Some visitors have even reported capturing unusual phenomena like orbs in their photos. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enduring Legacy of Ancient Heliopolis

The Heliopolis Obelisk (Al-Masalla) stands as a solitary sentinel, a powerful reminder of the once-magnificent city of Heliopolis. This ancient metropolis was a crucial religious and cultural center in Egypt, dedicated to the worship of the sun god Ra-Atum. The obelisk, erected by Pharaoh Senusret I around 3900 years ago, was an integral part of the grand Temple of Ra-Atum. Its survival through millennia, amidst the relentless expansion of modern Cairo, makes it a unique historical artifact. InstagramReddit+1

Exploring the site offers a tangible connection to Egypt's rich past. While the obelisk is the main surviving remnant, the area was once a sprawling complex that saw expansions and modifications from the 4th Dynasty all the way through the Roman period. Visitors can imagine the scale of the original temple and its importance in ancient Egyptian society. The presence of fragments from statues of pharaohs like Ramses II further underscores the site's historical depth. Instagram

Despite its historical significance, the obelisk is situated in a less tourist-centric part of Cairo. This means that while it might not be as crowded as other major Egyptian landmarks, the surrounding neighborhood requires a degree of caution. Travelers are advised to be aware of their surroundings and consider visiting in groups or utilizing ride-sharing services for a more comfortable and secure experience. Reddit

Navigating Heliopolis: Beyond the Obelisk

Heliopolis, a historic district in Cairo, offers a blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. While the Heliopolis Obelisk is a key historical draw, the neighborhood itself has a distinct character, often described as having a '1920s' feel. TikTok It's a place where you can find both ancient history and contemporary life coexisting. The area is known for its architecture, green spaces, and a growing culinary scene. TikTok+2

When visiting the obelisk, consider extending your exploration to other parts of Heliopolis. The district boasts various restaurants, cafes, and shops. Some TikTok creators have highlighted new dining spots, including Mexican restaurants, and even luxury car showrooms, showcasing the diverse offerings of the area. TikTok+2 While some reviews mention that dining can be a bit pricey, the overall ambiance of Heliopolis is often praised. TikTok

For those interested in the spiritual history of Egypt, it's worth noting that the area of ancient Heliopolis is also believed to be a site visited by the Holy Family during their journey in Egypt. Instagram This adds another layer of significance to the district, making it a place of interest for various historical and religious perspectives.

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