Ramses II Obelisk in Tahrir Square

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A towering monument in Cairo's Tahrir Square, the Ramses II Obelisk showcases ancient Egyptian history and the grandeur of the pharaohs.

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Ramses II Obelisk

The Ramses II Obelisk, a pink granite monument adorned with hieroglyphs, stands in Cairo's Tahrir Square. Originally erected by Ramses II in the city of Per-Ramesses (Pi-Ramesses) (present day Qantir) around 1250 BC, it was later moved to Tanis and then to Cairo in 2020 to showcase Egypt's rich history.

A brief summary to Ramses II Obelisk

26VP+Q7X, El-Tahrir Square, Qasr El Nil, Ismailia, Cairo Governorate, EG

Local tips

Visit the Egyptian Museum, located nearby, to see more artifacts from the reign of Ramses II and gain further insight into ancient Egyptian history.
Be aware of the heavy traffic around Tahrir Square when planning your visit.
Take photos during the day to capture the details of the obelisk's hieroglyphs.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Egipto

Egipto: A Glimpse into Cairo's Heart

El- Tahrir Square

Tahrir Square: Cairo's Heart of Revolution

Auguste Mariette’s Memorial

Auguste Mariette's Memorial: A Tribute to Egyptology's Pioneers

Getting There

Public Transport

Tahrir Square is a central transportation hub in Cairo, accessible via the Cairo Metro. Take the Red or Blue Line and disembark at Sadat Station, which is located directly beneath the square. From the station, follow signs to the square and the obelisk. A metro ticket costs approximately 5 EGP.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Tahrir Square is easily reachable by taxi or ride-sharing services like Uber or Careem. Most drivers will know the square due to its prominence. A short taxi ride within central Cairo typically costs between 30-50 EGP. Be mindful of traffic conditions, which can affect the fare.
Walking

If you are already in downtown Cairo, walking to Tahrir Square is a viable option. The square is a major landmark and is well-signposted. From areas like Qasr al-Nil Street or Talaat Harb Street, simply follow the signs towards the large, central square. There are no specific costs associated with walking.

Discover more about Ramses II Obelisk

Dominating Cairo's Tahrir Square, the Ramses II Obelisk is a striking monument that connects Egypt's ancient past with its present. This nearly 19-meter-tall obelisk, weighing 90 tons, is made of pink granite and features detailed inscriptions depicting King Ramses II with various deities, surrounded by his royal titles. Originally erected during the reign of Ramses II (1279-1213 BC), the obelisk stood in Per-Ramesses (Pi-Ramesses), the capital city built by the pharaoh in the Nile Delta. Later, it was transported to Tanis, where it was reused in the Tanis complex. In 2020, as part of a government initiative to highlight Egypt's unique civilization, the obelisk was moved to Tahrir Square. Tahrir Square, a major focal point in Cairo, is not only a bustling traffic circle but also a site of historical significance. The square has been a gathering place for political demonstrations and national celebrations. The obelisk is not the only monument in the square; it is also adorned with four ram-headed sphinxes that were moved from Karnak. The installation of these monuments aimed to transform the square into an open-air museum, though it has faced some criticism from archaeologists concerned about the effects of pollution on the artifacts. Visitors to Tahrir Square can appreciate the obelisk's intricate carvings and its imposing presence. The obelisk serves as a reminder of Ramses II's extensive building projects and the enduring legacy of ancient Egypt.