It took 20 days for archaeologists, restorers, engineering and workers to dismantle and pack the Ramses II obelisk from Cairo's Andalusia Garden in Zamalek, before the obelisk arrived at its new home in New Alamein city on the North Coast following a 20-hour journey.

Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the obelisk was intensively studied to assess its condition before the decision to move it was taken.

Waziri added that the decision to relocate the Ramses II obelisk was made after the approval of the top archaeological authority, the Permanent Committee for Ancient Egyptian Antiquities.

The transportation phase was carried out in collaboration with the ministries of antiquities and housing as well as the Arab Contractors Company, amid tight security measures taken by the Tourism and Antiquities Police.

To ensure its safe transportation, parts of the obelisk were covered with foam and encased in an iron cage to prevent them from moving. Anti-vibration units were used throughout the 300km journey to New Alamein.

Ramses II obelisk was first moved from Tanis in Delta in 1956 to Andalusia Garden in Zamalek.

It is carved in red granite and decorated with the names and titles of King Ramses II as well as scenes depicting him kneeling and standing before the deities presenting the offerings. The obelisk is 14 metres tall and weighs 90 tonnes.

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