Saqqara is the primary burial ground of Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt.
Saqqara now lies 40 km (25 miles) southwest of Cairo and is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This expansive site stretches along the desert plateau for approximately 8 km (5 miles), bordered by Abu Ṣir to the north and Dahshur to the south.
Saqqara is a treasure trove of Old Kingdom tombs and artwork.
Among its numerous archaeological gems, the Step Pyramid of Djoser stands out as a testament to ancient craftsmanship.
It is dedicated to the third-dynasty Egyptian king, Djoser, making it the oldest monumental stone structure.
What is the Saqqara Pyramid
The Step Pyramid, an architectural marvel, serves as the final resting place of King Djoser from the third Dynasty of Egypt.
Constructed by the ingenious Imhotep, it is Egypt’s earliest large stone monument.
The pyramid’s unique structure evolved from earlier dynasties’ mastabas.
It features six smaller tiers formed by layering new masonry atop the original mastaba while enlarging the lower levels.
Comprising locally quarried, low-quality clay sandstone, this 60-meter tall pyramid has recently reopened for visitors after undergoing extensive repairs for 17 years.
Its interior chambers and passages served various purposes, including burying the pharaoh’s close kin and storing grave goods for the deceased.
Where is the Saqqara Pyramid located
The Saqqara Pyramid is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Cairo, within the extensive Saqqara necropolis.
This ancient burial ground, spanning over 3,000 years, contains numerous pyramids and tombs representing various eras.
The Saqqara Pyramid stands out prominently due to its impressive size and age.
It shares its landscape with many other tombs and monuments, including the Step Pyramid complex, characterized by five smaller pyramids constructed around it.
Imhotep, an architect in the service of Djoser, is credited with its design.
Since its discovery by French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette in 1881, the Saqqara Pyramid has been a popular tourist destination.
Visitors can explore the site on foot or embark on camel rides to gain a broader perspective of the pyramid and its environs.
Nearby, several museums house a rich collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including items unearthed at Saqqara, such as statues, jewelry, pottery, tools, and more.
The Saqqara Pyramid has also left its mark in the world of cinema.
Saqqara Pyramid timings
The Saqqara Pyramid’s visiting hours are contingent on the time of year you choose for your visit.
Throughout the year, the pyramid remains accessible to tourists, but the level of visitor activity varies.
During the peak season from October to April, the pyramid welcomes visitors daily from 9 am to 5 pm, with extended hours until 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
During the low season of May to September, the hours are reduced to 9 am to 4 pm.
The Pyramid is open until 7 pm on Fridays and Saturdays during this time.
The best time to visit the Step Pyramid of Saqqara
For the most favorable weather conditions, travelers should consider visiting during spring and autumn.
These seasons offer mild and pleasant temperatures, making it an ideal time for sightseeing while avoiding large crowds.
However, winter is an intriguing option if you seek a unique experience.
During this season, the pyramid is occasionally covered in snow, creating a magical ambiance found nowhere else throughout the year.
Moreover, there’s no need to contend with the sweltering heat or overwhelming tourist crowds.
Summer is the prime choice for those who wish to witness the pyramid in all its grandeur.
This season witnesses the highest influx of tourists worldwide, all eager to admire the pyramid in its full glory.
Additionally, the warm temperatures ensure that exploring the area remains comfortable and enjoyable.
Inside the Saqqara Pyramid
Visitors can explore the Saqqara Pyramid’s intriguing interior, uncovering ancient chambers and mysteries concealed within its weathered walls.
Here’s what you can see inside the step pyramid of Saqqara:
Mastaba Tomb of Ti
Saqqara is divided into a tourist-accessible area and an active dig site.
Although you can’t explore the dig site, plenty of attractions exist.
Main Saqqara Site #1: Step Pyramid of Djoser Complex
The Step Pyramid of Djoser Complex is a must-visit. It’s the oldest Egyptian pyramid, dating from around 2670 to 2650 BC.
Designed by Imhotep, it’s a six-level structure known for its unique stacked mastaba design.
Main Saqqara Site #2: Pyramid of Unas & Old Kingdom Mastaba Tombs
The Pyramid of Unas may not be visually striking, but its interior is fascinating.
It houses the ‘Pyramids Texts,’ early funerary texts and spells that later influenced the Book of the Dead.
Nearby are Old Kingdom mastaba tombs with a rich history.
Main Saqqara Site #3: Pyramid of Teti & Tomb of Mereruka
The Pyramid of Teti, though primarily ruins, is known for having Pyramid Texts on its walls.
Nearby, the Mereruka Tomb is Saqqara’s largest and most elaborate non-royal tomb.
Saqqara Main Site #4: Horemheb Necropolis (Tombs of the Nobles & New Kingdom Tombs) and the Bubastieion
Explore the tombs of generals from the New Kingdom era, including Horemheb, who later became a pharaoh.
Visit the Bubastieion, a temple dedicated to the cat goddess Bastet, housing numerous cat mummies and bones and a surprising find of lion mummies.
Saqqara Main Site #5: Serapeum
Discover the Serapeum, a burial ground for sacred Apis bulls.
More than 60 bull burials were found here, including 24 remaining sarcophagi.
Access to these sites may vary, so checking on-site for availability is advisable.
Saqqara Pyramid tour
Set on an unforgettable journey through time with a Saqqara Pyramid tour.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll have the chance to explore one of Egypt’s most historically significant sites.
Discover ancient tombs, intricate hieroglyphics, and captivating relics that shed light on the mysteries of the past.
With hassle-free transportation and expert insights, this tour offers an accessible and enriching experience.
Private All-Inclusive Tour: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, Saqqara, Lunch & Camels
This comprehensive tour offers a hassle-free way to experience the wonders of ancient Egypt.
You’ll explore the UNESCO-listed Giza Pyramids with a qualified guide, including the iconic Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple, where mummies were prepared.
But this tour goes beyond the basics.
You’ll also enjoy a unique camel ride through the desert behind the pyramids, adding an adventurous touch to your visit.
With lunch in a quality restaurant, private transportation and entrance fees covered, you can focus on soaking up the history and beauty of these incredible sites.
Tour Includes:
- Qualified Egyptologist guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private tour
- Bottled water
- Riding camel for 30 minutes during the tour
- Lunch in a Quality restaurant
- Entrance fees Giza Pyramids – Memphis – Saqqara – Sphinx
Tour Prices:
The ticket price for adults is EGP 6065 ($197) and for children between 6 and 11 years is EGP 2935 ($95).
However, children below 5 years old can enter for free.
The ticket prices for different age groups are given below:
| Age | Tour prices |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (12+ years) | EGP 6065 ($197) |
| Child ticket (6 to 11 years) | EGP 2936 ($95) |
| Infant ticket (up to 5 years) | ($0) |
Most famous Saqqara tombs
Saqqara is renowned for its remarkable tombs, each offering a glimpse into ancient Egyptian life and beliefs.
Among the most famous are:
Tomb of Nefer-her-ptah
Located just 300 meters east of the Pyramid of Unas, the Nefer-her-ptah Tomb belongs to an unidentified pharaoh’s confidant.
While small, this tomb is rich in high-quality preliminary sketches depicting everyday life, agriculture, and hunting scenes.
Double tomb of Niankhkhnum and Khnumhotep
This Fifth Dynasty tomb, situated east of the Tomb of Nefer and Companions beneath the causeway, tells the story of two friends or relatives who served as priests and court manicurists.
It boasts sophisticated painted reliefs portraying funeral rituals and the deceased’s journey, accompanied by offerings.
Tomb of Nefer and Companions
This tomb, possibly belonging to a guild of singers, is located south of the causeway leading to the Pyramid of Unas.
An eight-meter-long chamber with nine tomb shafts has been discovered, including the mummies of individuals adorned with unique blue beaded necklaces.
The plastered walls feature detailed reliefs depicting scenes of daily life and funeral banquets.
Saqqara Pyramid history
The Saqqara Pyramid, constructed around 2600 BC during Ancient Egypt’s Third Dynasty, is traditionally attributed to King Djoser.
This remarkable step pyramid has a height of approximately 200 feet and covers roughly 11 acres.
It stands as a testament to the architectural genius of its designer, Imhotep.
Imhotep, who served under King Djoser, is regarded as one of history’s earliest-known architects.
His innovative approach, “stacking,” involved assembling smaller blocks to form larger terraced steps.
The interior of the Saqqara Pyramid boasts six levels originally used for various purposes, including storage and ceremonial rituals.
The pinnacle of this structure contains a particularly impressive chamber featuring an altar used for offerings to gods or pharaohs.
Archaeological investigations into the Saqqara Pyramid have yielded fascinating insights.
It has been revealed that the pyramid possessed two entrances, each leading to distinct chambers within the structure.
Additionally, numerous false doors were strategically placed throughout the pyramid, likely for spiritual purposes, such as facilitating communication with deities or otherworldly entities.
In addition to its historical significance, the Saqqara Pyramid has become a sought-after tourist attraction in Egypt, drawing visitors from around the globe.
Tourists can explore this ancient monument’s interior and exterior, giving them an up-close encounter with its historical grandeur.
Furthermore, visitors can explore the vicinity, including tombs, temples, and even mummies, enriching their understanding of Egypt’s rich history and culture.
The Saqqara Pyramid is a testament to the distant past’s remarkable ingenuity and engineering prowess.
It captivates and inspires visitors who continue to marvel at this extraordinary architectural achievement from Ancient Egypt’s illustrious history.
If you are planning to visit Pyramids of Giza, here are some more information to help you plan your visit:
Saqqara Pyramids FAQs
1. What Makes Saqqara Pyramid Special?
Saqqara Pyramid, an iconic testament to ancient Egyptian architecture, holds several remarkable distinctions.
Standing over 200 feet tall with a base measuring 358 feet by 397 feet, it represents one of the earliest successful efforts in pyramid construction.
This pyramid’s enduring significance in the annals of history continues to captivate and intrigue visitors from around the globe.
2. Is Saqqara the oldest pyramid in the world?
Saqqara contains the oldest complete stone building complex known in history, the Pyramid of Djoser, built during the Third Dynasty.
3. Who built the pyramid at Saqqara?
The Step Pyramid was built during the Third Dynasty as the tomb for Pharaoh Djoser.
It was designed by the famous architect Imhotep, who was later deified.
4. Can you go inside Saqqara Pyramid?
The pyramid is opened to the public from the south entrance, leading directly to the central shaft, which takes approximately 28 meters.
Here, visitors can explore Djoser’s sarcophagus from the top.
The burial chamber was built from red granite.
5. What is the lost pyramid of Saqqara?
The Lost Pyramid of Sekhemkhet at Saqqara dates from the 3rd Dynasty.
This coarse but impressive pyramid is the biggest of a series of “lost” pyramids.
Excavated in 1952, the underground fragments of this pyramid compound have yet to be fully cleared.
6. What is the meaning of Saqqara?
Saqqara is a town in northern Egypt and the site of the oldest Egyptian pyramids.
7. What was discovered at Saqqara?
Numerous discoveries have been made at Saqqara, including statues, cat mummies, wooden chests, and statues of deities.
They provide valuable insights into ancient Egyptian culture and beliefs.
Featured Image: Worldhistory.org