Saqqara Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Located in the Al Jizah region of Egypt, Saqqara is a captivating burial ground that offers a unique glimpse into ancient Egyptian history. This archaeological site is a must-visit for travelers seeking to unravel the mysteries of the past and delve into the rich cultural heritage of this fascinating country.

Saqqara is most renowned for its Step Pyramid, also known as the Pyramid of Djoser. Built during the 27th century BC, this impressive structure stands as the earliest colossal stone building in Egypt. As you stand in awe before its towering presence, you can imagine the skill and ingenuity required to construct such a masterpiece thousands of years ago.

Wandering through the vast necropolis, you will come across numerous tombs and mastabas, ancient Egyptian tombs with flat-roofed rectangular structures. These tombs provide a glimpse into the rituals and beliefs surrounding death in ancient times. Admire the intricate carvings and hieroglyphic inscriptions that adorn the walls, depicting scenes from daily life and religious ceremonies.

One of the highlights of Saqqara is the Tomb of Unas, the final resting place of Pharaoh Unas. Step inside and be mesmerized by the beautifully preserved pyramid texts, religious spells that were believed to guide the pharaoh's soul to the afterlife. The vivid colors and detailed artwork provide a window into the spiritual beliefs of ancient Egyptians.

Saqqara is not just a place of solemnity and reflection, but also a hub of archaeological discoveries. The ongoing excavation work in the area continues to unearth new tombs and artifacts, adding to the allure of this ancient site. As you explore the grounds, you may even have the opportunity to witness archaeologists in action, unraveling the secrets of the past right before your eyes.

Local name: سقارة Elevation: 197 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 29°51'59"N, 31°13'5"E

Location

Al JizahEgypt

ContactAdd

Social media

Add

Saqqara Top Attractions

Saqqara Attractions - What to See and Explore

Saqqara offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Pyramid of Djoser, Pyramid of Nyuserre, Imhotep Museum, Pyramid of Userkaf. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Ruins of step pyramid built for pharaoh
Pyramid of Djoser
The Pyramid of Djoser, or Step Pyramid, is an archaeological site in the Saqqara necropolis, Egypt, northwest of the city of Memphis. The 6-tier, 4-sided structure is the earliest colossal stone building in Egypt. It was built in the 27th century BC during the Third Dynasty for the burial of Pharaoh Djoser.
Pyramid
Pyramid of Nyuserre
The Pyramid of Nyuserre is a mid-25th-century BC pyramid complex built for the Egyptian pharaoh Nyuserre Ini of the Fifth Dynasty.
Museum • History museum
Imhotep Museum
The Imhotep Museum is an archaeological museum located at the foot of the Saqqara necropolis complex, near Memphis in Lower Egypt.

Pyramid
Pyramid of Userkaf
The pyramid complex of Userkaf was built c. 2490 BC for the pharaoh Userkaf, founder of the 5th Dynasty of Egypt. It is located in the pyramid field at Saqqara, on the north-east of the step pyramid of Djoser.
Pyramid
Pyramid of Teti
The Pyramid of Teti is a smooth-sided pyramid situated in the pyramid field at Saqqara in Egypt. It is the second known pyramid containing pyramid texts.
Pyramid • Ruins
Pyramid of Unas
The Pyramid of Unas is a smooth-sided pyramid built in the 24th century BC for the Egyptian pharaoh Unas, the ninth and final king of the Fifth Dynasty.
Pyramid
Qakare Ibi
Qakare Ibi was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh during the early First Intermediate Period and the 14th ruler of the Eighth Dynasty. As such Qakare Ibi's seat of power was Memphis and he probably did not hold power over all of Egypt.
Pyramid
Pyramid of Djedkare Isesi
The Pyramid of Djedkare Isesi is a late 25th to mid 24th century BC pyramid complex built for the Fifth Dynasty pharaoh Djedkare Isesi. The pyramid is referred to as Haram el-Shawaf by locals. It was the first pyramid to be built in South Saqqara.
Pyramid
Mortuary complex of Pepi I
The Pyramid of Pepi I is the pyramid complex built for the Egyptian pharaoh Pepi I of the Sixth Dynasty in the 24th or 23rd century BC. The complex gave its name to the capital city of Egypt, Memphis.
Pyramid
Pyramid of Khendjer
The Pyramid of Khendjer was a pyramid built for the burial of the 13th dynasty pharaoh Khendjer, who ruled Egypt c. 1760 BC during the Second Intermediate Period.
Temple
Sun Temple of Userkaf
The Sun Temple of Userkaf was an ancient Egyptian temple dedicated to the sun god Ra built by pharaoh Userkaf, the founder of the Fifth Dynasty of Egypt, at the beginning of the 25th century BCE.
Pyramid
Pyramid of Merenre
The pyramid of Pharaoh Merenre was constructed for Merenre Nemtyemsaf I during the Sixth Dynasty of Egypt at Saqqara 450 metres to the south-west of the pyramid of Pepi I and a similar distance to the pyramid of Djedkare.
Pyramid
Pyramid of Pepi II
The Pyramid of Pepi II was the tomb of Pharaoh Pepi II, located in southern Saqqara, to the northwest of the Mastabat al-Fir’aun. It was the final full pyramid complex to be built in Ancient Egypt. Long used as a quarry, the pyramid was excavated for the first time by Gaston Maspero in 1881.
Pyramid
Pyramid of Reherishefnakht
The Pyramid of Reherishefnakht is the tomb of the ancient Egyptian official Reherishefnakht. It is located in south Saqqara and was built right next to the Pyramid of the 6th Dynasty Pharaoh Pepi I.
Pyramid
Southern South Saqqara pyramid
The Southern South Saqqara Pyramid is an ancient Egyptian royal tomb which was built during the 13th Dynasty in South Saqqara, and is renowned for having the most elaborate hypogeum since the late 12th Dynasty pyramids.
Pyramid
Headless Pyramid
The Headless Pyramid is an ancient Egyptian pyramid in Saqqara. It was most likely built by the Fifth Dynasty Pharaoh Menkauhor.
Monuments and statues
Statue of Ramesses II
The Statue of Ramesses II is a 3,200-year-old figure of Ramesses II, depicting him standing. It was discovered in 1820 by Giovanni Battista Caviglia at the Great Temple of Ptah near Memphis, Egypt. It is made from red granite and weighs 83 tons.
Pyramid
White Pyramid
The White Pyramid of Amenemhat II is located in the pyramid field at Dahshur, Egypt, and is now nothing more than a pile of rubble, having been heavily quarried for stone. The remaining limestone rubble has given rise to its modern name.
Pyramid
Buried Pyramid
The Buried Pyramid is an unfinished step pyramid constructed c. 2645 BC for Sekhemkhet Djoserty. This pharaoh was the second of the Third Dynasty of Ancient Egypt, which reigned over Egypt circa 2686–2613 BC and is usually placed at the beginning of the Old Kingdom of Egypt.

Day trips

Saqqara – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Saqqara, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Egyptian Museum (Cairo), Khan el-Khalili (Cairo), Gayer-Anderson Museum (Cairo).

13 milesN
Museum, Archaeological museum
Egyptian Museum, Cairo
The Egyptian Museum, situated in the heart of Cairo, stands as a beacon of ancient history and is an essential visit for anyone fascinated by the pharaohs and the artistry of ancient Egypt. Established in 1902, this museum houses the world's most extensive collection...
13 milesN
Major bazaar selling souvenirs and crafts
Khan el-Khalili, Cairo
Khan el-Khalili is a bustling marketplace and one of the most historical souks in the heart of Cairo, Egypt. Established in the 14th century, it has served as a trading hub and a vibrant center of commerce for over 600 years.
11 milesN
Cultural museum with artwork and furniture
Gayer-Anderson Museum, Cairo
Nestled in the heart of Cairo, the Gayer-Anderson Museum presents a fascinating window into the past, offering visitors a chance to step into a beautifully preserved slice of Egyptian history. This unique museum is housed in two exquisite buildings, known as Beit...
11 milesN
Imposing, alabaster-clad mosque
Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Cairo
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali is one of the grandest mosques in Egypt and a prominent landmark in the city of Cairo. Perched atop the Citadel of Cairo, this impressive mosque was constructed between 1830 and 1848 during the reign of Muhammad Ali Pasha, an Ottoman governor...
9.3 miNW
, Ruins, Architecture
Great Pyramid of Giza, Cairo
The Great Pyramid of Giza is an ancient marvel and the most significant of Egypt's famous pyramids. Located on the Giza Plateau, near the city of Cairo, it is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the complex. Also known as the Pyramid of Khufu, after the...