The Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara are essential on every traveler and explorer’s bucket list. One of the greatest symbols of ancient civilization, with all its grandeur, is enough to leave anyone awestruck. But if you think the pyramids of Giza are the only famed monuments, you’re wrong. If you have never been to Egypt before, there is another range of pyramids, Saqqara, which is just a day-tripping distance to Cairo. So next time you say you want to visit the Egypt pyramids, it means much more than you thought.
Thirty kilometers to the south of the capital city, the magnificent line of pyramids reminds you of the early architecture of the old kingdoms, pharaohs, and their dazzling treasures. Are you interested in unearthing the beauty and secrets of the Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara? If so, keep reading.
Saqqara Pyramids- Must-See Sights when You Visit Egypt Pyramid
Remember, exploring is not all about seeing world-famous sights! So if you have yet to see something bigger than the famous plateau complex, the pyramids of Saqqara should be on your travel itinerary. Though most of the complex and pyramid range is outside of regular visiting areas for tourists, there is a lot to explore and visit.
Seeing only two dozen visitors at most was another surprising fact for us as the Saqqara complex is relatively less visited but busier than Dahshur.
It may sound surprising to you, but Saqqara has 16 pyramids, of which some are hard to distinguish. We say this because most of the pyramids are in varying and dilapidated states. The tombs of high authorities and dignitaries of the time surround the marvelous and scenic pyramids.
We were in awe to see the small mastabas and conventional tombs that seem to bury the tombs. We found many tombs that were reopened for the public after the conservation process.
Majestic Designs of Saqqara Pyramids
It took us only minutes to deduce that Saqqara Pyramids are way different from the regular pyramid architecture. The unique and interesting design was among the first innovations of its time. The Djoser pyramid comprises six mastabas structured on top of each other to a height of 60 to 70 feet, with a huge underground network of chambers, galleries, and tunnels that, unfortunately, aren’t open to the public.
Besides the Djoser Pyramid, Saqqara is home to fantastic surrounding complexes. These consist of smaller pyramids and some incredibly beautiful tombs that have magnificent inscriptions all over the walls. Plus, with colonnaded corridors, among others, there is, without a doubt, a lot to explore. And what makes your visit to Egypt’s pyramid even more memorable?
Saqqara is just 30 km from Cairo but isn’t a tourist hotspot like the popular Giza Pyramids. That’s what allowed us to check out the unique highlights of the Djoser Pyramid, Pharaoh Teti, and the mastaba of Mereruka.
Dahshur
Dahshur is a regal and royal necropolis in the desert, 40 km from the main city Cairo. But you have to travel a little further to the south from Saqqara pyramids that are amongst the largest, best-preserved, and oldest in Egypt.
Built during 2589 BC in the reign of the Sneferu (4th dynasty), the Red and Bent pyramids are very important as they had been a part of the learning process for the Pyramid of Giza’s construction. You can see the beautifully designed wooden staircase with hundred odd steps leading to the red Pyramid’s entrance.
Don’t forget to stop by Memphis when you plan to visit the Egypt pyramid. Though you won’t find any pyramids, it is the ancient capital of Egypt that makes it valuable and worth visiting. The 10m statue of the greatest Pharaoh of all the time, lying protected under the indoor space, will surely make it a breathtaking experience for you.
Pyramids of Giza- The Intriguing Mysteries of Egypt
Giza’s gorgeous pyramids have endured an eternity, but their architecture is a testament to the genius of these civilizations.
We all know that the grand monumental tombs or pyramids are Egypt’s kingdom’s vestiges. Depicting a 4500-year-old era, the huge tombs scaffold a unique idea. The Pharaohs of Egypt believed that they would become gods in their afterlife.
To prepare for life in the next world, the pharaohs and kings erected beautiful temples for their gods and gigantic pyramid tombs for their afterlife. Each pyramid is not only massive but also a part of a huge complex that includes solar boat pits, palaces, and temples.
Marvels of Construction
It is the ancient engineering feats at this Egyptian wonder of the world that make the tombs so impressive. Scientists and researchers are still trying to fathom how Egyptians were able to create this masterpiece. However, one thing they know for sure is that the builders of the Pyramids of Giza were supremely dexterous and well-fed.
The art on the pyramids is much more than just the cemetery. In fact, you could spot wonderful scenes of various aspects of ancient Egyptian life. The depiction of ancient farmers harvesting the fields, fowling and fishing, and other Egyptian rituals and religious practices on the tombs are enough to leave you spell-bound.
