Step Pyramid of Saqqara Attractions & Landmarks

Prototype of the Pyramids
Featured Image

North Saqqara
(32 kilometres south of Cairo)
Cairo,
Egypt

Overview

Designed by Imhotep, chief architect of the III Dynasty pharaoh Djoser, this six-tiered funerary chamber was the first pyramid. Prior to its construction, pharaohs were buried beneath rectangular mastabas. Imhotep created a pyramid by stacking six increasingly smaller mastabas on top of each other. Later pharaohs took it a step further to create the pyramids seen at Giza and elsewhere. An extensive funerary complex surrounds the pyramid. It is a very atmospheric place and the highlight for many is wandering through the hypostyle hall and Great South Court, part of which has been rebuilt. Special permission is needed to enter the pyramid.

Open Hours

    • Monday to Sunday from 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM

      Awwsomeby Yahoo | 2008-03-16 22:01:49 |

      I really enjoyed this place, lots of history but if you want to make your trip even better go to the Sakara club which is nearby and rent an ATV and drive it up to the ruins it was soooo worth it! The drive through the dunes gives it an even better touch!

      ITS BREATH TAKINGby Yahoo | 2008-03-12 16:44:18 |

      Actually i loved everything about yhis place!! its amazing and breathtaking. I was really excited when i saw it for the first time.I advise everyone that you should go there and you should hve a cap or something on your head cause its hot there.I LOVE EGYPT AND SALL THE PYRAMIDS!!!!!!!!

      bad placeby Yahoo | 2007-12-08 19:27:57 |

      it stank so much that we made poppy in our pants. BAAAAAAAAAD!I would rather jump off mt.everest than endure going back to the step pyramid of pain

      Step Pyramidsby Yahoo | 2007-07-15 15:06:46 |

      this was beautiful, a part of history and to stand in front of this magnificent pyramid was awsome. I also stood in front of the great pyramids, wow. They are definitly the 7th wonder of the world. I would definitly go back for another visit.

      Read up on it prior to goingby Yahoo | 2006-10-23 04:42:43 |

      The pyramid and the site were intriguing, but you need to read up on the history before going, or you will miss alot. There were Bedouin men everywhere trying to give little tours for a few pounds, and that was rather distracting. If you know about the place beforehand, it is amazing to see all the ancient relics!

      The worlds bestby Yahoo | 2006-08-07 00:00:30 |

      I disliked the heat and smell. But i loved the rest i wish i could go there agian but i am a bit broke from my last trip. I hope that someday i can visit again but for now i have to save up my money and practise my speach for 8if i go again. I hope that whoever goes there has as much fun as what i had there. say thanks to the tour guides and the helpers. Yours Sincerly Bianca Lawrence

      In Egyptian heavenby Yahoo | 2006-05-25 02:08:15 |

      Seeing the step pyramid made my trip. I could not believe that I was seeing something older than 5,000 years! It was awe inspiring. Don't miss seeing Saqqara's step pyramid. I thought seeing this pyramid would be like seeing the pyramids at Giza. It was magical. Unbelieveable. Mesmerizing. This was definitely one of the highlights of my trip. I've been to Egypt twice and I would go and see the step pyramid if I go again!!! Egyptian MB

      My favorite part of our tripby Yahoo | 2006-02-03 13:00:12 |

      This was the favorite part of my trip throughout Egypt. This place has so much history and was an extremely important place in history. There's not much there to look at, but the thought that I was walking around an area where only the most powerful people of the Egyptian Dynasties walked was pretty cool for me.

      Great!by Yahoo | 2005-11-27 21:51:01 |

      Great because it is very educational and fun. It was fun looking at the steps. IT is not like other pyramids. Lots of fun to look at.

      historical treasureby Yahoo | 2005-05-01 01:35:57 |

      i liked being in the whole atmosphere of this ancient site.as a person you realise your life as only a pin prick in this world. these monuments are thousands of years old its truly amazing to be there.egypt exudes a once long ago slower pace of life its a pace that we could all do with a little of as our lives has become so hectic.