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Archaeological site · Giza, Giza
Memphis
Site of the first capital of unified Egypt, at Mit Rahina, with an open‑air museum that houses a colossal recumbent statue of Ramesses II and an alabaster sphinx.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Memphis
Memphis was the capital of Egypt in the Old Kingdom and one of the largest cities of the ancient world. Today the site, in the village of Mit Rahina among palm groves, preserves few remains of the city but is the center of the UNESCO site that includes the necropolises from Giza to Dahshur.
The open‑air museum has a colossal limestone statue of Ramesses II lying in a covered pavilion, where you can see facial details and inscriptions. In the garden are an alabaster sphinx and other statues and temple blocks.
The visit is short and is usually done between Saqqara and Dahshur.
The museum is small, surrounded by palm trees and village houses, and usually has fewer visitors than the neighboring sites. Stalls at the entrance sell crafts and souvenirs.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour.
Best time
In the morning, on the same tour as Saqqara and Dahshur.
How to get there
By car with a driver, in Mit Rahina, about 5 km from Saqqara.
Tip
Go up to the pavilion mezzanine to see Ramesses II’s statue from above.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Memphis
What to see in Memphis?
The open‑air museum at Mit Rahina, with the colossal statue of Ramesses II and the alabaster sphinx.
Was Memphis the capital of Egypt?
Yes. It was the capital in the Old Kingdom, and the UNESCO site of Memphis includes the necropolises from Giza to Dahshur.
Where is Memphis located?
In the village of Mit Rahina, about 5 km from Saqqara and about 25 km from Cairo.