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Archaeological site · Giza, Giza
Saqqara
The necropolis of Memphis south of Giza, with Djoser’s stepped pyramid, considered Egypt’s first major stone construction, and tombs with reliefs of everyday life.
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 Saqqara
Saqqara is about 25 km south of the Giza pyramids, on the edge of the desert. It was one of the cemeteries of the ancient capital, Memphis, used for around 3,000 years.
The central monument is Djoser’s Step Pyramid, from the 3rd Dynasty, designed by the architect Imhotep around 2650 BC, with six steps and a large enclosure surrounded by walls and columns. Around it are nobles’ tombs, the mastabas, with reliefs depicting fishing, harvest and animal husbandry, and the Pyramid of Unas, with the Pyramid Texts on the walls.
The Serapeum, underground galleries with huge granite sarcophagi of the sacred bulls Apis, and the Imhotep Museum at the site entrance complete the visit.
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
Three to four hours.
Best time
In the morning, before the desert heat.
How to get there
By car with a driver or as part of a tour, about 25 km from the Giza pyramids and about 30 km from downtown Cairo.
Tip
Combine Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur in the same day with a driver, leaving early.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Saqqara
What to see in Saqqara?
Djoser’s Step Pyramid, the mastabas with reliefs, the Pyramid of Unas, the Serapeum and the Imhotep Museum.
Who built Djoser’s pyramid?
The architect Imhotep, for Pharaoh Djoser, around 2650 BC.
How to get to Saqqara?
By car with a driver or as part of a tour, about 25 km from the Giza pyramids.