Located 40km south of Cairo, this ancient necropolis contains some of Egypt's oldest pyramids, including the distinctively shaped Bent Pyramid and the massive Red Pyramid built around 2600 BC.
Dahshur lies 40 kilometers southwest of Cairo. You'll find several ancient pyramids here, including the Bent Pyramid with its unusual double slope angle, and the Red Pyramid where you can explore three internal chambers. The site marks an important point in Egyptian architecture - this is where builders first succeeded in creating smooth-sided pyramids after years of building stepped structures.
The Bent Pyramid's Unique Architecture
Built between 2613-2589 BC under King Sneferu, the Bent Pyramid shows how ancient Egyptian engineers solved problems during construction. When they noticed structural issues, they changed the pyramid's angle from 54 degrees to 43.5 degrees, creating its characteristic shape. The original limestone casing remains largely intact. You can enter through two different entrances - a rare feature among Egyptian pyramids.
Exploring the Red Pyramid
The Red Pyramid was the first successful smooth-sided pyramid in Egypt. At 344 feet (105 meters) tall, it's Egypt's third-largest pyramid. Its limestone blocks have a reddish color, giving the pyramid its name. When you go inside, you'll find three chambers connected by corridors, with the burial chamber topped by a stepped stone ceiling.
Getting to Dahshur
You can reach Dahshur by hiring a car and driver from Cairo, which takes about one hour from the city center. Public transportation is limited. The entrance fee for foreigners is 60 EGP. The pyramids are spread across the desert area, so having transportation between them is useful.
Archaeological Discoveries
The pyramids of Dahshur are surrounded by Old and Middle Kingdom cemeteries. In 1994, archaeologists from the Metropolitan Museum of Art found Queen Weret's intact tomb near the 12th Dynasty pyramid complex. The tomb contained well-preserved jewelry and metalwork that showed the technical skills of ancient Egyptian craftsmen.
Practical Information for Visitors
The site is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, with reduced hours during Ramadan. You won't find restaurants or shops in the complex, so bring water and snacks. Since there are no information panels at the pyramids, read about the site beforehand or hire a guide to learn about its history. Visit in the morning when temperatures are lower - the desert area has minimal shade.
