Dahshur

A royal necropolis found in the desert west of the River Nile, Dahshur was once home to 11 Ancient Egyptian pyramids, of which few have survived. However, for those wishing to view Egypt’s pyramids in peace and quiet, Dahshur is the place to go.

Dahshur history

Built by the pharaoh Sneferu (reign circa 2613 BC-2589 BC), founder of the Fourth Dynasty and father of Khufu, the Red Pyramid is one of Dahshur’s most famous residents and the second oldest pyramid ever built. In fact, it is thought that this was where Sneferu himself was buried.

Dahshur today

Dahshur is the place to find the ‘Bent Pyramid’, so called due to its unusual change of angle. Also built by Sneferu, the Bent Pyramid is atypical as it has two entrances.

Unlike the more popular Giza and Saqqara, Dahshur has not become a tourist hotspot, despite its ancient attractions, including the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid. Visitors to Dahshur can tour the Red Pyramid and the more recently opened Bent Pyramid as well.

Unsurprisingly, the Black Pyramid, also at Dahshur cannot be toured. In fact, this pyramid, built for the pharaoh Amenemhat III (reign circa 1831 BC-1786 BC) and originally 266 feet high, has deteriorated badly due to the unstable ground on which it sits and the mud brick used in its construction.

Getting to Dahshur

The easiest way of reaching Dahshur is driving. Take Saqqara Road, past Saqqara and Memphis then turn right at the sign for the Dahshur Antiquities. The road goes through the village of Dahshur straight into the site which you need to drive around as it is very large.