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Archaeological site · Pharaonic
Dahshur — the Bent and Red Pyramids
The pyramid laboratory before Giza
At Dahshur you can see the engineering experiments that led to the true pyramid: the Bent Pyramid with its changing angle, then the Red Pyramid where the smooth-sided form succeeded at monumental scale. The relative quiet is part of the experience.
About this place
King Sneferu chose Dahshur for major pyramid projects at the beginning of Dynasty 4. The Bent Pyramid records a change in construction angle, while the Red Pyramid became the first fully successful monumental smooth-sided pyramid and the third largest in Egypt after Khufu and Khafre. Middle Kingdom pyramids also occupy the necropolis.
The site is spacious and usually much quieter than Giza. Interior passages, when accessible, are physically demanding because they are steep and low.
Here the pyramid’s evolution is visible as a real engineering process: an obvious correction in the Bent Pyramid followed by a successful solution in the Red, all in a quiet desert setting.
Visitor information
- Opening hours
- Sunday — 08:00 – 17:00
Monday — 08:00 – 17:00
Tuesday — 08:00 – 17:00
Wednesday — 08:00 – 17:00
Thursday — 08:00 – 17:00
Friday — 08:00 – 17:00
Saturday — 08:00 – 17:00 - Payment
- Card
- Amenities
- Parking · Guides
| Tickets | Price | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Egyptian | 10 | 2026-09-06 |
| Egyptian student | 5 | 2026-09-06 |
| Foreign | 200 | 2026-09-06 |
| Foreign student | 100 | 2026-09-06 |
Highlights
- The Bent Pyramid and its changing angle
- The Red Pyramid and its interior when accessible
- The quiet desert landscape and Middle Kingdom pyramids
Tips from the visit
- Go early; there is almost no shade.
- If entering the Red Pyramid, avoid a large bag and take the descent slowly.
- A private car or driver is the practical option.
Worth knowing
- Interior passages are steep and low, unsuitable for claustrophobia or mobility problems.
- Interior access can change for operational or conservation reasons.
Location & getting there
Dahshur Archaeological Area, Al-Badrashin, Giza
Nearest landmark: قرية دهشور
Nearest metro: المنيب
A car or driver from Giza or Saqqara is best. El Mounib metro can be used as a starting point before a longer taxi ride.
29.7903, 31.2093
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