An attractive destination for ancient Egypt lovers
Saqqara also spelled Sakkara, is a large cemetery in the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis, located about 27 km from Cairo. southern. Saqqara is home to some of ancient Egypt's oldest and most impressive monuments, dating from the First Dynasty (c. 3100 BC) and the Roman period (c. 395 AD). Saqqara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see destination for anyone wanting to explore the history and culture of ancient Egypt.
Saqqara covers an area of 10 square kilometers and contains more than a dozen pyramids, hundreds of tombs, temples, and other structures. Some of the highlights of Saqqara are:
Djoser's Step Pyramid:
This is the oldest and most famous monument in Saqqara and the first monumental stone structure in the world gender. It was built by King Djoser around 2650 BC and designed by architect Imhotep. The pyramid consists of six mastabas (rectangular tombs) stacked on top of each other, forming a terraced shape. The pyramid is part of a large complex that includes courtyards, colonnades, chapels and several underground galleries.
Teti Pyramid:
This is one of the most recent pyramids at Saqqara, built by King Teti around 2345 BC. The pyramid is made of mud bricks and limestone and is 52 meters high. The pyramid has an entrance on the north side, leading to a descending corridor and burial chamber. The walls of the hallway and bedroom bear the Pyramid inscription, the oldest religious text of ancient Egypt.
The Serapeum:
This is an underground complex containing the tombs of sacred Apis bulls, revered as incarnations of the god Ptah. The Serapeum was discovered by Auguste Mariette in 1851 and consists of a long gallery with 24 side rooms. Each chamber contains a giant granite sarcophagus weighing up to 80 tons. Sarcophagi date from the New Kingdom (c. 1550 BC) to the Ptolemaic period (c. 30 BC).
Mastaba of Ti:
This is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved tombs in Saqqara, belonging to Ti, a high-ranking official who lived during the 5th Dynasty (circa 2500 BC). Mastaba (meaning "bench" in Arabic) is a rectangular structure with sloping sides and a flat roof. The Mastaba consists of an entrance hall, a chapel, and several rooms decorated with colorful reliefs depicting scenes of Ti's life and afterlife.
Imhotep Museum:
This is a modern museum displaying some of the artifacts found at Saqqara, as well as information about the history and archeology of the site. The museum opened in 2006 and is named after Imhotep, the architect of the Step Pyramid. The museum has six rooms displaying objects such as statues, steles, coffins, mummies, tools and jewelry.
There are many other things to do in Saqqara, such as:
Visit other pyramids, such as the Unas Pyramid, home to the oldest version of the Pyramid Texts; Userkaf Pyramid, home to a unique solar temple; and the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid of Dahshur
Explore other tombs, such as Kagemni's mastaba, which features hunting and fishing scenes; Mastaba de Mererouka has 32 rooms; and the tombs of Niankhkhnoum and Khnumhotep, belonging to two male manicurists who may have been lovers.
Ride a camel or horse around the site, taking in panoramic views of the desert and ruins.
Shopping for souvenirs at one of the bazaars near Saqqara, where you can find handicrafts, jewelry, carpets, spices, perfumes, and more
Watching a sound and light show at night that tells the story of Saqqara using lasers, lights, music, and narration.
Saqqara is a fascinating destination for ancient Egypt lovers, where you can see some of the oldest and most impressive monuments of ancient Egypt. It is a place where you can learn about the history and culture of ancient Egypt and experience its beauty and diversity.