The Red Pyramid in Egypt

Why Visit the Red Pyramid?

Besides being a tomb for Pharaohs, the Red Pyramid is a testimony to the greatest engineering project of the Old Kingdom. It was built after several experiments with the shape of the pyramids by the ancient Egyptians, like the nearby Bent Pyramid. Success of the Red Pyramid showed that the smooth-sided pyramid can be built safely and made it an example of great pyramids to come.

With a height of about 104 meters, it is one of the biggest pyramids of Egypt. Its name is associated with the reddish color of limestone used in the building process and becomes visible especially during sunrise and sunset. In contrast to the crowded area of the Giza Pyramids, Red Pyramid offers an opportunity to see it on a quiet place.

Step Inside One of Egypt's Best-Preserved Pyramids

Whereas most of the other ancient structures allow you to appreciate the exterior structure alone, the Red Pyramid allows visitors to walk inside and see the original interior of the structure. The passage leading into the interior is lengthy and involves walking down a sloping structure that eventually leads into a series of large rooms with corbelled ceilings which are still intact despite the passage of over 4,500 years since the building of the structure. Even though the rooms are not decorated with elaborate art work, they provide an insight into how the Egyptians were able to construct their pyramids.

Why Dahshur Deserves a Place on Your Cairo Itinerary

Although millions of tourists visit the pyramids of Giza every year, Dahshur provides an opportunity to experience the authentic and undisturbed adventure of ancient Egypt. It is a UNESCO world heritage site with the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid; therefore, tourists will be able to visit some spectacular sights without the hustle of crowded places. The calm desert location makes it the perfect place to understand the early development of pyramids and enjoy the magnificent view of the surrounding area. Being only a few miles away from Cairo, it can be easily visited along with Saqqara and Memphis, which would make it a perfect full-day sightseeing trip outside of Cairo.

What Makes the Red Pyramid Different?

One of its most distinctive features about its structure is the reddish colour, which is more prominent during dawn and dusk. While the structure was initially made using a coating of limestone, which was white in colour, much of this coating has worn out over time and the reddish blocks of limestone are visible now.

One of the unique characteristics of the Red Pyramid is the opportunity that it provides for visitors to explore the long passage ways inside it and the amazing chambers of the pyramid. Not only does this provide visitors with an insight into how massive the structure was, but it also gives tourists an experience beyond what they expect on visiting a historical monument. Along with the calm and serene location of Dahshur, the Red Pyramid is definitely one of the historical wonders of Egypt.

What Should You Wear?

Selecting the appropriate clothing will assist you in having an easy and enjoyable trip. Wearing light clothes will serve you best when visiting the site during the summer season, while wearing comfortable shoes for walking will be useful when you have to walk on the sand and also inside the passageway of the pyramid.

In case you want to visit the inside of the pyramid, then you should expect some narrow passages and a slight descent. In such a case, it will be useful if you carry only a light bag or a backpack.

Nearby Attractions to Explore

The trip to the Red Pyramid becomes all the more worthwhile in conjunction with the many archaeological sites that are located around the city of Dahshur. Within easy reach is another fascinating pyramid – the Bent Pyramid of Pharaoh Sneferu, marking yet another phase in the development of pyramid architecture. Not far from there is Saqqara, containing the Step Pyramid of Djoser – the oldest major stone structure in the world. In addition, one can visit Memphis – the first capital of ancient Egypt, where impressive monuments, temples, and open-air museums provide a unique insight into the history of the civilization in this country. Altogether, the above-mentioned places make a very exciting tour along the path of the discovery of pyramid-building, and therefore, are highly recommended for any visitor of Egypt who does not want to limit themselves only to the renowned Pyramids of Giza.