Red Pyramid
Good for: quiet, solitude
Not good for: easy access
- Address
- Price
- incl all sights adult/student £E25/£E15
- Hours
- 08:00-16:00 Oct-Apr, to 17:00 May-Sep, to 15:00 Ramadan
Lonely Planet review for Red Pyramid
The world's oldest true pyramid is the North Pyramid, which is better known as the Red Pyramid. It derives its name either from the red tones of its weathered limestone, after the better-quality white limestone casing was removed, or perhaps from the red graffiti and construction marks scribbled on its masonry in ancient times.
Having learnt from their experiences building the Bent Pyramid, the same architects carried on where they had left off, building the Red Pyramid at the same 43-degree angle as the Bent Pyramid's more gently inclining upper section. The entrance - via 125 extremely steep stone steps and a 63m-long passage - takes you down to two antechambers with stunning 12m-high corbelled ceilings and a 15m-high corbelled burial chamber in which fragmentary human remains, possibly of Sneferu himself, were found.
Traveller reviews for Red Pyramid (1)
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We had the place to ourselves
humbucker recommends this,
There's no doubt that the Giza pyramids are awe inspiring. But for my money the Red Pyramid is the place to visit if you want a chance to appreciate Old Kingdom pyramids. Its a bit of a trek from downtown Cairo but upon arrival we were able to enjoy the quiet of the desert as we walked the perimeter of this massive structure. We were the only people there. My son and I climbed down the to the inner chambers and were free to play Indiana Jones all by ourselves.
A fantastic experience.
Good for: quiet, solitude
Not good for: easy access
