Saqqara Step Pyramid of Djoser – Egypt’s First Pyramid
The Saqqara Step Pyramid — also known as the Step Pyramid of Djoser — is the earliest large-scale stone monument in Egypt and the prototype that made all later pyramids possible. Rising above the Saqqara Necropolis near ancient Memphis, it served as the royal tomb of King Djoser and showcased the genius of his architect Imhotep.
In this guide, you’ll find what it is, who built it, when and why it was constructed, how its six tiers were engineered, what lies inside, and practical tips for visiting today — all in one clear, well-structured resource.
Key Takeaways – Saqqara Step Pyramid
- ✅ The Saqqara Step Pyramid is Egypt’s first pyramid and the tomb of King Djoser (Third Dynasty).
- ✅ Designed by Imhotep, it introduced stacked mastabas forming six steps, about 62 m high.
- ✅ Built of fine limestone; its complex includes courtyards, temples, and underground corridors.
- ✅ It marks the transition from mud-brick tombs to monumental stone architecture in ancient Egypt.
- ✅ Located in the Saqqara Necropolis (UNESCO World Heritage as part of Memphis and its Necropolis).
- ✅ Visitors can explore the enclosure, courts, and restored areas with ticketed entry.
What Is the Saqqara Step Pyramid?
Simply put, it’s the first pyramid ever built in Egypt — an experimental leap from a single mastaba to a six-tiered stone monument that became the blueprint for Giza and beyond.
The monument, widely called the Step Pyramid of Djoser or the Pyramid of Djoser, crowns the northern part of the Saqqara Necropolis. Its stepped profile comes from stacking progressively smaller mastabas, creating a towering structure that announced royal power and belief in the afterlife.
Over time, the site evolved into a full funerary complex with temples, courtyards, dummy chapels, and a vast underground system. This was the moment Egypt shifted from mud-brick tombs to precision-cut limestone — a revolution in design that paved the way for the true pyramids.
Where Is the Saqqara Pyramid Located?
The Saqqara Step Pyramid is located in the village of Badrasheen, Giza Governorate, within the Saqqara Necropolis — part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Memphis and its Necropolis. This ancient burial ground stretches across the desert plateau and preserves monuments from the earliest dynasties through the Greco-Roman era.
Commissioned by King Djoser, the pyramid was built by his architect Imhotep during Egypt’s Third Dynasty. Construction began around 2737 BCE and lasted for about 20 years, creating the first monumental pyramid in Egyptian history.
Saqqara is unique as it contains tombs, pyramids, and temples spanning nearly the entire span of Egyptian civilization. It remains one of the most important archaeological landscapes in Egypt, attracting scholars and travelers eager to explore its layered history.
The Impressive History of the Saqqara Pyramid
Built more than 4,700 years ago, the Step Pyramid of Djoser marks the dawn of Egypt’s pyramid age — a turning point from simple mud-brick tombs to grand stone monuments.
From Mastaba to Pyramid
Pharaoh Djoser of the Third Dynasty originally planned a traditional mastaba tomb — a flat rectangular structure with sloping sides. Under the guidance of his architect Imhotep, the design was expanded step by step into six stacked tiers, creating a new form: the world’s first pyramid.
Construction Scale and Materials
The pyramid eventually rose to about 60–62 meters (197 ft) in height. It was built with an estimated 11.6 million cubic feet (330,000 cubic meters) of stone and mud, introducing limestone as the primary material instead of mudbrick. This innovation set a precedent for later pyramids at Giza.
Beneath the pyramid lies a vast maze of tunnels stretching nearly 5.5 kilometers (3.5 miles), designed to protect the king’s burial chamber from robbers.
Religious Meaning and Protection
Earlier pharaohs were buried in mastabas that could be easily looted. By building a stepped structure, Djoser and Imhotep created a tomb that was harder to penetrate, while also symbolizing a stairway to the heavens — reinforcing the king’s divine journey into the afterlife.
The pyramid’s enduring form reflects both practical concerns of security and the spiritual vision of eternal life, making it one of the most influential monuments of ancient Egypt.
The Astonishing Exterior Design of the Saqqara Pyramid
Unlike earlier mudbrick tombs, the Step Pyramid of Djoser was the first royal monument built entirely of stone, clad in gleaming white limestone that once reflected the desert sun.
The pyramid consists of six terraces rising to a height of about 62 meters (203 ft). Its rectangular base measures approximately 118 × 140 meters, oriented precisely to the cardinal points. Each layer was carefully stacked to form the distinctive stepped silhouette that gives the pyramid its name.
Archaeological studies show that the structure was originally covered with fine polished limestone casing stones. Over time, much of this covering was stripped away, leaving the core steps exposed, yet the monument’s grandeur is still unmistakable.
The innovation of building in stone instead of mudbrick not only ensured durability but also marked the beginning of Egypt’s golden age of pyramid construction, later perfected at Giza.
The Spectacular Infrastructure of the Step Pyramid
Beneath the Saqqara Step Pyramid lies a labyrinth of chambers, corridors, and shafts that reflect both practical engineering and deep religious symbolism.
The Burial Chamber
At a depth of nearly 28 meters lies the granite-lined burial chamber of King Djoser. Measuring about 7 × 7 meters, the chamber was sealed with massive granite blocks, some weighing up to 4 tons, designed to deter tomb robbers.
Corridors and Side Rooms
Surrounding the burial chamber are a series of corridors and galleries extending over 5 km. Several side rooms were decorated with stone panels and inlaid with symbolic motifs. In one eastern vestibule, four chambers were adorned with tiles of blue faience — symbolizing water and rebirth in the afterlife.
Religious Symbolism
The blue faience tiles, niches, and symbolic designs emphasized the Egyptians’ belief in resurrection and eternal life. These decorations, combined with the intricate underground network, created a sacred landscape guiding the king into the afterlife.
Archaeologists also discovered fragments of a statue of Djoser, along with evidence of his sarcophagus, reinforcing the pyramid’s function as both a burial site and a monument to divine kingship.
Landmarks Associated with the Step Pyramid
The Step Pyramid was not an isolated monument. It formed the heart of a vast funerary complex filled with symbolic structures that reflected both earthly power and the pharaoh’s journey to the afterlife.
- Massive Moat: A trench around the complex measuring up to 40 m wide and 57 m long, possibly symbolizing a protective boundary.
- Enclosure Wall: Stretching about 1,645 m, this limestone wall encircled the pyramid and its courtyards, creating a sacred precinct.
- Southern Tomb: A mysterious structure whose exact function remains debated; some believe it symbolized Djoser’s eternal presence in both Upper and Lower Egypt.
- Funerary Temple: Located to the north of the pyramid, this temple housed more than 4,000 stone vessels of alabaster, granite, and diorite, many reused from earlier dynasties.
- Corridors and Galleries: Beneath the complex lie additional passages dating back to the First and Second Dynasties, linking Djoser’s reign with earlier traditions.
Together, these landmarks created one of the most complete and symbolic mortuary landscapes in ancient Egypt, setting the stage for the grand pyramid complexes that followed.
Tour of the Step Pyramid of Djoser
Visiting the Saqqara Step Pyramid is more than just a sightseeing trip — it’s a journey back to the dawn of Egypt’s pyramid age. With the right planning, you can enjoy both the history and the unique atmosphere of this ancient necropolis.
Best Time to Visit
The Saqqara region is known for its extreme summer heat. The best time to visit is during the cooler months, from October to April, when the weather is mild and pleasant. If you must visit in summer, plan for early mornings or late afternoons.
What to Wear
Wear breathable cotton clothes and comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to enter the pyramid’s narrow corridors. In summer, bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. In winter, wear light layers that allow easy movement while exploring.
The Visitor Experience
When you arrive, you’ll see the Step Pyramid rising at the heart of a vast architectural complex. Parts of the enclosure wall — once decorated with massive cobra friezes — still stand, adding to the grandeur of the site. Walking through Saqqara, you’ll encounter not only Djoser’s pyramid but also a panorama of ancient chapels, tombs, and ceremonial spaces.
A guided tour with an Egyptologist is highly recommended to fully appreciate the religious symbolism, architectural genius, and historical significance of the pyramid complex.
Saqqara Step Pyramid Tickets, Hours
Before planning your trip to the Pyramid of Djoser, it’s important to know the practical details about opening times, ticket prices, and the most comfortable seasons to visit.
Ticket Prices
- Adult: EGP 600
- Student: EGP 300
- Free entry for children below 6 years
- Photography with mobile phone is free of charge
Opening Hours
- All Days
- Summer: from 08:00 am – Last Entry 04:00 pm
- Winter: from 08:00 am – Last Entry 04:00 pm
- Ramadan: from 08:00 am – Last Entry 03:30 pm
⚠️ Please adhere to opening and closing hours for every site. To ensure a pleasant experience, make sure you arrive at least one hour prior to closing time.
Ticket prices and times may change, so it’s always wise to double-check with your guide or at the entrance before your visit. Arriving early guarantees a calmer and more rewarding experience.
Interesting Facts about the Saqqara Step Pyramid
- It is the first pyramid ever built in Egypt, dating back to the 27th century BCE.
- Designed by the legendary architect Imhotep, who was later deified as the god of wisdom and medicine.
- The pyramid rises about 62 m (203 ft) with a rectangular base of 118 × 140 m.
- Beneath it lies a network of tunnels stretching over 5 km.
- The funerary complex covers more than 15 hectares, including temples, courtyards, and shrines.
- Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 as part of Memphis and its Necropolis.
Step Pyramid vs. Other Famous Egyptian Pyramids
To better understand the uniqueness of the Saqqara Step Pyramid, it helps to compare it with other iconic pyramids such as the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza and the Black Pyramid at Dahshur.
| Pyramid | Dynasty | Height | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step Pyramid of Djoser (Saqqara) | 3rd Dynasty (~2630 BCE) | 62 m | First pyramid in Egypt, designed by Imhotep |
| Great Pyramid of Khufu (Giza) | 4th Dynasty (~2580 BCE) | 146.6 m (original) | Largest pyramid in Egypt, one of the Seven Wonders |
| Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III (Dahshur) | 12th Dynasty (~1850 BCE) | 75 m (ruined) | Known for collapse; rare Middle Kingdom pyramid |
This quick comparison shows how Djoser’s Step Pyramid paved the way for later achievements like Khufu’s masterpiece, while the Black Pyramid illustrates the experimentation and challenges of the Middle Kingdom.
FAQs – Saqqara Step Pyramid
Who built the Saqqara Step Pyramid?
The pyramid was commissioned by King Djoser of the Third Dynasty and designed by his vizier and architect Imhotep.
When was the Pyramid of Djoser constructed?
It was built around 2630–2611 BCE, making it more than 4,600 years old.
How old is the Step Pyramid at Saqqara?
The Step Pyramid of Djoser is about 4,700 years old, built during Egypt’s Third Dynasty, making it the earliest pyramid in Egyptian history.
Is the Saqqara Pyramid older than the Pyramids of Giza?
Yes. The Saqqara Step Pyramid predates the Giza Pyramids by several decades. It was built in the 27th century BCE, while the Great Pyramid of Khufu was built around 2580 BCE.
Can visitors go inside the Step Pyramid?
Yes. Visitors can access restored corridors and chambers, though entry requires a separate ticket.
Why is the Saqqara Pyramid important?
It represents the first monumental stone structure in Egypt and a key step toward the later pyramids at Giza.
Conclusion
The Saqqara Step Pyramid, also called the Pyramid of Djoser, stands as the world’s first large-scale stone pyramid and one of the most influential monuments in history. Built during the Third Dynasty by the visionary architect Imhotep, it transformed the idea of royal tombs forever.
With its six-step profile, underground labyrinth, and vast funerary complex, the pyramid symbolizes both Egypt’s engineering genius and its deep religious beliefs in the afterlife. Today, it remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see attraction for anyone exploring ancient Egypt.
Whether you visit to admire its architecture, explore its restored chambers, or simply stand in awe of its history, the Saqqara Step Pyramid offers a timeless connection to Egypt’s ancient legacy.
👉 You can explore the Saqqara Step Pyramid as part of our daily Cairo day tours or within our Egypt tour packages.
