Saqqara Temple

Saqqara Temple: The Oldest Pyramid Complex

The Saqqara temple is the most prominent temple of the necropolis of Memphis, the ancient capital of the Old Kingdom. It also cherishes the Step Pyramid of Pharaoh Djoser, erected around 2700 BC. This Pyramid is a great landmark for the earliest monumental stone constructions, it is the earliest monumental stone construction. Travelers seeking Egypt tours have the unique opportunity to witness Saqqara and experience the origins of pyramid architecture, well before the construction of the renowned Giza Stepped Plateau. Both Classic Egypt Tours and Luxury Egypt Tours commence from Cairo and make sure to visit Saqqara, together with the Egyptian Museum at Tahrir Square, Coptic Cairo, and even offer a day trip to the Giza pyramids from Cairo.

What to See Inside Saqqara Temple Complex

The Step Pyramid is arguably Saqqara’s most iconic feature; however, the site is also home to other notable monuments, such as the captivating mastabas and the intricately decorated tombs. Alongside the Serapeum (with the shaft tombs of the Apis bulls) and the Tomb of Kagemni, the Tomb of Ti is also part of the site, all of which have striking reliefs illustrating bygone daily life, ceremonies, and the spiritual ideologies of the ancient Egyptians. The stone-carved pages of history open as you stroll these tombs. Saqqara also works great with the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Fustat, the Saladin Citadel, or a serene felucca ride on the Nile for visitors doing day tours in Cairo or day trips from Cairo. In fact, the majority of Egypt tours set up Saqqara alongside Luxor day tours from Cairo, which gives tourists the opportunity to see the Old Kingdom and New Kingdom marvels.

Saqqara vs. Giza: Why Visit Both?

Even though Giza is mainly known for the famous Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, the area of Saqqara is the one that dates back even further. Visiting both regions while touring Egypt allows you to gain a better understanding of the history and development of the pyramids. A trip to both Giza and Saqqara in a single day from Cairo is a great idea because it allows you to see firsthand the contrast between the pyramids of Djoser with their stepped-like layers and the Giza pyramids with their smooth sides. It is also very common for travelers to visit the Great Sphinx of Giza and attend the Sound and Light Show at the pyramids in the evening. These sites are best visited together and, therefore, should be included in Egypt travel packages because one picks up from the other. Saqqara showcases the experimentation of ancient builders, while Giza stands to show the refinement of the technique. For those who have a bit more leisure, the day trips from Cairo can be extended to cover Dahshur or even the Hanging Church located in Old Cairo.

How to Visit Saqqara Temple (Location, Tickets)

Saqqara is located about 30 kilometers south of Cairo, making it highly accessible for day trips from the capital. Depending on your preference, you can visit Saqqara by private car, taxi, or as part of day tours from Cairo. The site pass typically covers entrance to the Step Pyramid and other selected mastabas, but a few notable tombs require separate tickets. Hiring a guide is important because they help you fully appreciate the lore and the symbols of the site. Many tour operators offer packages that include Saqqara, Memphis, and Dahshur. Other companies offer packages that include Luxor or even Aswan from Cairo, which makes Saqqara visits easy to schedule as part of a larger tour. Following the visit to Saqqara, many tourists opt for cultural visits to Cairo, such as the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Al-Azhar Mosque, or even to the Baron Empain Palace in Heliopolis.

Tips for Exploring Saqqara Temple

To appreciate everything on offer, it is best to get there early, particularly in the summer when it gets hot quickly. A pair of comfortable shoes and some light clothing are a must, as the site is expansive and needs to be explored on foot. Make sure to bring something to drink, some water, sunscreen, and a hat. Some day trips from Cairo to Saqqara include the Egyptian Museum, the Mohamed Ali Mosque inside the Citadel, or a walk through Islamic Cairo, which allows guests to explore different time periods of Egypt’s civilization. People on an Egyptian Nile Cruise Tour can often include Saqqara as an excursion before the cruise, and people on Luxury Egypt Tours can have private transfers alongside exclusive entry and Egyptologists with deep knowledge of the sites to help on their tours.

Things to Do Near Saqqara: Memphis & More

The Saqqara necropolis is located a short distance south of Cairo, and its vicinity holds other equally important archaeological sites. A short drive north brings you to Giza, where you will find the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids along with their archaeological museum. Just east of Giza is Dahshur, recognized for the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid. These two pyramids are significant because they acted as the experimental architectural phases that led to the advanced construction techniques used in Giza. Most day tours from Cairo organize the visits for Saqqara, Giza, and Dahshur in one shuttle. For those interested in broadening their activities, other notable day trips include visiting Abu Simbel from Cairo, Luxor day tours from Cairo, or exploring Cairo’s attractions that include the Grand Egyptian Museum near the pyramids. Whether they come as part of the Cairo day tours, the Egypt Classic tours, or the longer Egypt travel packages, Saqqara and the pyramids are the top sites to visit for anyone interested in history.