Djoser Pyramid Reopens to Visitors in Egypt
After 14 years of renovations and restoration work, the oldest pyramid in Egypt – and the world – has finally reopened to the public.
Located about an hour southwest of Cairo in the sprawling necropolis of Saqqara, the Step Pyramid of Zoser is the world’s earliest stone monument and one of Egypt’s must-see sites, comprising six stacked terraces and standing more than 60 meters tall. However, an earthquake in 1992 caused significant interior damage, and repairs have continued on and off since 2006, making the 4700-year-old structure off-limits to visitors for nearly two decades.
Recently, after extensive restoration efforts costing approximately EG£104 million (US$6.6 million), visitors were once again welcomed inside. The historic landmark underwent essential repairs, such as restoring loose blocks, reinforcing subterranean walls and ceilings, and removing dust and debris from terrace surfaces. Notably, rubble removal from the burial chamber unveiled the pharaoh’s granite sarcophagus, weighing an astonishing 176 tons.
To enhance the visitor experience, a new main entrance has been introduced, alongside an upgraded lighting system, and now the site is wheelchair-accessible. Additionally, paths leading to the pyramid and the tunnels to the burial chamber received vital improvements.
Despite these advancements, tourism and antiquities minister Khaled El-Enany described the restoration process as “a meticulous medical surgery.” However, it hasn’t been devoid of controversy. Reports indicated that damage occurred during restoration work in 2014, with some Egyptian NGOs claiming that the monument’s original facade had been altered. Subsequently, following criticism from Unesco experts, El-Enany assured that modifications were made in accordance with Unesco standards, ultimately receiving positive reviews in 2018.
Set within a funerary complex, which is enclosed by a 1645-meter-long limestone wall, the Step Pyramid was commissioned by Zoser, the second king of Ancient Egypt’s third dynasty, through his chief architect, Imhotep, circa 2650 BCE. As part of the Necropolis of Memphis, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.