Touring the Necropolis of Abu Sir

The Necropolis of Abu Sir contains fourteen pyramids, primarily the earlier “step” pyramid style, and is also the location for one of the most significant and largest finds of papyri in history.

Abu Sir, Egypt

Those visiting the historic capitol city of Memphis, the neighboring royal burial sites at Saqqara, or the vast pyramid field at Giza will want to include the site in their itinerary. The site is the elite and exclusive final resting ground for many of the Old Kingdom pharaohs, nobles and other important Egyptians, particularly those of the fifth dynasty.

What to See?

Abu Sir contains fourteen pyramids, primarily the earlier “step” pyramid style, and is also the location for one of the most significant and largest finds of papyri in history.

Most historians and archaeologists state that there are only eight pyramids worth considering at Abu Sir, four that belonged to pharaohs, three of royal women and one that is left unfinished and unmarked.

The most popular to see during a visit to Abu Sir are the Pyramid of Sahure who was the second pharaoh of the fifth dynasty, the Pyramid of Niuserre which is unique due to the fact that Niuserre was only a son of a pharaoh, but he disrupted the causeway leading into his father’s temple in order to build his own, and the Pyramid of Neferikare which is in a ruinous state but still considered an excellent example of the step style of pyramid construction.

How to Get There?

The location is sometimes included in a comprehensive visit to the other famous necropolis in the area, that of Saqqara. Because the location is distinctly outside of the normal itineraries many visitors are pleasantly surprised by its lack of crowding and unimpeded access to many of the structures. Some of the pyramids of Abu Sir are open for interior visits, with several having burial chambers still intact.

There are currently no methods of reaching the site via public transportation, and most visitors arrive by hired car or guide service, or as part of a private tour.

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