The Bent Pyramid is the southern of the two pyramids of the Fourth Dynasty pharaoh Sneferu at Dahshur, about 40 kilometres south of Giza in Egypt. Built around 2600 BCE in the Old Kingdom, it is distinguished by its change of slope: the lower part rises at about 54 degrees, and the upper section at about 43 degrees, giving it a bent profile. It stands about 105 metres high with a base of roughly 189 metres. The reason for the change is debated, but the common explanation is that the steep angle risked structural failure, as shown by cracks inside, and the builders reduced it to finish more quickly.
It is unusual for the survival of much of its outer casing of fine Tura limestone, the best preserved of any Egyptian pyramid, giving visitors a view of how the monuments once looked. Unlike other pyramids, it has two entrances, one on the north face and another on the west face, and two separate chambers system, each with corbelled vaults. A subsidiary pyramid to the south, with a small mortuary temple on the east side containing stelae naming Sneferu, was excavated by Ahmed Fakhry in the 1950s. Cedar beams were still in place in the upper chamber.
The Bent Pyramid was closed to the public for many years, and the interior was opened again after conservation in 2019. Whether the interior is accessible at the time of a visit can depend on conservation work, so visitors should check at the gate. The site is part of the Dahshur ticket and is typically visited together with the Red Pyramid. Dahshur lay within a military zone until 1996, and remains a quiet, desert setting with no facilities beyond the ticket booth.
| Admission | Included in the Dahshur ticket, about EGP 150 (~$3) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily about 08:00-17:00 |
| Address | Dahshur Necropolis, Badrashin, Giza Governorate (about 40 km south of Giza) |
Why it matters
The Bent Pyramid of Sneferu is a transitional experiment between step and true pyramids and keeps most of its original casing. It records a mid-construction change in angle that shaped later pyramid design.
Location
Dahshur Necropolis, Badrashin, Giza Governorate (about 40 km south of Giza)
29.7903, 31.2092 View on map
Highlights
- See the best-preserved original Tura limestone casing on any Egyptian pyramid
- Observe the visible change in angle from 54 to 43 degrees
- Look at the subsidiary pyramid and small mortuary temple on the east side
- Visit with few other visitors compared with Giza
Tips for visiting
- Combine with the Red Pyramid on the same Dahshur ticket; they are a short drive apart.
- Check at the gate whether the interior is open, since access depends on conservation work.
- Bring water and sun protection; there are no shops or shade at the monument.
- Hire a driver for the day, as public transport to Dahshur is limited.
When to visit
Late afternoon light on the casing is attractive and the site is quiet. Avoid midday from May to September.
Accessibility
The terrain is flat desert sand with no paved paths, and the interior passages are steep and narrow, so wheelchair access is not available.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the pyramid bent?
The lower slope of about 54 degrees was reduced to about 43 degrees partway up, probably because the structure showed signs of instability. The reason is still debated.
How long does a visit take?
About 30-45 minutes for the exterior and subsidiary pyramid.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the exterior is open and easy to walk around. The interior passages are low and steep.