Pyramid of Unas — Attraction in Giza

This is part of the Saqqara Necropolis

The pyramid of Unas was built in the 5th Dynasty. Despite its size, this pyramid is very significant for having the first example of funerary texts known as Pyramid Texts. These texts were inscribed on the walls of the burial chamber and assisted the deceased pharaoh in his journey to the afterlife through instructive spells.

As with most pyramids, two temples linked by a long causeway compose part of the pyramid complex. The remains of the valley temple can be seen at the modern entrance to the site of Saqqara. Much of the causeway, which was elaborately decorated, has been removed and reused by later kings, but a part of it still remains offering visitors a glimpse of what it once...

So we went to Saqqara and this was the main focus for me. I left around 7:30 am and easily arrived at 8:15. Walked straight to it and were first to enter. The two guards at the entrance speak English and can act as a guide if you want. The inside was the highlight of the trip for us for all Cairo. Easy for a 50-plus old man with back issues and beautiful in its simplicity and texts.

The step payramid has the amazing 28M drop to the sarcofogous, but this is a simple room with the first payramid text in entire Egypt. Well worth the visit. Do see a YouTube video before going to have the right expectations. Later, I saw the other areas in Saqqara, which is the right sequence...

The Pyramid of Unas was one of my favourite stops in Saqqara - small from the outside, but incredibly beautiful inside. The walls are covered in blue-tinted hieroglyphs and star-covered ceilings, and you can see the use of sandstone and alabaster, which gives the chambers a warm glow.

One of the most fascinating parts was seeing a hidden carved figure on the wall - only visible when you shine light at the right angle. It’s amazing how much detail and symbolism the Egyptians built into every corner. This was the first pyramid to include the Pyramid Texts, and definitely one not to miss if you’re...