Saqqara

The necropolis of Saqqara (also known as Sakkara or Saqqarah) lies to the west of the Nile river on the edge of the western desert, 20km south of Cairo. Saqqara is famous for the step pyramid of Djoser, which was built under king Djoser (2720-2700 BC) during the 3rd dynasty. This pyramid is the eldest known monumental stone structure in the world. Saqqara was the necropolis of the ancient Egyptian capital, Memphis. It stretches from north to south over an area of 7 x 1.5 km. Nowadays the area is dotted with tombs and ancient structures. Only the small section around the pyramid of Djoser is visited by tourists.