Bent Pyramid Archaeological Site

Address: Bent Pyramid, Dahshur, Giza Governorate, Egypt

The Bent Pyramid at Dahshur is an Old Kingdom royal pyramid attributed to Pharaoh Sneferu and notable for its change of slope partway up the structure, which gives it a characteristic bent profile.

Visitors see the unique geometry of the monument and the adjoining Red Pyramid and other tombs that together illustrate development from step-sided to smooth-sided pyramid designs. The complex provides direct evidence of architectural experimentation in Egypt’s 4th Dynasty.

The pyramid was built for Sneferu in the early Old Kingdom period and forms part of the larger Dahshur necropolis where several royal funerary monuments were erected as the art of pyramid building evolved.

Dahshur lies on the western desert edge of the Nile Valley, within the Giza Governorate area; the site is southwest of central Cairo and is visited together with other Old Kingdom monuments on the western plateau.

• Architectural significance: The pyramid’s two distinct slope angles reflect an early experiment in true smooth-sided pyramid construction during the reign of Sneferu in the early Old Kingdom.

What to See#

• Bent Pyramid (main structure): The Bent Pyramid is part of the Dahshur pyramid field and is distinguished by its change of slope partway up the sides, giving it a bent appearance compared with true smooth-sided pyramids.
• Dahshur necropolis: The nearby Red Pyramid and other tombs form the Dahshur necropolis, created during the reign of Sneferu and his successors in Egypt’s 4th Dynasty.

The Bent Pyramid is part of the Dahshur necropolis in the Giza Governorate, south of Cairo. Access is by road from Cairo or Giza-follow the desert roads toward Dahshur/Dashur (the Fayoum-Cairo road region) and signage to the archaeological area; private cars, taxis or organized tours from Cairo/Giza commonly visit the site. The pyramid complex has basic visitor access and parking on site.

• Combine the Bent Pyramid with an early visit to the nearby Red Pyramid in Dahshur; arriving at opening time gives cooler temperatures and far fewer coach-tour crowds than mid-day.
• Take time to walk around the base to appreciate the Bent Pyramid's change in angle and surviving limestone casing - many visitors only snap a quick photo and miss how unusual the lower casing and transition are compared with nearby pyramids.