Saqqara (Sakkara)

Located about 18 miles (30 kilometers) south of Cairo, Saqqara served as the burial ground for the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis. This expansive site is home to a small sphinx and several pyramids, with the most notable being the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Built during the Third Dynasty, this pyramid marked a significant leap in architectural innovation, showcasing the transition from flat mastabas to the more complex, layered structures that would later define Egypt’s iconic pyramids. Today, visitors can explore these ancient tombs and marvel at the intricate stonework and the vast, sandy expanse that once housed the necropolis of a thriving civilization.