Serapeum of Saqqara, Underground temple complex in Saqqara, Egypt
The Serapeum contains long corridors with massive stone sarcophagi weighing 40 tons, designed to hold the mummified remains of sacred Apis bulls.
Auguste Mariette located the entrance to this burial site in 1850, discovering two untouched Apis bull burials and thousands of artifacts spanning multiple dynasties.
Ancient Egyptians selected specific bulls based on their markings, considering them manifestations of Ptah during life and Osiris after death.
Visitors can access the Greater Vaults section of the Serapeum daily between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, with entrance fees varying for international and local guests.
The site features twenty-four massive granite and limestone sarcophagi, with only four bearing inscriptions detailing the buried sacred bulls.
Part of: Memphite necropolis
GPS coordinates: 29.87472,31.21242
Latest update: October 21, 2025 21:21
Pyramid of Djoser
574 m
Pyramid of Unas
745 m
Pyramid of Sahure
2.7 km
Pyramid of Nyuserre Ini
2.5 km
Pyramid of Neferirkare
2.5 km
Statue of Ramesses II
4.9 km
Buried Pyramid
923 m
Pyramid of Userkaf
644 m
Pyramid of Teti
890 m
Pyramid of Neferefre
2.4 km
Abu Gorab
3.7 km
Mortuary complex of Pepi I
2.3 km
Pyramid of Djedkare-Isesi
2.8 km
Imhotep Museum
1.3 km
Pyramid of Pepi II
3.8 km
Pyramid of Merenre
2.7 km
Bubasteion of Saqqara
1.1 km
Tomb of Akhethetep
542 m
Sun temple of Nyuserre
3.7 km
Double Pyramid
2.2 km
Pyramid of Khentkaus II
2.4 km
Mastaba S3503
1.1 km
Lepsius XXIV
2.3 km
Pyramid of Neferhetepes
636 m
Pyramid of Khuit II
961 m
Pyramid of Iput
967 m
Mastaba of Ptahshepses
2.5 km
Abusir pyramids
3.1 kmReviews
Real people, real opinions — but not verified.
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Just incredible. It's massive, and those 40-ton sarcophagi. What madness!
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes