Bent Pyramid

The Bent Pyramid is a limestone burial monument in Dahshur, Giza Governorate, defined by a change in slope angle halfway up its sides. The lower half rises at a steeper incline before the upper half continues at a gentler angle, creating the characteristic bent profile.

Sneferu commissioned the structure around 2600 BCE during the Fourth Dynasty, as part of his search for the ideal pyramid form. When cracks appeared inside, the builders decided to continue the upper section at a gentler slope to reduce weight.

The name comes from the visible bend in the outer walls, which travelers notice immediately when approaching from any direction. Visitors today often walk along the base, trying to trace the two different slopes chosen during construction.

The entrance on the north side sits several meters above ground level and leads through a descending passage to the inner rooms. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and expect tight passages where you must walk bent over.

The structure is one of only three smooth pyramids from the Old Kingdom period that remain fully intact. The original white limestone casing is still visible in places, showing how it would have looked over 4,000 years ago.

Location: Giza Governorate

Inception: 2700 BCE

Height: 105.07 m

Width: 189.61 m

Made from material: limestone

Part of: Memphite necropolis

GPS coordinates: 29.79028,31.20917

Latest update: December 12, 2025 23:01