Dahshur

10 km (6 miles) south of Saqqara. Dahshur shows the change from the step pyramid method of construction to the true pyramid shape. Two of the pyramids here are among the oldest, largest and best preserved in Egypt. These were commissioned by 4th Dynasty king Snefru (2649–2609 BC), the father of Khufu, who commissioned the Great Pyramid. The Bent Pyramid is Egypt’s first proper pyramid; much of its outer limestone casing remains intact. North of the Bent Pyramid is the Red Pyramid, second in size only to the great Giza Pyramid. The interior is open to the public for free. Other pyramids at the site date back to the Middle Kingdom (1691–1790) BC and include the Black pyramid, Amenemhat II pyramid, and Sesostris III pyramid.