The Bent Pyramid stands at Dahshur, in Giza Governorate, Egypt. It is an ancient Egyptian monument built under the Old Kingdom pharaoh Sneferu, and it is easy to recognise among the pyramids of the region because of its distinctive shape. Its sides rise at a steep angle in the lower part and then change to a shallower slope higher up, giving the monument its bent profile. The structure is also known as the Rhomboidal Pyramid or the Blunted Pyramid.
What to look for
- The bend: the change in angle partway up the structure is the feature that sets it apart from other pyramids.
- The setting: the monument sits in the desert at Dahshur, a quieter site than the more crowded pyramid fields nearer Cairo.
- Its place in history: it belongs to the same period of pyramid building under Sneferu that produced other notable monuments in the area.
Planning your visit
The Bent Pyramid suits visitors interested in the early development of pyramid architecture and in seeing a monument that departs from the familiar straight-sided form. Because Dahshur is a desert site, it is worth bringing water, sun protection and suitable footwear. For current contact details, you can call +20 2 33831304 before travelling.