Overview:

The Pyramid of Neferefre is a unique pyramid built during the Fifth Dynasty of Ancient Egypt. This structure, also known as the Pyramid of Raneferef, is believed to be a tomb for Neferefre who was a Pharaoh during the Old Kingdom in Egypt.The pyramid is constructed of local limestone on an area of about 7 acres at Saqqara, south of Cairo. The pyramid is 85.5 meters high and had a total base length of 145 meters. However, only the core remains today. It had an original height of almost 98 meters which is significantly higher than other ancient Egyptian pyramids. The pyramid of Neferefre is believed to have been built during the reign of his father, Pharaoh Neferirkare Kakai, and was completed sometime during the brief reign of his brother or half-brother, Shepseskare. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

The Pyramid of Neferefre, located in the necropolis of Abu Sir, is one of the major architectural achievements of the Fifth Dynasty. The pyramid consists of a core of five steps of masonry. Its height is 60 meters, while the total length of its sides is about 60 meters. There are numerous gateways in the pyramid complex and the entrance is at the eastern side of the structure. The walls of the chamber are composed of fine limestone blocks and an inscription on its entrance states that the pyramid was of the pharaoh Neferefre (2550–2530 BCE), which is the first solid archaeological evidence confirming the existence of this ancient king. Its funerary complex features a large valley temple, a mortuary temple, a causeway, and various other structures. The valley temple's entrance is framed by a portico of eight large papyrus-shaped columns. A tall sphinx is located between the two columns and initially the entrance was decorated with tiles, although these are now lost. The remaining structures of the pyramid complex are secular buildings including a palace, chapel, storage magazines, and other features, all indicating the wealth and power of the pharaoh. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

The pyramid of Neferefre was constructed in the 5th Dynasty of Egypt’s Old Kingdom. It is believed to have been built as a funerary monument for the Pharaoh Neferefre, son of Neferirkare. The pyramid is located in Abu Sir, about 12 miles south of modern Cairo. The pyramid of Neferefre is in an unfinished condition; though it is slightly larger than his predecessor’s - the pyramid of his father, Neferirkare - it lacks some features like the massive entrance which characterized the construction of pyramids in the Old Kingdom. The upper portion of the pyramid is missing and the entire complex has been heavily damaged by elements like time and quarrying. The pyramid temple, located south of the pyramid and close to the entrance, is also in ruins. It was likely built after the pyramid was completed. Inside the pyramid of Neferefre is a chamber containing a large masonry sarcophagus with two side chambers connected to it. The chamber and sarcophagus date back to the 4th Dynasty, making them the oldest ever found in an Egyptian pyramid. The pyramid of Neferefre is an important example in world history of how political events can disrupt large-scale building projects like royal tombs. The death of Neferefre left his pyramid unfinished, and the unfinished nature of the project may have been due to the civil war which followed his death. It is not known who commission the pyramid of Neferefre, or if it was even ever completed. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Neferefre's pyramid is the only pyramid in the world that was discovered with its royal burial chamber still intact. 2. The pyramid was not finished due to death of Neferefre, as suggested by a relief block found nearby that includes the image of him. 3. It is the only pyramidal structure surviving in all its four sides from the 5th Dynasty. 4. It is hypothesized that the pyramid of Neferefre was the first true pyramid with smooth sides. 5. Neferefre’s pyramid was a “true pyramid” in that it was not built on a staircase-like model of earlier structures like the Step Pyramid of Djoser. 6. The entrance of the pyramid is located at the northern side of Neferefre’s pyramid and leads directly into a burial chamber. 7. The entrance to the burial chamber of the pyramid is from the north of the complex. 8. Neferefre's pyramid was originally thought to have been built by Raneferef, but the inscriptions inside the pyramid all refer to the deceased Pharaoh Neferefre. 9. This pyramid is renowned for its occurrence of Amduat texts, which are some of the oldest funerary documents. 10. One of the most interesting features of Neferefre’s Pyramid is the discovery of detailed pictures of the goddesses Isis, Nephthys, and Maat — all painted onto the walls of the burial chamber. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era