In Pics: Restoration works of Pyramid of Djoser completed

CAIRO - 25 February 2020: The Ministry of Antiquities has completed the restoration project of the Pyramid of Djoser and developed its surrounding area, within the framework of the ministry's plan to preserve and develop archaeological sites and improve the services for visitors.

The Pyramid of Djoser is scheduled to open in the first week of March 2020, according to sources at the ministry.

Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Mostafa Waziri inspected the pyramid and its surrounding area on Feb. 24. He explained that the Saqqara Pyramid restoration project is one of the most important restoration projects implemented by the ministry, as the Pyramid of Djoser is the oldest stone building in the world.


Pyramid of Djoser after restoration - ET

The restoration project included risk reduction works. The internal and external restoration of the pyramid included the development of the paths leading to the pyramid and the internal corridors leading to the burial well, in addition to the restoration of the stone sarcophagus, and the walls.

Waziri said that the restoration project started in 2006 and came to a halt in 2011, before resuming again at the end of 2013. The outer facades of the pyramid, the buildings and stairs of the southern entrance and the eastern entrance were also restored. This is in addition to a thorough restoration and cleaning of all internal corridors of the pyramid, and the installation of the loose stones.


Pyramid of Djoser after restoration - ET

Assistant Minister for Investment and Financial Resources Development Iman Zeidan said the work of developing the Saqqara Pyramid area included paving the way from the gates of the archaeological area to the pyramid’s entrance to facilitate the arrival of visitors in general and those with special needs in particular.

Supervisor of the Department of Development of Archaeological Sites and Museums in the Office of the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Dalia Khattab explained that the process of developing the region was carried out according to an integrated plan of action in cooperation with the private sector, with the aim of preserving the archaeological area and providing amenities and services to visitors.


Internal corridor after restoration and implementing modern lighting systems - ET

The development plan also included providing informative panels to clarify the path of the visit within the region, illustrative panels explaining the history of the region and the monuments in it, and providing uniforms for cleaning workers and security personnel.

The Step Pyramid of Djoser is the first pyramid and first stone building in the world. It is located in the Saqqara Archeological Area. It is one of the most important monuments of Saqqara necropolis west of the ancient city of Memphis in Egypt.

The pyramid was built by Amenhotep during the 27th century BC to bury Djoser.