Ancient site · Giza
Red Pyramid
The largest pyramid at Dahshur and the third largest in Egypt, believed to be the first successful true smooth-sided pyramid.
Listen to the guide
The story
The Red Pyramid, also called the North Pyramid, stands at the Dahshur necropolis and was built by King Sneferu of the Old Kingdom. It is the largest of the Dahshur pyramids and the third largest in Egypt after those of Khufu and Khafre at Giza, and is believed to be Egypt's first successful attempt at a true smooth-sided pyramid. It takes its name from the rusty reddish hue of its limestone, but it was originally clad in white Tura limestone. In the Middle Ages much of this casing was taken for buildings in Cairo, exposing the red stone beneath, and only a few white blocks remain at the base.
Good to know
- It was built by King Sneferu of the Old Kingdom at Dahshur.
- It is the third largest pyramid in Egypt, after those of Khufu and Khafre.
- It was not originally red: it was clad in white limestone from Tura.
- Local residents call it the Bat Pyramid.