Update on Access to the Pyramid Fields
In the past it has been a struggle to keep up to date with which sites are open to visitors and those that are closed. I keep in regular contact with sources in Egypt as well as travellers who have recently visited the sites. I have used news websites, blogs, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube and other online social networks and resources to keep the information on Talking Pyramids up to date. It’s not been an easy task.
Over the weekend, for example, I read that more pyramids are opening to the public. According to the report 14 pyramids at Abusir will be opening to the public, an example of how a lot of the information found online is contradictory and misleading. There are not even that many pyramids located at Abusir, and it is unlikely that all of the pyramids at Abusir will be opening to the public in any case.
Other reports state that the Bent Pyramid’s internal chambers will be opened to the public in December this year, something that Zahi Hawass stated was going to happen in June last year but has been delayed several times.
Pyramids of Abusir
One of my contacts on Twitter, Andrew, who recently gave us an update concerning the fence around the pyramid of Khafre, travelled to Abusir and Dahshur and once again, he very kindly responded to my requests for information. It had been a while since I’d received current information on the status of the pyramids at Abusir so it was great to get an update. Andrew explained the the site is technically closed to the public but planned to open in about two years, according to unofficial sources at Abusir.
I was told a similar story when I first visited Abusir in 1997. Other reports claim that the pyramid field at Abusir will be opening to the public as soon as the end of this month.
Andrew reported that currently the descending passage of the pyramid of Sahure is open and descends for about 10 meters but a locked gate at the bottom prevents any further access. The walls of the passage appear to have been recently plastered over, perhaps a part of current restorations being carried out.
The rest of the pyramids at Abusir have their entrances barred with a metal grill.
Andrew adds:
“Both temple complexes near the three main pyramids were open…and they’re doing restoration work there, too. They’ve added a temp wooden roof to one of the hypostyle halls.”
Pyramids of Dahshur
Dahshur was the next stop and Andrew was able to confirm that the Bent pyramid’s chambers are still not open despite the plans to open them in June last year. The date for opening the internal chambers of the Bent has been pushed back a few times and it seems we will have to wait a while longer before they are made accessible. As I mentioned earlier, recent reports state that these chambers will be opening in December.
The Red pyramid is still open and all internal chambers can be accessed. The Red and the Bent pyramids are now linked by a paved walkway, as shown in the photo above.
The Supreme Council of Antiquities
Many, including myself, have wondered why the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) doesn’t keep a list of sites that are currently open to the public as this would make planning a trip to Egypt’s ancient sites much easier for travellers.
Well, that has now changed with the release of the new SCA website! The website is an improvement on the old one, which went offline several years ago, as it includes a lot of information on the status of Egypt’s archaeological sites.
Travellers can learn about the general rules that should be adhered to when visiting the sites, museums & exhibitions in Egypt as well as lectures, events, programs and much more useful information.
Something that I was surprised to learn is that even those pyramids that are closed to the public can be entered if you are willing to pay the required fee. The pyramid of Unas, for example, which Zahi Hawass is understandably very protective over and has been closed for many years, can be accessed for US$1000. The Persian Shaft beneath the Step Pyramid of Djoser is also accessible for the same fee.
Visit the Supreme Council of Antiquities website for more information on what sites are open to the public.
Sources:
SCA’s new website
Photo of Abusir by Jon Bodsworth.
Photo of the Red Pyramid by Bulle Plexiglass.
Related posts:
- Which Pyramid Would You Most Like to See Open? It’s always fun to have a bit of interaction and...
- More Dashur Pyramids To Open to the Public The 'Black' pyramid of Amenemhet III Fresh in the news...
- Egyptian Pyramids Entry Prices for 2009 One of the main functions of Talking Pyramids is to...
- The Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur The World Heritage list on the Unesco site has an...
- Update on the Pyramids from Egypt An update on the state of some of the pyramids...
Loading ...
Follow me on Twitter
