Unas Pyramid

Discover Egypt's Hidden Gem at the Edge of the Step Pyramid

While most visitors to Egypt flock to the grand Pyramids of Giza, few know about one of the most spiritually profound and historically significant monuments in Saqqara: the Pyramid of Unas. Modest in size, yet monumental in legacy, the Pyramid of Unas is one of Egypt’s greatest treasures—hidden in plain sight and steeped in mystical charm.

Flying Carpet Tours invites you to peel back the layers of ancient history and discover why the Pyramid of Unas Saqqara is a must-visit for anyone eager to dive deeper into Egypt’s soul.

Who Was Unas?

King Unas ruled Egypt around 2375–2345 BC as the last pharaoh of the Fifth Dynasty. While his reign may not have seen vast conquests or towering monuments like his predecessors, Unas left behind something far more enduring: the first pyramid inscribed with the sacred Pyramid Texts—the oldest known religious writings in the world.

These hieroglyphic inscriptions, carved onto the walls of his pyramid’s burial chamber, were magical spells designed to guide the king through the afterlife. It was a revolutionary moment in Egyptian funerary culture that echoed for centuries to come.


The Pyramid: Small Size, Massive Legacy

From the outside, the Pyramid of Unas might not seem like much. It's one of the smallest pyramids in Egypt, originally standing at just 43 meters tall with a base length of 57.5 meters. Over time, much of its limestone casing has eroded, and only its core rubble remains today. But step inside, and you’ll experience something unforgettable.

Inside the Pyramid

Beneath its weathered exterior lies a stunning underground world. The descending passage leads into a burial chamber covered in intricate Pyramid Texts, over 280 in total. These sacred scripts represent a turning point in human history—marking the first time that religious concepts were permanently recorded in stone.

The chamber’s ceiling is painted with dazzling stars on a deep blue sky, a symbolic roof that transported the king’s spirit into the heavens. The granite sarcophagus of Unas still rests within, dark, heavy, and awe-inspiring.


Why the Pyramid of Unas Matters

 Birthplace of Ancient Belief

The Pyramid Texts found here would evolve into the Coffin Texts and, later, the Book of the Dead, foundational religious texts that guided Egyptian spirituality for millennia.

 Historical Firsts

Unas was the first to integrate religious ideology directly into pyramid architecture, setting a precedent for future pharaohs. His decision to inscribe sacred spells changed the way Egyptian rulers approached death—and eternity.

 Unique Artistic Reliefs

The pyramid’s causeway, though partially ruined, was once lined with beautifully carved reliefs showing scenes of agriculture, warfare, and even trade with far-off lands like Lebanon and Nubia. These provide rare glimpses into the economic and cultural life of the Fifth Dynasty.


Your Flying Carpet Tour Experience

With Flying Carpet Tours, your journey to the Pyramid of Unas Saqqara becomes more than just a sightseeing stop—it’s a storytelling adventure.

What You’ll See:

  • The Pyramid of Unas, including its spell-covered burial chamber

  • The towering Step Pyramid of Djoser, nearby

  • Mastaba tombs of high-ranking officials like Mereruka, with vibrant wall art

  • The Imhotep Museum, filled with ancient tools and artifacts

  • Peaceful desert landscapes and panoramic views of ancient necropolises

Our expert guides bring ancient Egypt to life with vivid stories, insider knowledge, and answers to your most curious questions. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a history buff returning for more, this hidden wonder will leave a lasting impression.


Saqqara: A Place of Royal Secrets

Saqqara is Egypt’s oldest and richest archaeological site. It was the necropolis for the ancient city of Memphis, the capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom. With over 5,000 years of history, Saqqara is still being excavated to this day—and new discoveries continue to emerge.

Highlights Near the Pyramid of Unas:

  • Step Pyramid of Djoser: The world’s first stone pyramid, designed by Imhotep.

  • Serapeum: Underground tombs of sacred Apis bulls.

  • Tomb of Ti: Famous for its colorful, well-preserved reliefs of daily life.

  • Teti’s Pyramid: Also features Pyramid Texts, following Unas’s example.


Travel Tips

  • Best time to visit: October to April (cooler weather)

  • Opening hours: Daily, 8 AM to 4 PM

  • What to wear: Comfortable shoes, sun protection, light clothing

  • Photography: Allowed in most areas, but flash use may be restricted inside tombs

Let Flying Carpet Tours handle the logistics while you lose yourself in ancient magic.


What Visitors Are Saying

“This was the highlight of our Saqqara tour. The Pyramid Texts inside were surreal—like stepping into the pages of the afterlife!”
Emma T., London

“Our guide was fantastic and made the whole site come alive. We were the only people inside Unas’s pyramid. Absolutely unforgettable.”
James R., New York


Book Your Journey Now

Uncover Egypt’s most spiritual pyramid, nestled beside giants yet unmatched in legacy. The Pyramid of Unas Saqqara is your gateway to the ancient mind—where stone became scripture and death was just the beginning.

Book your tour with Flying Carpet Tours today and be one of the few travelers to witness the birthplace of Egyptian religious texts.