The Bent Pyramid is one of the few pyramids in Egypt with a smooth surface still intact
Its lower part has a 52-degree inclination, while the upper part is inclined at 43 degrees, creating a distinctive curved structure
This early pyramid’s design failure led to the construction of the magnificent Great Pyramid of Khufu
The Bent Pyramid was built in 2600 BC by the Pharaoh Sneferu of the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt
Architects used the same inclination angle for the pyramid’s surface to make it smooth, stacking stones more inwardly
However, halfway through the construction, the pyramid experienced heavy pressure and instability
The excessive inclination angle caused the stones to slide, and the heavy stones posed a risk of collapse
As a result, the architects had to reduce the inclination angle from 54 degrees to 43 degrees and started to lay the stones horizontally
This is why the Bent Pyramid has such an unusual appearance
The interior of the Bent Pyramid is not open for visits, and it maintains its original ancient cedar roof trusses in the higher part to stabilize the internal structure
Adjacent to the Bent Pyramid, to the south, is a small subsidiary pyramid, and to the east, a small mortuary temple
The ruins of Sneferu’s Valley Temple are located on the eastern path to the cemetery, and the reliefs in the temple are worth seeing
The site is open all year round from 9:00 to 16:00
