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Ruins of King Unas Valley Temple: A Glimpse into Ancient Egyptian Burial Rites

Explore the ancient Ruins of King Unas Valley Temple in Saqqara, and discover the mysteries of ancient Egyptian burial rituals and Old Kingdom history.

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Explore the remnants of the King Unas Valley Temple in Saqqara, a historical landmark dating back to the 5th Dynasty. Admire the hieroglyphics and carvings that offer insights into the practices and beliefs of ancient Egyptians. The temple provides a glimpse into the burial rites and religious practices of the time.

A brief summary to Ruins of King Unas Valley Temple

  • V68F+842, Badrshein, Saqarah, Giza Governorate, EG

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain can be uneven and sandy.
  • Bring water and sunscreen, as there are limited shaded areas.
  • Consider hiring a local guide for deeper insights into the temple's history and significance.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From the Giza Plateau, take Al Haram Street (Pyramid Road) south towards Saqqara. Follow the signs for Saqqara, approximately 20 km. Taxis are readily available in Giza; negotiate the fare before starting your journey. The ride should take around 30 minutes, depending on traffic. A taxi from Giza to Saqqara typically costs between 100 to 150 Egyptian Pounds. Upon reaching Saqqara, the Ruins of King Unas Valley Temple are a short walk east of the ticket office.

  • Public Transport

    From Giza, take a microbus towards Badrshein or Saqqara. These can be found at the Giza bus station. The fare is approximately 10 Egyptian Pounds. Inform the driver of your destination. Upon arriving in Badrshein, take a short taxi ride to the Saqqara entrance. From the ticket office, the Ruins of King Unas Valley Temple are a short walk to the east.

  • Car

    From Giza, drive south on Al Haram Street (Pyramid Road) towards Saqqara. After about 15 km, follow the signs for Saqqara. Once you reach the Saqqara ticket office, park your car there. Parking fees are approximately 20 EGP. The Ruins of King Unas Valley Temple are a short walk east of the ticket office.

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Discover more about Ruins of King Unas Valley Temple

The Ruins of King Unas Valley Temple, situated in Saqqara, Egypt, offer a window into ancient Egyptian culture and architecture. Dedicated to Pharaoh Unas, the last ruler of the Fifth Dynasty, this temple dates back to the 24th century BC. The temple is known for its remarkable hieroglyphics and intricate carvings. King Unas's pyramid complex includes a valley temple that was likely located on the shore of a lake, providing convenient access to the causeway. The causeway, nearly 750 meters long, connected the valley temple to the upper temple near the pyramid. Its walls were adorned with painted reliefs depicting scenes from daily life and religious rituals. Excavations and restoration efforts have revealed the temple's layout and significance. The valley temple served as a place to prepare offerings for the king's cult. The pyramid of Unas is also notable for containing the oldest known examples of Pyramid Texts, spells and incantations intended to aid the pharaoh's journey into the afterlife. These texts, inscribed on the walls of the pyramid's chambers, provide valuable insights into ancient Egyptian beliefs about death and the afterlife. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the temple and envision life during the Old Kingdom. The site's location near other attractions in Saqqara, such as the Step Pyramid of Djoser, makes it a worthwhile stop for those interested in Egypt's ancient past.

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