The first stone pyramid ever built in Egypt, the Pyramid of Djoser was reopened to the public after a careful, challenging $6.6 million renovation process.

The pyramid, a UNESCO world heritage site, was constructed 4700 years ago during the era Pharoah Djoser, one of Ancient Egypt’s third dynasty kings.

However, after decades of abandon and the risk of collapse, the Egyptian government began an ambitious project to restore it to splendor in 2006.

Imhotep, described by some as the world’s first architect, designed the structure some 4700 years ago.  Tasked with designing the elaborate tomb that would house his pharaoh, he decided to construct a vast space-swallowing structure unlike anything ever seen before – a shape that would extend not just out, but up.

“ Today, we celebrate the completion of the project of warding off the danger and restoring the first and oldest remaining  pyramid in  Egypt.  We are in awe as to how he was able to create this structure, which has remained standing for 4700 years,” said Khaled al-Anani, Egypt’s tourism and antiquities minister.  

Restoration work stopped in 2011 after Egypt’s popular uprising that toppled longtime President Hosni Mubark, but resumed at the end of 2013.   

The 60 metre high structure consists of six stacked steps over a burial shaft tomb which is 28 metres deep and seven metres wide.

 “Although, of course we are very proud thatr this is an Egyptian legacy, we also know very well it is world and global heritage that we are keen to maintain,” said Egyptian Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly.

Tomb of King Djoser

 Experts also restored   the tomb of King Djoser within the pyramid and the wall of the burial shaft tomb.

However, with thanks, these uncertain  times which have brought plenty of news of closings and postponements haven’t stopped the completion of the Egyptian restoration project 14 years in  the making.