After years of restoration, Egypt's oldest pyramid is now open to the public once again.

Following extensive restoration work, Egypt has welcomed the public back to its oldest pyramid.

The 4,700-year-old Djoser pyramid, constructed from six stacked terraces of stone, was officially opened in a ceremony on Thursday, as reported by Al-Ahram.

At 63 meters (207 feet) tall, the Djoser pyramid holds the title of the world's oldest monumental stone structure, according to Al-Ahram.

Located in the Saqqara burial site, just outside the ancient capital of Memphis, this UNESCO World Heritage site lies south of present-day Cairo.

The pyramid is surrounded by a series of halls and courtyards, built during the reign of King Djoser (c. 2650–2575 BCE), the second ruler of Egypt’s Third Dynasty.

Imhotep, Djoser’s chief minister, who was a revered sage, vizier, and astrologer, is widely regarded as the architect behind this iconic structure.

Restoration efforts included the outer facades, the internal corridors leading to the burial chamber, the stone sarcophagus, and the stairs at two entrance points.

The restoration of the pyramid, including its facades, corridors, sarcophagus, and stairways at the entrances, has been completed. KHALED ELFIQI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Renovation work on the pyramid started in 2006 but was temporarily halted in 2011 and 2012 following Egypt’s popular uprising and the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak. It resumed in 2013, according to Reuters.

Renovation efforts began in 2006 but were put on hold in 2011 and 2012 due to Egypt's popular uprising.

Restoration work began in 2006 but was delayed in 2011 and 2012 after Egypt's uprising. MOHAMED EL-SHAHED/AFP/Getty Images

As part of the site’s restoration, collapsed ceiling blocks were replaced, along with the restoration of a burial chamber and its corridors, according to Al-Ahram.

The restoration also included the removal of rubble from the building, uncovering a massive 176-ton granite sarcophagus that stands nearly 5 meters (16 feet) tall.

This 4,700-year-old monument is located just south of Cairo, in the ancient city of Memphis, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This 4,700-year-old structure is located to the south of Cairo, within the ancient city of Memphis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. MOHAMED EL-SHAHED/AFP/Getty Images

As part of the restoration, a new lighting system was installed along with enhanced access for disabled visitors, according to the state news agency.

Explore related stories

Egypt's 'snowy' mountains are now a surprising tourist attractionHot

Which countries are currently open to US tourists – plus key resources for planning your tripHot

Archaeologists uncover an ancient beer factory in EgyptHot

In Egypt, the mummies are making a return. But will tourists follow during a pandemic?

King Tut’s Artifacts are Coming to Boston for the First Time in 50 Years

Evaluation :

5/5