The Red Pyramid of Sneferu at Dahshur

The Red Pyramid of Sneferu (Snefru), named for the light crimson hue of its exposed granite surface, is the largest of the three major pyramids located at the Dahshur necropolis, and the third largest Egyptian pyramid, after those of Khufu and Khafre at Giza. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world. It is also believed to be the world's first successful attempt at constructing a "true" smooth-sided pyramid.

The Red Pyramid was not always red. It was once cased with white Tura limestone, but only a few of these casing stones now remain at the pyramid's base on the corner. During the Middle Ages much of rhw white Tura limestone was taken for buildings in Cairo, revealing the reddish pinkish limestone.

The Red Pyramid was constructed during the reign of Old Kingdom Pharaoh Sneferu, who may have been buried in it. The Red Pyramid is located approximately one kilometer to the north of the Bent Pyramid, also built by Senfru. It is built at the same shallow 43 degree angle as the upper section of the Bent Pyramid, which gives it a noticeably squat appearance compared to other Egyptian pyramids of comparable scale.

The Red Pyramid is 104 m in height (341 feet). A rare pyramidion, or capstone, for the Red Pyramid has been found and reconstructed, and is now on display at Dahshur, however whether it was actually ever used is unclear, as its angle of inclination differs from that of the pyramid it was apparently intended for.

The Red Pyramid is one of the very few Egyptian pyramids to which members of the general public can gain comparatively unregulated interior access. An entrance high on the north side gives access to a 200 foot (62m) long passage that is inclined downwards at an angle of around 27°. The passage itself measures only approximately three feet (91cm) in height and approximately four feet (1.23m) in breadth. At the bottom of the passage is a short corridor leading to the first chamber which rises to a height of 40 feet (12.3m). It boasts a fine eleven-course corbel-vaulted ceiling. At the southern end of the chamber another short corridor leads to the second chamber, which has similar dimensions to the first and also features a corbelled ceiling. This chamber lies directly beneath the apex of the pyramid. A wooden staircase of modern construction at the southern end of this chamber leads to a third and final chamber, which is believed to be the burial chamber. This also features a corbelled ceiling rising to around 15 m (50 feet). Local residents refer to the Red Pyramid as el-haram el-watwat, meaning the Bat Pyramid. There is a strong smell of ammonia in the upper levels due to the bat droppings.