Bubasteion Saqqara: The Sacred Sanctuary of Cats and Viziers

The Bubasteion Saqqara stands as a fascinating monumental bridge between the elite political world of the New Kingdom and the fervent animal cults of the Late Period. Originally a prestigious cliffside cemetery for high-ranking officials—most notably Maia, the wet nurse of Tutankhamun—the site was later transformed into a sprawling sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Bastet. Because of this religious shift, thousands of feline mummies and rare lion cubs were interred within repurposed rock-cut tombs, earning the area its legendary name, the “Gates of the Cats.” For the visitor in 2026, the Bubasteion offers a unique opportunity to explore masterfully carved private chapels while witnessing the massive scale of ancient Egypt’s ritual industry. Consequently, it remains an essential highlight of the Saqqara plateau, blending royal history with the deep mysteries of the sacred animal catacombs.