Discover Ancient Egyptian Monuments | About Pyramids of Giza
Pyramids of Giza: An Overview
Arabic Name: Ahramat Al-Jizah
Location: Giza Necropolis, Al Haram, Giza Governorate, Egypt
Built by: The ancient Egyptian kings of the 4th dynasty - Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure
Year of Completion: Khufu (2600 BC), Khafre (2570 BC), Menkaure (2510 BC)
Height: Khufu (451.4 feet or 138 meters), Khafre (448 feet or 136 meters), Menkaure (203 feet or 62 m)
Visitors per year: Around 14.7 million visitors every year
Book Pyramids of Giza ToursWhy Visit the Pyramids of Giza?
- Ancient Wonder and Architectural Marvel: Experience the magnificent size and precision engineering of the pyramids, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- Rich Historical Significance: Immerse yourself in the fascinating history and culture of ancient Egypt, exploring the tombs of three mighty Pharaohs.
- The Great Sphinx of Giza: Encounter the iconic Sphinx, a mythical creature and guardian of the pyramids, whose presence enhances the mystique of the entire Giza Necropolis, inviting you to ponder the secrets it may hold.
- Spectacular Desert Landscape: Enjoy the striking contrast of the golden desert landscape surrounding the pyramids, providing stunning photo opportunities.
- Cultural Connection and Spiritual Experience: Connect with ancient Egyptian beliefs and spirituality, gaining a deeper appreciation for humanity's past.
The Must-See of The Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza Complex includes many ancient wonders, including the three pyramids themselves, temples, burial tombs, and more.
Inside the Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza were once sealed to prevent people from entering. Today, you can access the pyramids and explore grand galleries and chambers, including the Burial Chamber with the Kings in their sarcophagi (or coffins).
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Pyramid of Khufu
The Pyramid Khufu is also called the Great Pyramid. When it was completed in c.2600 BC, it was the tallest building in the world at a height of 481 feet. And, it remained so for the next 3800 years.
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Pyramid of Khafre
Constructed a bit higher up on the Giza plateau, the Pyramid of Khafre is the second biggest of the Giza Pyramids. It was built for Khafre, the son of Pharaoh Khufu, in 2570 BC and is the only one to retain some of the original exteriors on its tip.
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Pyramid of Menkaure
The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the Giza Pyramids. It was completed around 2510 BC. Unfortunately, the sarcophagus of the pharaoh was lost at sea during a voyage in 1838.
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Great Sphinx
The Great Sphinx sits in front of the Pyramid of Khafre. It is a statue of a mythical creature with the head of a man, and the body of a lion. It’s said that the human face of the Great Sphinx was modelled after Pharaoh Khafre.
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Queen’s Pyramids
Around the Pyramids of the three Pharaohs, there are smaller pyramids belonging to the pharaohs’ queens, mothers, and daughters. These include the tombs of Queen Khentkaus I, and Queen Hetepheres.
Workers' Village
This is where the workers who built the Pyramids of Giza lived. It was discovered in 1988 by archaeologist Mark Lehner on the southeast side of the Giza necropolis, where the bakeries and breweries built for the workers still are!
Temples
Each of the Giza Pyramids have a number of attached temples, including a valley temple were where the bodies of the pharaohs were prepared for burial, and a mortuary temple where priests worshipped the deceased pharaohs.
Pyramids of Giza: Where and When?
Address: Giza Necropolis, Al Haram, Giza Governorate, Egypt | Reach The Pyramids of Giza by all major transportation networks in Cairo, such as metro, bus, taxi, and Uber | Find on Maps
Pyramids of Giza Opening Hours:
- Summer (April - September): 8 AM - 5 PM
- Winter (October - March): 8 AM - 4 PM
- Best Time to Visit: It’s best to visit the Pyramids of Giza in the mornings between 10 AM and noon.
Pyramids of Giza Entrances:
- Great Pyramid Entrance: Located on the north side near the Great Pyramid, off Al Haram Road, this entrance features a large opening of 1.7 m in height and 1.1 m wide, made from limestone casing.
- Sphinx Entrance: Located on the east side in front of the Sphinx, with an opening of 1.1 meters high and 0.8 meters wide, best for accessing the Sound & Light Show and is usually less crowded than the Great Pyramid Entrance.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Pyramids of Giza
A. The pyramids of Giza were built during the fourth dynasty by the ancient Egyptian Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.
A. The pyramids of Giza were built for the ruling Pharaohs of that time. The three pyramids are the tombs of the Kings Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.
A. There are three main pyramids of Giza, belonging to the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. There are also around six smaller subsidiary pyramids belonging to various royal women.
A. The Pyramids of Giza are over 4500 years old.
A. The oldest of the pyramid, the Great Pyramid of Giza was built in c.2600 BC. That makes it about 4600 years old.
A. The Great Pyramid of Giza is 137 meters tall; the Pyramid of Khafre is 136 meters high; and the height of the pyramid of Menkaure is 62 meters.
A. The largest pyramid at Giza is the Great Pyramid of Khufu, which is 137 meters (or 449 feet) tall.
A. The Pyramids were built using large limestone blocks quarried nearby. Egyptians used meticulous geometry to plan the Giza Pyramids, and then assembled using ramps, sledges, rollers, and levers.
A. Pyramids are the tombs of the Pharaohs. They are filled with are many chambers including the King's Chamber where you will find their sarcophagus.
A. Yes, visitors can enter all the three Pyramids of Giza, as well as a number of the Queen’s Pyramids.
A. No. The pyramids are protected ancient ruins and climbing them can cause damage and is also very dangerous.
A. The pyramids are open seven days a week from 8 AM - 5 PM in the summer and 8 AM - 4 PM in the winter.
A. Yes. Tickets to the Pyramids of Giza are available here.
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