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Giza Necropolis | The Site of the Pyramids of Giza
Pyramid of GizaGiza Necropolis
The Giza Necropolis is one of the most popular attractions in Egypt, with millions of visitors each year. It is an iconic archaeological site, famous for housing the three massive pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and a variety of other structures and monuments that are some of the most recognizable and historically significant in the world. Before you plan a visit, read on to find out more about what you will find at the Giza Necropolis.
What is the Giza Necropolis?
The Giza Necropolis is a large area near Giza, a suburb of Cairo that has many tombs and burial sites. It is also where you can find the famous Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and more. The name comes from the ancient Greek word nekropolis, which literally means “city of the dead”.
The Giza Complex was once near the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis, and the Giza plateau is where a number of pharaohs, queens, and nobles of the Fourth Dynasty of ancient Egypt were buried. You can see the funeral complexes of the three pharaohs, Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. These complexes include a pyramid, various temples, and subsidiary pyramids.
About the Pyramids of Giza
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Who built the Giza Necropolis?
The Pyramids of Giza were built as royal tombs for three pharaohs from Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty (which lasted from 2575–2465 BCE). The northernmost and oldest pyramid was built for Khufu, who was the second king of this dynasty of rulers.
The middle pyramid was built for Khafre, one of Khufu’s sons, and the fourth king of this dynasty. Finally, the southernmost and last pyramid was built by Khafre’s son and successor, Menkaure.
Around these three main pyramids are a number of smaller subsidiary pyramids belonging to various royal women, including Khufu’s mother Hetepheres, and his wife Henutsen, as well as Khentkaus, daughter of Menkaure.
Inside the Pyramids of GizaGiza Necropolis location
Address: Giza Necropolis, Al Haram, Giza Governorate, Egypt
The Giza Necropolis is situated in the Giza Governorate, to the west of the Egyptian capital of Cairo. It is located along Al-Haram Street in Giza.
Getting to the Pyramids of GizaWhat's inside the Giza Necropolis?
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Giza Necropolis attractions
The Giza Necropolis, or the Giza Complex, includes many ancient wonders, including the three Pyramids of Giza, temples, burial tombs, and more.
Pyramid of Khufu
The Great Pyramid of Giza was built as a tomb for the Egyptian pharaoh Khufu and dates back to 2600 BCE. When it was completed, it was the tallest building in the world at a height of 449 feet. And, it remained so for the next 3800 years.
More about the Great Pyramid
Pyramid of Khafre
The Pyramid of Khafre is slightly smaller than the Great Pyramid. As the second-largest pyramid, it sits at 448 feet high. It was built for Khafre, the son of Pharaoh Khufu in 2570 BC. Unfortunately, its treasures were plundered in ancient and medieval times.
More about the Pyramid of Khafre
Pyramid of Menkaure
The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the Giza Pyramids. It was completed around 2510 BC. Its north face was damaged during the middle ages, and the sarcophagus of the pharaoh was lost at sea during a voyage in 1838.
More about the Pyramid of Menkaure
Great Sphinx
The Great Sphinx is a colossal statue that sits in front of the Pyramid of Khafre. It depicts 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 modeled after Pharaoh Khafre.
More about the Sphinx of Giza
Queen’s Pyramids
Near the Pyramids of the three Pharaohs, there are smaller pyramids belonging to the pharaohs’ wives, mothers, and daughters. Important ones are the tombs of Queen Khentkaus I, and Queen Hetepheres.
Valley Temples
Every pyramid has a valley temple connected to it by a causeway. This was where the bodies of the pharaohs were prepared for burial and mummified. Today you can still see those of Khafre and Menkaure.
Mortuary Temples
Attached to each pyramid is a mortuary temple, or a funerary temple. This was where priests performed daily funerary rites to worship the deceased pharaohs, and priests presented offerings of food and other items to them.
Worker’s Village
The thousands of workers who spent years building the pyramids also built a small community for themselves. Here you will find their barracks, as well as bakeries, breweries, kitchens, and even a rudimentary hospital.
Solar Boat Museum
Near the Great Pyramid of Khufu is the Solar Boat Museum. Also known as “Khufu's Boat Museum,” it houses a reconstruction of the pharaoh’s solar barque, the ship buried with the king to use on his journey across the heavens.
Plan Your Visit to the Giza Necropolis
Opening Hours
Getting There
Facilities
Visitor Tips
- April to September: 7 AM to 6 PM
- October to March: 8 AM to 4 PM
Duration of Visit: 3 to 4 hours at the least
Best Time to Visit: It is best to visit the Pyramids of Giza either early in the morning or during sunset hours. The weather is bearable and the crowd is relatively lesser. Weekends and public holidays generally draw more visitors than most days. Plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your visit.
The Pyramids of Giza are situated around 15km away from the city center. While the fastest way to reach the pyramids from the city center is to book a taxi, you can also avail of a metro or a tour bus to make your trip more budget-friendly. You can also book Pyramids of Giza tickets that offer direct transfers to and from the archaeological site.
- By bus: Bus routes 355, 357, 900, and 997 will take you from central Cairo to the Giza Necropolis
- By metro: The metro line 1 runs to Giza and the nearest station is 'Giza' on Al-Haram Road. From here, you can take a taxi or micro bus to the Giza Necropolis.
- By taxi: It takes around 30 mins by car to reach the Necropolis from the city center. You can hire a taxi, take an Uber, or get a micro bus, that runs frequently along this route.
- Accessibility: While the interiors of the Pyramids of Giza are not accessible to visitors in wheelchairs, they can stroll right up to the entrance of the Great Sphinx of Giza for a closer look at the architecture. Visitors with limited mobility can also ride on camelbacks to reach the Panoramic Point, a scenic viewpoint within the Necropolis that offers the best views of the Giza Pyramids.
- Restrooms: There are two public toilets at the Pyramids of Giza, available for a small fee. One of them is located near the tick booth right before the Great Pyramid entrance and another is situated near the gift shop in the Solar Barque Museum.
- Shops: Visitors can purchase gifts and souvenirs from the shops located near the Pyramids of Giza. Please carry cash as most of these small vendors do not accept card payments.
- Photography: You can use your mobile phone to click pictures within the Giza Necropolis. You have to pay a fee to carry tripods and other commercial equipment if you want to shoot footage.
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- Carry cash: It is best to carry cash when visiting the Pyramids of Giza because most small vendors outside the Necropolis do not accept card payments.
- Bring a photo ID: If you have purchased Giza Necropolis tours online, you may be asked for an identification card. You must display it at the entrance along with your ticket to enter the complex.
- Wear modest clothing: Although there is no mandated dress code to enter the Pyramids of Giza, it is best to wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders as a sign of respect for the antiquity of the Giza Necropolis. Also, prioritize light, breathable fabrics to protect yourself from the sun.
- Wear comfortable shoes: You need to walk across uneven terrain to explore the interior passageways and sarcophagus of the pyramids. Wear comfortable, closed shoes so that your feet do not hurt.
- Book guided tours: We recommend you book Giza Necropolis guided tours to learn more about the historical and cultural significance of the Pyramids.
Frequently asked questions about the Giza Necropolis
Where is the Giza Necropolis located?
The Giza Necropolis is located on the outskirts of Cairo, around 15km away from the Cairo city center. The most convenient and budget-friendly way to reach the pyramids is to get a metro from Line 1 of Cairo. Upon reaching Giza, you can take a microbus or a tour bus to reach the Pyramids.
Why is the Giza Necropolis important?
The Giza Necropolis houses the world-renowned Pyramids of Giza, which is celebrated as one of the seven wonders of the world. These pyramids represent the engineering achievements of ancient Egyptians. The Giza archaeological site also reflects the cultural, religious, and funerary practices of the ancient Egyptians, providing insights into their beliefs, rituals, and society.
Why was the Giza Necropolis built?
The Giza Necropolis was built around 4500 years ago during the Old Kingdom period in Egypt to house the tombs and treasures of their Pharaohs. The Pyramids were constructed to provide the Pharaohs with the necessary provisions for their journey into the afterlife.
Who was the Giza Necropolis built for?
The Giza Necropolis was built under the supervision of three Pharaohs- Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. These monumental Pyramids were constructed to house the tombs and treasures of these Pharaohs and to provide the necessary provisions to guide their spirits in the afterlife.
How old is the Giza Necropolis?
The Giza Necropolis is around 4500 years old, having been constructed during the Old Kingdom period in Egypt. The Pharaoh Khufu first laid the foundation of the Great Pyramid, the northernmost structure in the complex, and the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure were built after.
How many pyramids are there at the Giza Necropolis?
There are three big Pyramids- the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, the Great Sphinx of Giza, smaller pyramids like the Queen’s pyramids, cemetery tombs, Valley temples, and more inside the Giza Necropolis.
What is inside the Pyramids of Giza?
Inside the Pyramids of Giza, you will typically find a series of chambers and passageways designed for the burial of the pharaohs. The interior structures can vary somewhat from one pyramid to another, but typically there is a burial chamber, King’s chamber, Queen’s chamber, ascending and descending passageways, antechambers, and ventilation air shafts inside.
Can you go inside the Pyramids at the Giza Necropolis?
Yes, you can explore the interiors of the Pyramids of Giza at the Giza Necropolis. You must book Pyramids of Giza tickets online in advance to avoid standing in long lines on the day of your visit. You can also secure Giza Necropolis tours that include professional Egyptologist guides to learn more about the history and architecture of the Pyramids.
When is the Giza Necropolis opened to tourists?
The Giza Necropolis is open from 7 AM to 6 PM during the peak tourist season, from April to September. They are open from 8 AM to 4 PM from October to March.
