Giza Necropolis | The Site of the Pyramids of Giza
The Giza Necropolis is one of the most popular attractions in Egypt, with millions of visitors each year. Home to the Pyramids of Giza and many other ancient monuments, it is also a UNESCO Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of 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 Pyramids of Giza Complex
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.
More About the Pyramids of GizaWho 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.
Giza 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 GizaGiza 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Temple
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.
Cemeteries
When the pyramids were built, many lesser royals and nobles chose the Giza plateau as their final resting place. Today you can see hundreds of tombs and mastabas arranged along near rows and avenues.
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
The Pyramids of Giza are one of the most popular and crowded tourist attractions in the world.
This often means that unless you book your tickets online in advance, tickets may get sold out and you may not be able to enter the complex.
Additionally, by pre-booking tickets online you will be able to avoid the long lines at the ticket counters and head straight for the entrance to the Pyramids of Giza.
Book Tickets to the Pyramids
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 to avoid the afternoon heat and the crowds.
Pyramids of Giza Opening Hours
By Taxi: You can take a taxi to the Pyramids from any part of Cairo at a reasonable cost. You can opt for a metered taxi, an Uber, or hire a private car and driver.
By Bus: From central Cairo bus routes 355, 357, 900, or 997 will take you out to Giza and the Pyramids
By Metro: Metro line 2 runs to Giza and the nearest station is “Giza” on Al-Haram Road. From here you can take a taxi or bus to the Pyramids.
Getting to the Pyramids of Giza
- The Pyramids of Giza are not fully accessible by wheelchair. It is possible to get fairly close to the Pyramids of Khufu and Khafre via the sidewalks.
- You can also drive around the Giza complex to look for picture-taking opportunities.
- While there are no official audio guides available, you can download them from the internet if needed.
Toilets: There are several public toilets at the Pyramids of Giza, available for a small fee. Look near the two ticket booths near the entrance to the Pyramid Complex.
Baby Changing facilities: While there are no baby changing facilities inside the Pyramids of Giza complex, you will find several options near the attraction.
Shopping: Visitors can purchase gifts and souvenirs from the shops located near the Pyramids of Giza.
Guided Tours: While it is possible to find guides at the entrance to the pyramids, it is better to plan in advance and opt for a guided tour, or engage a registered guide.
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- You cannot climb on any of the pyramids as it is both forbidden and dangerous.
- Egypt can get very hot during the summer months, so ensure that you carry plenty of water with you.
- To protect yourself from the harsh sun, wear sunscreen, and carry sunglasses or a hat.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will have to do a lot of walking.
- If you’re planning to explore inside the pyramids, the passageways and galleries inside the pyramids are very narrow, especially if you suffer from claustrophobia.
- If you have purchased discounted tickets, please carry your valid photo ID for verification.
Buy Giza Necropolis Tickets & Tours
Frequently Asked Questions About the Giza Necropolis
A. The Giza Necropolis is situated in the Sahara Desert, in the Giza Governorate, to the west of the Egyptian capital of Cairo.
A. The Giza Necropolis was the final resting place of many kings and queens of ancient Egypt.
A. The Giza Necropolis and the three Pyramids of Giza were built as tombs, where the dead pharaohs who ruled over Ancient Egypt were buried along with the various items they would need in the afterlife.
A. The Giza Necropolis was built by pharaohs of the Fourth Dynasty to house their magnificent pyramids, as well as the tombs of their queens and nobles.
A. The Giza Necropolis started being built around 4,600 years ago. The oldest building on the Giza Plateau is the Great Pyramid of Khufu, which dates back to c.2600 BC.
A. There are three big pyramids of the pharaohs at the Giza Necropolis, as well as around 7 smaller subsidiary pyramids of queens and other royal women.
A. The pyramids are the tombs of the Pharaohs. They are filled with are many chambers including the King's Chamber where you will find the sarcophagus.
A. Yes, you can enter all the three Pyramids of Giza, as well as a number of the Queen’s Pyramids.
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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