Inside Pyramids of Giza | Tombs, Temples & More
The Pyramids of Giza are one of Egypt's top attractions and see millions of visitors every year. Today, they are both a UNESCO Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Located in the Giza Necropolis, the pyramids are part of a cluster of ancient monuments. Before you plan a visit, read on to find out more about what is inside the Pyramids of Giza.
What’s Inside the Pyramids of Giza?
While the Pyramids of Giza were once sealed to prevent people from entering, today you can actually go inside the pyramids and see the inner workings of these incredible monuments.
Unfortunately, most of the pyramid’s treasures were looted, but you can still descend through its passageways and see the sarcophagus (or coffins) of these ancient kings of Egypt.
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What to See Inside the Pyramids of Giza?
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Pyramid of Khufu
The Great Pyramid features three burial chambers inside, which can be accessed by entering through the “Robbers' Tunnel”. A sloping passageway named the Grand Gallery leads to three chambers - the “Queen’s Chamber”, the King's Chamber, and the Subterranean Chamber.
They are all built of closely fitting slabs of red granite, some of which weigh over 400 tons.
Visitors can make their way to the King's Chamber and see the sarcophagus of the ancient king, though it is now empty.
Pyramid of Khafre
The Pyramid of Khafre has two entrances leading to a single burial chamber. While they are less elaborate than those in the Great Pyramid, they are still made out of enormous blocks of granite. The burial chamber itself is carved out of bedrock, with a gabled roof of white limestone.
Like the Great Pyramid, you can go inside and descend through its passageways to see the Pharaoh's stunningly ornate sarcophagus, which was sunk into the floor.
Pyramid of Menkaure
The Pyramid of Menkaure has chambers on three distinct levels, more complex than those of his father Khafre. They include a chamber carved with decorative panels and another with six large niches, as well as a vast burial chamber.
This chamber once held two wooden coffins. One is in the British Museum and the other was sadly lost.
However, just walking through its descending galleries can be a wonderful experience. This pyramid is also typically less crowded than the Great Pyramid.
The Queen’s Pyramids
Near the Pyramids of the three Pharaohs, there are smaller pyramids belonging to the pharaohs’ wives, mothers, and daughters.
There are three small pyramids east of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, belonging to his mother Hetepheres I, and his wives Meritites and Henutsen. There are also three more small Queens’ Pyramids near the Pyramid of Menkaure.
These are built in the same manner as the larger pyramids, with long passageways leading to a burial chamber. They are open to visitors a few at a time. Usually, tickets include a visit to one of the three pyramids of the queens of Khufu. You can also ask the ticket office which ones are open.
Other Highlights Inside the Giza Complex
The Great Sphinx
Situated in front of the Pyramid of Khafre, the colossal Sphinx depicts a mythical creature with the head of a man, and the body of a lion. It is 20 m (66 ft) tall and 73 m (240 ft) long, and is famous for its broken nose. Don’t miss climbing the viewing platform to get the best pictures of the Sphinx.
Solar Barque Museum
Also known as “Khufu's Boat Museum,” the museum houses a reconstruction of the pharaoh Khufu’s solar barque. This was the ship buried with the king to use on his journey across the heavens. In August 2021, the original was relocated to the Egyptian Museum.
Valley Temples
Each of the three main pyramids has a valley temple which was used in the pharaoh’s mummification process, and where priests prepared the deceased pharaoh for burial. You can visit the Valley Temple of Khafre, which is located right near the Sphinx.
Worker's Village
All-inclusive tickets to the pyramids include the Worker’s Village which is not to be missed. This was a small settlement built for the thousands of workers who helped construct the pyramids. Here you will find ancient bakeries, breweries, kitchens, and even a hospital.
Cemeteries
When the pharaohs built the pyramids, many lesser royals and nobles who were a part of their court also chose the area as their final resting place. Today you can see hundreds of tombs in the Western and Eastern Cemeteries, with mastabas arranged along near rows and avenues.
Mortuary Temples
Adjoining each pyramid is a mortuary temple, where priests worshipped the deceased pharaohs. Also called “funerary temples”, daily funerary rites were performed here and priests presented offerings of food and other items to the dead kings.
Visitor Facilities
- Toilets: There are many public toilets at the Pyramids of Giza, though some require a small fee.
- Baby Changing facilities: While there are no baby changing facilities inside the Pyramids of Giza complex, you will find several options near the attraction.
- Dining: On the Giza plateau is the 9 Pyramids Lounge restaurant near the Sphinx, and there are many other eating options close to the Pyramids of Giza.
- Shopping: Visitors can purchase gifts and souvenirs from the shops located near the Pyramids of Giza.
Frequently Asked Questions About What’s Inside the Pyramids of Giza
A. Yes, you can go inside the three largest Pyramids of Giza, as well as a number of smaller pyramids at the site. However, you might need to purchase additional tickets to gain entry.
A. Inside the Pyramids of Giza, you will find passageways leading to the burial chamber of the king or the queen.
A. It takes at least 3 hours to tour the Pyramids of Giza, and 30 minutes to explore the inside of each pyramid
A. The Pyramids of Giza are open from 8 AM to 4 PM in the winter, and to 5 PM in the summer.
A. No, visitors are forbidden from climbing the outside of the Pyramids.
A. You can purchase your Pyramids of Giza tickets here.
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Getting to the Pyramids of Giza
