Pyramids of Giza
Located on the Giza Plateau just outside Cairo, the pyramids are Egypt's best known monuments and the only remaining of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
For many, they are the ultimate symbol of Egypt. The last remaining wonder of the ancient world - and the oldest of them - their perfect shape and immense size have left even the most knowledgeable of Egyptologists wondering how and why they were built.
Following hundreds of years of research, we do know that the enormous pyramids were built as tombs for the Pharaohs, constructed by tens of thousands of workers over 4000 years ago. They stand as a testament to the incredible achievements of the ancient Egyptian civilization.
The Pyramids
The archaeological site at Giza is scattered with numerous tombs, temples, and small pyramids, but the main attractions are the three largest pyramids: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, and the Great Sphinx, believed to have been built during the Old Kingdom, making it the oldest known monumental sculpture in Egypt.
The Great Pyramid
The largest and oldest of the three main pyramids, this massive structure is believed to be a tomb for Fourth Dynasty Pharaoh Khufu, which gives it its other name. At 481 feet (146.7 meters) in height, it was the tallest man-made building in the world for over three thousand years. After millennia of erosion thanks to desert sandstorms, it now stands at 455 feet (138.8 meters).
The Pyramid of Khafre
The second largest of the Giza pyramids, this one is the tomb of the 4th Dynasty Pharaoh Khafre, also known as Chephren, who was the son of Khufu. It actually looks larger than that of Khufu, as it's located on slightly higher ground, and it's also the only one of the three to retain some of its original casing, a polished white limestone that would originally have covered all of the pyramids and made them gleam in the sun.
The Pyramid of Menkaure
The smallest of the three, this pyramid was built for the Pharaoh Menkaure around the 26th century BCE. If it looks like it was possibly unfinished, that's because Menkaure died before its construction was completed.
Visiting the Pyramids of Giza
If you don't want to worry about finding transport from Cairo to the archaeological site at Giza, the easiest option is to book a guided English-language tour in advance that combines the visit with other monuments in the area:
To experience the sight of the ancient pyramids from a different perspective, we recommend going to see them at night. Enjoy a delicious meal and watch the magical light and sound show, hearing all about the history of the tombs as you see them illuminated:
Not good if you're claustrophobic
Entering the pyramids to see the tombs inside - the reason for which they were built - involves climbing through extremely narrow and steep tunnels. It's a truly unforgettable experience, but absolutely not recommended for the elderly, unfit, or anyone suffering from claustrophobia!
Schedule
Area: 7 am - 7:30 pm
Inside the pyramids: 8:30 am - 4 pm
Price
Admission to Giza Plateau:
Adult: 540 LE (US$ 10.90)
Student (with valid ID): 270 LE (US$ 5.50)
Great Pyramid:
Adult: 600 LE (US$ 12.10)
Student (with valid ID): 300 LE (US$ 6.10)
Khafre Pyramid:
Adult: 100 LE (US$ 2)
Student (with valid ID): 50 LE (US$ 1)
Menkaure Pyramid:
Adult: 150 LE (US$ 3)
Student (with valid ID): 75 LE (US$ 1.50)
Pyramids of Giza, Memphis and Saqqara € 86 (US$ 91.10)
Transport
- Transport is included on all organised tours. By taxi, 10LE from Giza and 20LE to 30LE from Cairo
Nearby places
Cairo (12.8 km)
