The Giza Pyramids : Egypt's Most Legendary Attraction

What are the Giza Pyramids?

The pyramids were once great burial tombs and the Giza Pyramids are no exception. The iconic pyramids are located in the necropolis of Giza. The pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Miquerinos are the face of Ancient Egypt. These were the legendary pharaohs of antiquity, respectively grandfather, father and grandson who built the pyramids as their final resting place.

Did the Giza Pyramids have mummies in their interior?

Yes, although none were uncovered by explorers during excavations. In Ancient Egypt, death was thought to be a ritual of passage. Following death, the person passes through the Final Judgment with the mighty Osiris as the judge. Sins would be recounted and the "Book of the Dead '' would spell out all the information about the individuals' acts in life. The heart would then be weighed and it should be lighter than a feather to pass on to the afterlife.

Additionally, the body will be preserved so the soul can be reunited, otherwise it will wander on its own for eternity. Hence, mummification rituals held great significance in Ancient Egypt. Pharaohs were considered gods embodied in human form. Their bodies were mummified and buried along with their belongings for use in the afterlife.

Are the Giza Pyramids the first to be built in Egypt?

No. The Giza Pyramids were built around 2500 BC following a plethora of other pyramids built before.

The construction of pyramids in Ancient Egypt began long before architects finally perfected their design. Previous pharaohs including Djoser, Cheop's father, fervently worked to build the first pyramid. It was believed that the first pyramid constructed was King Djoser's Step Pyramid in the Saqqara necropolis, dating back to the Third Dynasty. However, recent studies suggest that there is an older one, the Gisr Pyramid, that dates back to the Second Dynasty, also located in the Saqqara complex.

Why are the Giza Pyramids the most famous?

They were the perfect pyramids built after a number of unsuccessful attempts. The King was the first attempt at the triangular shape. Many other pyramids were built, but without the smooth finish and straight walls. This was the case with the Red Pyramid, which actually is the second largest, and perhaps most underrated, pyramid in Egypt.

What's so special about the triangular shape?

The Ancient Egyptians believed that gods watched over them from the skies above. They also believed that the Pharaohs were by the divine as rulers and representations of the gods on Earth. To the Gods, the pharaohs would be reborn after their death. The triangular shape was selected to channel the ascension of the pharaohs to the afterlife.

Who built the Giza Pyramids?

Each Giza Pyramid was commissioned by a pharaoh, respectively Cheops (Khufu), Chefren (Khafre), and Menkaure (Miquerinos).

For a time, it was thought they were built by slaves, but researchers and archaeologists uncovered that they were built by paid laborers - 30 thousand men worked on the construction of the Cheops Pyramid over 20 years with a high replacement rate due to the grueling nature of the job.

Where are the Pyramids of Giza located?

The pyramids are located in Giza, which is situated on the left bank of the Nile River. It is technically considered a separate city but due to the fast expansion of Cairo, it is commonly considered part of Cairo. After all, it is just across the river and only six kilometres from Downtown Cairo.

Can you enter the Giza Pyramids?

Yes, visitors are allowed to enter the three pyramids but an extra ticket is needed for each. The Great Pyramid is the most stunning but the experience is not for everyone. There is steel climb down a narrow corridor which leads to a tight chamber. If you are prone to claustrophobia, it is best you avoid this activity.

Don't expect a luxury experience in the interior. Unfortunately, these magnificent tombs and sarcophagi were looted centuries ago and there is not much glorious treasure left to see. However, the experience of entering a pyramid in and of itself is surreal.

When is the best time to visit the Giza Pyramids?

People visit the Giza Pyramids anytime but the low season in Egypt is from May to September and the peak season runs from October to April. Temperatures are very high in June, July and August. So, keep in mind walking around the archaeological sites in the sun requires some extra care. During the holy month of Ramadan (which varies every year) the opening hours may be affected.

The best time to visit the pyramids is in the early morning or late afternoon. Allot about three hours to be able to tour the plateau with ample time.

What else can I visit at the Giza Plateau?

The necropolis of Giza also contains the Great Sphinx of Giza, whose feet and body were buried for many centuries, unearthed only in the 20th century.

There are also a number of smaller pyramids and the Temple Valley. Catch the Light & Sound Show in the evening, as an invitation to transport back in time and watch magnificent light projections on the Great Pyramids themselves.