A wonder of the world you can touch: the Pyramids of Giza
Just about 15 kilometers from Cairo lies one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Pyramids of Giza. Here’s everything you need to know about these spectacular structures, along with some practical tips for your visit.
The most famous tombs in the world
On the western edge of the Nile valley, Egypt’s most famous landmarks are the Pyramids and the Great Sphinx of Giza. The three Pyramids were built around 4,500 years ago by the Pharaohs of Cheops, Chephren (son of Cheops) and Mykerinos (grandson of Cheops) as their own tombs. Chephren probably also had the mysterious Great Sphinx built. Upon their death, the ancient Egyptian kings were buried with valuable burial objects such as gold, gemstones and jewellery, after which the pyramids were sealed.
Uniquely preserved
People have always been fascinated by extraordinary building structures, and even in ancient times, a list of the seven known wonders of the ancient world was created. This list included the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Colossus of Rhodes and the Pyramids of Giza – the only ancient wonder of the world still preserved today. The Pyramids and Great Sphinx have also been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1979.
Many mysteries surround the Sphinx
The Great Sphinx, with the head of a pharaoh and the body of a reclining lion, has been shrouded in secrets and myths for centuries. Pharaoh Chephren, Cheops’ son, probably had the 20-metre-high and 73.5-metre-long limestone monument built at the same time as his own pyramid. It is believed that the head of the Sphinx was modelled on the facial features of Chephren and that it was intended to serve as the guard of the plateau of Giza. Colour residues on the ear indicate that the Sphinx was originally painted in red.
The largest tomb of Giza
Pharaoh Cheops’ burial site is the largest and oldest of the three pyramids of Giza. It is just under 140 metres high, and the side is almost 230 metres long. An incredible 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing several tons, were used to build the Cheops pyramid. How exactly this work was completed was a real mystery for many years. However, recent findings have shown that ramps were probably used to stack the building blocks. A number of chambers can be visited in the extensive interior of the tomb. Incidentally, in 2023 another previously unknown chamber was discovered, causing an archaeological sensation.
Kings of the night
In the evening, a special highlight awaits visitors at the Giza Pyramids: a laser and sound show, where the structures are illuminated with coloured light and the story of ancient Egypt, the Pyramids and the Great Sphinx is told. But don’t be deceived: the hot desert days are followed by cold nights, so don’t forget to bring a jumper or a blanket with you.
Take it slowly – and with sun protection
In the summer months, the temperature can quickly climb to over 40 degrees. To escape this heat, you should plan your visit between October and March or April. Since there are hardly any shaded spots on site, a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor is recommended as well as a suitable head covering. You might want to consider travelling to the pyramids in the early hours of the morning to avoid the crowds. The site is bigger than you might think, so you should allow several hours for your visit. Tickets can be purchased at two entrances; there is an extra charge if you want to go inside the pyramids.
Quick and convenient access
The pyramids of Giza are only about 15 kilometres from Cairo. That’s why you can undertake a trip spontaneously, for example by taxi, bus or Uber. It’s almost 500 kilometres from Hurghada, so you should plan an overnight stay if you’re travelling from Hurghada to Giza by bus, for example.
Even more amazing sights
If you can’t get enough of splendid ancient tombs, a trip to Saqqara is recommended. The Necropolis, the largest burial site of the former royal capital of Memphis on the western banks of the Nile, is just 15 kilometres from the pyramids of Giza and has several sights worth seeing. For example, the Djoser Pyramid is Egypt’s oldest pyramid, while the Bent Pyramid has a unique shape. In addition, Gisr el-Mudir, one of the rectangular enclosures, is the oldest stone structure in the country. In Saqqara, researchers also made a spectacular discovery in 2023: a further four tombs and a gold-leaf mummy were discovered.
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