The Great Pyramid

The Great Pyramid

Highlights Khufu’s Pyramid (Khufu): The first Khufu’s Pyramid was originally 146.59 meters high, equivalent to a 40-story building. Due to thousands of years of weathering and erosion, it now stands at 138 meters. Each of the four base sides originally measured 230 meters in length (currently 220 meters). For thousands of years, it was the tallest building on Earth. It was constructed using 2.3 million polished limestone blocks, with each block weighing approximately 2.5 tons on average. The stones were fitted together so tightly that not even a piece of paper could be inserted between them. The construction involved 100,000 laborers. There are three burial chambers inside the pyramid. The first was originally intended as Khufu’s tomb. A few years later, workers carved a second passage and built a second chamber, which some believe was for the queen. The third chamber, where Khufu was actually laid to rest, is known as the "King’s Chamber." Visitors can enter the pyramid to experience firsthand the luxurious design of the pharaoh’s tomb. However, be aware that while outside air continuously flows into the pyramid, the interior remains extremely hot and can feel stifling, making it unsuitable for prolonged stays. Nearby, the Solar Boats of Cheops Museum is also worth visiting.

Khafre’s Pyramid The second pyramid is the tomb of Khufu’s son, King Khafre, built around 2650 BC. It is 3 meters shorter than the first but more perfectly and magnificently constructed. In front of the pyramid are associated structures such as temples and the famous Sphinx. The face of the Sphinx is modeled after Khafre, while the body is that of a lion. It stands 22 meters high and 57 meters long, with one ear alone measuring 2 meters. Apart from the lion’s paws, the entire sculpture was carved from a single natural rock. Due to the softness of the stone and over 4,000 years of age, the statue has suffered severe weathering. Additionally, the face is heavily damaged. Some say it was used for target practice by Mamluks, while others attribute the damage to cannon fire during Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt in the 18th century.

Menkaure’s Pyramid The third pyramid belongs to Khufu’s grandson, King Menkaure, and was built around 2600 BC. This was during the decline of the Fourth Dynasty, and pyramid construction was also in decline. The height of Menkaure’s Pyramid dropped suddenly to 66 meters, and the internal structure is rather disorganized.

Introduction In the Giza area, located ten kilometers southwest of Cairo, there are three large pyramids: Khufu’s Pyramid, Khafre’s Pyramid, and Menkaure’s Pyramid. They are commonly referred to as the Great Pyramids. Among them, Khufu’s Pyramid is the most famous. Sometimes the term "Great Pyramid" refers specifically to Khufu’s Pyramid. It is the largest, best-built, and best-preserved of the Giza Pyramids, built around 2570 BC as the tomb for Pharaoh Khufu. Transportation: Take a taxi from Tahrir Square in central Cairo to the Giza Pyramids. The fare is between 15–20 Egyptian pounds and can be negotiated. Tickets / Opening Hours: Adults 20 Egyptian pounds, children 10 Egyptian pounds (includes entry to all three pyramids and the Sphinx). An additional 100 Egyptian pounds is required to enter Khufu’s Pyramid. Entertainment: The Light and Sound Show at the pyramids is highly recommended. Tickets cost 33 Egyptian pounds, or 25 for students.

Cairo, Egypt