About Pyramids of Giza
Giza or ‘Al Giza’ is undoubtedly a tourist hotspot in Egypt and the site of some of Ancient Egypt’s most famous landmarks, most notably, the famous Pyramids of Giza.
Pyramids of Giza history
Amongst the pyramid complex may be found the pyramids of Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. The largest pyramid in Giza – and the world! – belongs to the second king of the Fourth Dynasty, Khufu or “Cheops”.
Khufu’s pyramid is Giza’s oldest and, at its great size of 145 metres, became known as “The Great Pyramid”. In fact, Khufu’s pyramid was once the tallest structure in the world as well as being one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
The second largest pyramid in Giza belongs to Khufu’s son and fourth king of the Fourth Dynasty, Khafre (or Khephren). The elevation on which Khafre’s pyramid is built is deceptive however, making it appear larger that his father’s.
The smallest of these three kings’ pyramids belongs to the sixth king of the Fourth Dynasty, Menkaure and is one-tenth the size of Khafre’s.
The Fourth Dynasty of Egypt ruled during a period known as the Old Kingdom, lasting between 2686 BC and 2181 BC. It was Egypt’s first great era of civilisation, and Pharaohs used the construction of pyramids such as those at Giza to exert their power, or sometimes as great tombs to hold their mummified bodies after death.
Pyramids of Giza today
A UNESCO World Heritage site, today Giza is one of the best places to explore Ancient Egypt.
Visitors can enter each of the pyramids or view them together from the dramatic panorama point, while the the Great Sphinx is also located nearby. Estimated to date back to 2528–2520 BC, some Egyptologists believe that this majestic half man, half lion is modeled on Khafre.
Several other tombs and Queens’ pyramids pepper Giza’s landscape, some of which are open to the public, most notably, the tomb of Seshem-nefer IV.
This site also features as one of our Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Egypt.
Getting to the Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza are located in Giza, Egypt’s third-largest city around 10 miles from Cairo. Pre-arranged transit from Cairo is recommended, which is around a 30-minute drive away, however large tourist buses will also run to and from the Pyramids.
Featured In
Egyptian Sites
From the world famous pyramids of Giza to the mask of Tutankhamen at Cairo's Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, follow in the footsteps of the pharaohs in our guide to the best Ancient Egyptian attractions to see.
Death on the Nile Locations
Follow in Hercule Poirot's footsteps by exploring these 6 sites from Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile.
Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites
UNESCO protects over 1,000 Heritage Sites around the world. But which ones are the must-sees? From the Pyramids of Egypt to the Taj Mahal, here are 10 spectacular UNESCO locations that are well worth a visit.
Egypt Historic Sites
Immerse yourself in the ancient land of pharaohs, exploring the greatest pyramids in the world at Giza to the sites of reflection at El Alamein, within this travel guide to the best Egyptian historic landmarks.
World Pyramids
Discover the dazzling pyramids of the ancient world, from the famed Egyptian structures at Giza to those in Mexico, India and Peru.
