Giza pyramids
Egyptian Temples & Tombs | April 2, 2010The pyramids of Giza in Egypt are the only surviving Ancient Wonders on planet earth and are one of the most popular tourist spots in the world. The pyramids remain open from 8 am till 4 pm.
Information About Giza Pyramids:
Greek historian Herodotus was told by Egyptian priests around 450 BC that the Great Pyramid had been built for the pharaoh Khufu, who was the second king of the Fourth Dynasty (c.2575–c. 2465 BC).
- The Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) was originally 146 metres high (now reduced to 137 metres by natural weathering). Over 2 million blocks of stone were used to construct this structure and all through manual labour only.
- Pyramid of Khafre (Chephren), which is a bit smaller than the Great Pyramid (at 471 metre high), but is better positioned on the desert plateau
- Pyramid of Menkaure (Mycerinus) is the smallest of all the Giza Pyramids at a height of 62 metres (originally at 66.5 metres)
- Solar Barque Museum located along the southern face of the Great Pyramid. A well-done museum showcasing a ‘solar boat’ for the pharaoh’s use.
- Sphinx and the Temple of the Sphinx – the colossal, recumbent human-headed lion (Egyptians call it Abu el-Hol, the ‘Father of Terror’). The structure is 45 meters long and 22 meters wide and is carved from a single giant block of sandstone.
- Various Queens’ Pyramids and Nobles’ Tombs, located in various regimented cemeteries surrounding the royal pyramids. Tomb of Seshemnufer IV is located here.
- Like all pharonic tombs, the burial chambers of the pyramids were packed with all the necessities for the next life.
Dos and don’t’s while at pyramid site:
- Do not show the ticket to anyone outside of the gate checkpoints and only while entering through the metal detectors at the entry point
- Refuse those who try to solicit advice and then ask for a tip
- Don’t seek help from touts while riding camel or horse
- Don’t climb the pyramids as that could be dangerous
Attractions at Giza:
- Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show in both Arabic and foreign languages like English, Spanish, French, German and Italian. In the show, the ‘voice of the Sphinx’ narrates the history of the Giza Plateau while a dazzling laser display picks out the details of the Pyramids and displays historical scenes. The show can be viewed from an adjoining Pizza Hut restaurant.
Camel Rides: However, it is advisable to avoid undertaking a camel ride around the Pyramids- Horse riding in the desert. It is always better to hire horse from quality stables like FB Stables. Trip can be made to Saqqara or Abu Sir or overnight camping with barbecue and fire.
How to Get to Giza Pyramids:
By metro:
Metro Line 2 runs from Cairo to Giza. Minibuses are available at Giza station and it takes 15-20 minutes to reach the pyramids.
By taxi:
From cairo
By bus:
Cairo Transport Authority (CTA) buses along routes 355 or 357, available every 20 minutes from the airport and Heliopolis.
Giza Accommodation:
Le Meridien Pyramids- Pyramisa Suites Hotel & Casino Cairo
- Sofitel El Gezirah Cairo
- Sheraton Cairo
- Novotel Cairo El Borg
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The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only pyramid in Egypt known to contain both ascending and descending passages.
The main part of the Giza complex is a setting of buildings that included two mortuary temples in honor of Khufu (one close to the pyramid and one near the Nile), three smaller pyramids for Khufu’s wives, an even smaller “satellite” pyramid, a raised causeway connecting the two temples, and small mastaba tombs surrounding the pyramid for nobles.