Explore the Pyramids of Giza: The Last Surviving Seven Wonders

The Pyramids of Giza are a true wonder of the ancient world. They were built over thousands of years ago and are located just outside Cairo in the Giza Necropolis. These massive structures are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World and are a testament to the skill and ingenuity of ancient Egyptian civilization.

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History and Construction of The Pyramids of Giza

Although the pyramids were built as tombs for pharaohs, the actual layout and inside of the Pyramid of Giza remain a mystery. Visitors can explore the King’s Chamber and granite sarcophagus inside, marveling at the impressive architecture and scale of the pyramids.

The construction of the pyramids was not an easy feat and took several centuries of experimentation and trial-and-error processes. Their precise orientation and design have led to various theories about their origins, including some wild suggestions about extraterrestrial involvement. However, by examining the history leading up to their construction, we can see that the pyramids represent the pinnacle of the royal mortuary complex development.

As the last remaining wonder of the ancient world, the Pyramids of Giza are still fascinating and captivating visitors from all around the world. Their incredible size and perfection are a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Mysterious facts about the Pyramid of Giza

Even though the Pyramids of Giza have been studied extensively, we still don’t know exactly how they were built.
Despite being widely accepted that the great pyramids were built as a tomb, no tombs were ever found in the pyramids.
Pyramids were not built by the slave workers. In fact, historical research has revealed that skilled workers were hired. The Great Pyramid of Giza was constructed by a workforce of around 5,000 full-time workers and an additional 20,000 part-time labourers.
It is believed that it took 20 years to build this.
Mortar used in the pyramid has been examined and although even the composition is known, our scientists are still not be able to recreate it till this date
Pyramid is aligned with the stars with such a high precision that it makes us wonder if there were some advanced civilization that lived before.

What is on Top Of Pyramid Of Giza

The Pyramid of Giza stands as a brilliant representation of ancient Egyptian architecture. At the top of the pyramid, There used to be a shining capstone made of solid gold at the top of the Pyramid of Giza, which was believed to have been more than 7 meters tall. This capstone was an important symbol of the pharaoh’s power and authority.

Unfortunately, the gold capstone was removed from the pyramid during ancient times, and its exact location is still a mystery. Despite extensive research and exploration of the site, archaeologists and historians have been unable to locate the capstone, leaving its fate and the reasons for its removal to speculation and conjecture.

Even without the capstone, the Pyramid of Giza is still an incredible architecture that shows how skilled the people of ancient Egypt were. The pyramid’s base is made up of massive stone blocks that are much bigger than any modern building. The small and narrow paths that lead to the inside of the pyramid show how carefully and skillfully it was built.

Although the capstone may be missing, the Pyramid of Giza is still a breathtaking monument and shows the skills of one of the world’s most ancient civilizations.

What is Inside the Egyptian pyramids ?

Inside the Egyptian pyramids, there are complex network of chambers, corridors, and passages that were built to serve as tombs for the pharaohs and their consorts. The pyramids were constructed during the Old Kingdom period, roughly between 2686 and 2181 BCE.

When you enter a pyramid, you will first find yourself in a descending corridor that leads to the burial chamber. This corridor is usually lined with smooth limestone blocks and may be adorned with hieroglyphics and intricate carvings.

As you go deeper into the pyramid, you will find several chambers and antechambers. These rooms may have been used to store funerary objects or to house the priests who carried out the burial rites.

The burial chamber itself is located at the heart of the pyramid, which contains the sarcophagus of the pharaoh. The sarcophagus is often made of granite or limestone and is intricately decorated with scenes from Egyptian mythology.

In some cases, the burial chamber may also contain a false door, which was built to allow the pharaoh’s spirit to come and go. The walls of the burial chamber are often decorated with depictions of the pharaoh’s journey through the afterlife.

Complete Guide to visit the Pyramids of Giza (inside and outside)

The Pyramids of Giza are a must-visit destination for those fascinated by ancient history and architecture. Here are a few things you must know before you plan a visit.

Timings To Visit The Pyramid of Giza

Summer (April – September): 8 AM – 5 PM
Winter (October – March): 8 AM – 4 PM

Pyramids of Giza Ticket Price

Outside of Giza Pyramid:

For Adults : EGP 240 (about INR 640 / US $7.85)
For Students : EGP 120 (about INR 320 / US $3.93)

Inside Giza Pyramid:

The Great Pyramid of Khufu : EGP 440 (about INR 1172 / US $14.00)
The Pyramid of Khafre : EGP 100 (about INR 267 / US $3.3)
The Pyramid of Menkaure : EGP 100 (about INR 267 / US $3.3)

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Pyramids Of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids located in Giza, Egypt, and is the only remaining structure of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The Great Pyramid is estimated to have been constructed over a 20-year period, with approximately 2.3 million stone blocks, weighing an average of 2.5 tons each.
The capstone of the Great Pyramid of Giza was made of solid gold and was more than 7 meters tall.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is located on the west bank of the Nile River and is the tallest structure in the Giza Necropolis, standing at an estimated height of 479 feet.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only surviving structure from the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The Pyramids of Giza are aligned with the stars in Orion’s Belt.
The sides of the Great Pyramid of Giza are almost perfectly aligned with the cardinal points of the compass, and the pyramid is estimated to have been built at a deviation of only 3/60th of a degree from true north.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is believed to have been built as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu, also known as Cheops, and is estimated to have been constructed between 2589 and 2504 BC.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is estimated to have been built with an internal structure of three chambers, which are the King’s chamber, the Queen’s chamber and the Grand Gallery.
Recent studies have suggested that the Great Pyramid of Giza may have been built using a ramp system of transporting the stones to the top of the pyramid, instead of dragging them up the side of the pyramid.

Hotels Near The Pyramids of Giza

There are various hotel options available near the Pyramids of Giza, ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious accommodations. These can be booked online via various famous apps or you can connect with the travel agent. For those seeking a close-up view of the pyramids from indoors, suitable hotels such as the Marriott Mena House Hotel can be arranged.

These hotels offer stunning views of the pyramids directly from the windowsill or balcony, providing a picturesque backdrop for a spectacular sunset. It’s remarkable to witness the sun setting at the back center of the pyramid. Visitors can also enjoy a free evening light show, although it may not be as impressive as the paid show.

Points to remember while visiting the Egyptian Pyramids

It is advisable to book tickets for the Pyramids of Giza in advance from their official website of the Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism, as tickets are limited and often sell out quickly, sometimes as early as 8 AM. Online ticket purchases also offer great discounts.
Make sure to bring a valid photo ID for verification if you have purchased discounted tickets.
All visitors are required to wear face masks throughout their visit.
The Pyramids of Giza do not have full wheelchair accessibility.
Climbing on any of the pyramids is not allowed and can be unsafe.
Wearing inappropriate clothing such as slippers, shorts, skirts, sleeveless blouses, etc. is not allowed during a visit inside the pyramid.
Photography is prohibited during the inside visit of the Pyramids of Giza, and visitors are required to leave their cameras with the staff at the entrance.
Small cameras are installed inside the pyramid, and any kind of graffiti or damage is strictly prohibited.

Cities2Explore Tips and Suggestions

It is recommended to arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time to avoid any potential delays.
Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended as the desert sands can shift, and visitors need to do a lot of walking.
The inside passage of the pyramid is narrow, steep, and poorly ventilated, with hot and humid air. Therefore, it’s recommended that visitors prioritize their health before entering the inside of the pyramid, especially if they are feeling unwell.
Wearing breathable and wind-proof clothes, like long-sleeved trousers, and applying high SPF sunscreen is recommended to protect oneself from the blazing sun during the day. It’s crucial to carry plenty of water with you to avoid dehydration, as Egypt can get extremely hot during summer months.
When approached by peddlers using different tactics to sell their products at inflated prices, it is strongly advised to firmly decline their offers by saying “NO” if there is no intention of making a purchase.
Visitors should be aware that local individuals may approach them in the scenic area to offer camel rides or group photos for a fee. It is important to exercise caution and be wary of unauthorized camel drivers and touts. In case of any issues, the uniformed Tourist Police are available to provide assistance.

Official Website to Book Tickets for Pyramids of Giza

Book Ticket Official Page : https://egymonuments.gov.eg/archaeological-sites/giza-plateau/

The Pyramids of Giza – FAQs

How much does it cost to tour the Pyramids of Giza?

The general ticket cost around EGP 240 for adults and EGP 120 for students. And it costs around EGP 600 for adults to get access to the inside area and EGP 300 for students.

Can you tour the Great Pyramid of Giza?

Yes, Visiting the inside of the Pyramid of Khufu is permitted among the Egyptian Pyramids of Giza, with the only available passageway being from the Grand Gallery to the King’s Chamber for tourists.

How much is a tour to the pyramids?

It depends on the agent and the plan you choose but the general admission ticket in the Pyramids costs around EGP 240 for adults and EGP 120 for students.

Why visit the Pyramids of Giza?

Who built the Pyramids of Giza?

Even though the Pyramids of Giza have been studied extensively, we still don’t know exactly how they were built.

Can visitors go inside the Pyramid of Giza?

Does it cost extra to go inside the Pyramid of Giza?

Yes, The general ticket cost around EGP 240 for adults and EGP 120 for students. The price of the ticket is exclusive of access to the inside of the Pyramids. It cost extra EGP 440 and EGP 100 to go inside the Pyramid of Khufu and Pyramid of Khafre respectively.

What’s inside the Pyramid of Giza?

The Pyramids of Giza were originally sealed off to restrict access, but now visitors can explore the inner workings of these awe-inspiring structures. As you make your way down the passageways, you will discover grand galleries and several chambers, including the Burial Chamber where the sarcophagus (or coffins) of the ancient Egyptian kings are located.

What can you see in Giza Scenic Area at night?

In the Giza Scenic Area, a light show takes place at night, offering an unmissable experience. The performance features ancient Egyptian legends told through the use of light projected onto a rock curtain. The images include statues of gods, murals, portraits of pharaohs and their wives, creating a lifelike appearance. Against the backdrop of three pyramids in the distance, the Sphinx appears to change colors under the flowing lights. The show runs at 20:30, 21:30, and 22:30 in the summer and at 18:30, 19:30, and 20:30 in the winter.

What are Pyramid of Giza Dimensions ?

The dimensions of the Pyramid of Giza are approximately 230 meters wide at the base and 147 meters high. The pyramid is made up of more than 2 million stone blocks, each weighing several tons.

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