Exploring the ancient treasures of Giza!

tourHQ Editorials

26 Aug 2014 | 5 mins read

Located southwest of Cairo right along the banks of the Nile River is the Egyptian city of Giza. Elevated on the Giza Plateau, this northwestern locale is most famous for its vast collection of ancient monuments, mortuaries and other historic Egyptian sites. Dating back over 4.5 millennia, Giza is one of the most popular travel destinations worldwide.

The Ancient Giza Necropolis

Giza’s ancient pyramids are undoubtedly its most famous attractions. Built to house the bodies of deceased pharaohs and to carry them into the afterlife, these giant marvels have perplexed archaeologists, historians and tourists for their entire existence. While Egyptologists believe skilled workers crafted these man-made feats over the course of 20-30 years, others claim giant assemblies of slaves or even extraterrestrials constructed these Egyptian icons.

Initially 146.5 meters tall, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and tallest of the three pyramids found within the Giza Necropolis. Built to house the corpse of Pharaoh Khufu and his wives, this enormous monument contains mortuary temples, ascending and descending passages, King’s & Queen’s chambers and a Grand Gallery which provides access to various parts of the pyramid. The Great Pyramid is the oldest of the world’s seven wonders.

Southwest of the Great Pyramid are the Khafre and Menkaure pyramids. Khafre originally stood at 143.5 meters and was dedicated to the 4^th Dynasty Pharaoh Khafre, while Menkaure stands at 65.5 meters (the smallest of the three). Together the pyramids form one of the few man-made monuments that can be clearly seen from space.

Another iconic structure within the Giza Necropolis is the Great Sphinx. This giant half-man (representing the face of Pharaoh Khafre) half-lion limestone monument is placed right next to the Khafre Pyramid. While it’s both the largest monolith statue and the oldest monumental sculpture in the entire world, the riddles and myth surrounding the Great Sphinx greatly enhances its air of mystery and aura.

Other Sites within the Giza Necropolis

While these four sites are the most famous monuments within the necropolis, the Great Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara, the first pyramid ever built in Egypt is recommended for the keenly interested. The Giza Plateau houses a number of royal cemeteries, tombs and temples all throughout its extensive grounds. On the west and east sides of the Great Pyramid are two extensive cemeteries (including the tombs of Hemon and Queen Hetepheres) and just south are the Temple of the Sphinx, Funerary Temples, Queen’s Temples and much more.

Tips for visiting:

- As the Giza Complex is one of the world’s top travel destinations, there are a number of scam artists, tourist traps and phony guides swarming the region. Arrange a reputable Giza Tour Guide before you visit to avoid any unwanted situations during your stay.

- It’s best to arrive as soon as the complex opens in the morning to avoid the masses of package tour groups that will be visiting the area as well as protect oneself from the harsh overhead sun rays later in the day.

- While climbing the pyramids was once allowed, and made for some fantastic photo ops, it is not permitted anymore. Interested to have a look inside? A limited number of tickets are sold for the Giza Pyramids (that are open for an inside look) on a first come first serve basis; that’s another reason to plan your visit early. Also a foray inside the pyramids may not be ideal for people who are not conducive to enclosed spaces.

- Realize that while the Giza Complex is located within the desert, it’s also surrounded by a bustling modern city. Many tourists are disappointed to find that the pyramids don’t sit alone in a barren, isolated landscape.

What Else to Visit in the Area

Giza will be home to the world’s largest archaeological museum in 2015 (the projected date of completion). The Grand Egyptian Museum will exhibit a huge collection of ancient artifacts and Egyptian relics only 2 kilometers away from the Giza Necropolis.

Cairo was once supposed to be on the opposite banks of the Nile from the Great Pyramids, but has grown to practically envelop Giza into its city limits and hence is a natural extension to your Egyptian explorations. Your Cairo tour Guide will list some great cultural attractions such as the Egyptian Museum, Coptic Museum, beautiful mosques, churches and palaces as well as present day attractions of ahwas, whirling dervishes and the shopping at Khan-el-Khalili to enjoy, an ode to the ancient mystical wonders of Egypt.

Exploring the ancient treasures of Giza!

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