Giza Pyramids and Sphinx

The Giza Pyramid Complex, also known as the Giza Necropolis, is located on the eastern edge of Egypt’s Western Desert, on the Giza Plateau, just a few kilometers from Cairo.

It is one of the most famous and visited archaeological sites in the world, and with the inauguration of the GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum), it’s set to become even more iconic—since the GEM is located on the same Giza Plateau, right beside the three famous pyramids and the Great Sphinx.

Below is a brief history and description of the site, along with all the useful info for your visit.

History and Description

The Giza Necropolis includes the three main pyramids, the renowned Great Sphinx, and several smaller pyramids and funerary temples dedicated to nobles and officials—such as the Tomb of Queen Meresankh III—which reflect the grandeur and complexity of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Giza Pyramids

The three main pyramids are:

• The Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops)
• The Pyramid of Khafre (Chephren)
• The Pyramid of Menkaure (Mykerinos)

Built during the 4th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, between circa 2600 and 2500 BCE, these monumental structures—with their funerary chambers, corridors, and passageways—served as royal tombs and remain among the most iconic constructions of the ancient world.

Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza (or Great Pyramid of Khufu), built for Pharaoh Khufu around 2580 BCE, is not only the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but also the only one still standing today.

Originally, the pyramid was clad in white limestone blocks from the Tura quarries, which reflected sunlight and made the monument visible from miles away. Although most of this outer casing has been lost, it once gave the pyramid a gleaming, majestic appearance that highlighted its extraordinary architectural and engineering precision.

Visiting the Great Pyramid is a captivating experience—not just for its sheer size and age, but also for the mystery that surrounds it. Its perfect alignment with the cardinal points, the theories about how it was constructed, and the purpose of its internal chambers continue to spark debate among archaeologists, historians, and enthusiasts. Some believe the pyramid may still conceal undiscovered chambers or treasures, adding to its allure.

The pyramid’s interior, with its narrow corridors and hidden rooms, offers unique insight into the advanced engineering techniques of the ancient Egyptians. Exploring the Grand Gallery and reaching the King’s Chamber, believed to have housed Khufu’s sarcophagus, gives visitors a profound sense of history and spirituality.

Pyramid of Khafre

To the southwest of the Great Pyramid stands the Pyramid of Khafre, son of Khufu. Though slightly smaller than Khufu’s, it appears taller due to its higher position on the plateau and the steeper angle of its sides. This pyramid still retains part of its original casing at the top, providing a glimpse of how the pyramids originally looked.

Pyramid of Menkaure

The third and smallest pyramid belongs to Menkaure, Khafre’s son and successor. Although it originally stood at about 65 meters, it is still a remarkable structure. Completed around 2510 BCE, the lower section of the pyramid was clad in red granite, a much harder and more prestigious material than limestone, symbolizing status and significance.

The Giza Pyramid Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains a powerful symbol of spirituality, royal power, and architectural genius.

Great Sphinx of Giza

The Great Sphinx is a monumental stone statue located near the three pyramids. It depicts a hybrid figure with the body of a lion and the head of a human, most likely representing Pharaoh Khafre, who ruled during the Old Kingdom around 2500 BCE.

The Sphinx is 20 meters tall and 73 meters long, carved directly from the limestone bedrock of the Giza Plateau. Its form was shaped using chiseling and smoothing techniques, likely with stone tools.

The Sphinx’s large nose and pointed beard were likely added after its initial construction. Its gaze faces east, toward the rising sun.

Over the centuries, the Sphinx has sustained significant damage and erosion. Its nose, for instance, was destroyed—possibly by cannon fire during the Napoleonic wars. Despite many restorations, much of the statue’s original form has been preserved.

The Sphinx has inspired numerous theories and legends over time. According to ancient Egyptian tradition, it was the guardian of the Giza temple. Other interpretations link it to solar deities or astrological beliefs.

Today, the Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the most iconic and visited landmarks in all of Egypt.

Tomb of Queen Meresankh III

Beneath the shadow of the Great Pyramid lies the mastaba tomb of Queen Meresankh III, wife of Pharaoh Khafre and granddaughter of Khufu. This beautifully decorated tomb reflects her high status.

Its walls are adorned with detailed scenes depicting daily activities such as bread making, beer brewing, hunting, and statue carving—likely of Meresankh herself. These images were intended to magically provide her spirit with sustenance in the afterlife. Among the illustrated offerings are a bed, armchair, and portable chair, similar to those found in the tomb of her great-grandmother, Queen Hetepheres I.

A striking feature of the tomb is a group of 10 female statues carved into the northern wall, believed to represent Meresankh, her mother, and her daughters. The tomb offers valuable insight into ancient Egyptian funerary beliefs and elite culture.

Address and Map

Giza Necropolis – Al Haram, Giza Governorate 3512201, Egypt

Opening Hours

Here the opening hours of the Giza Necropolis:

• April to September (summer): daily, 8.00 AM – 5.00 PM
• October to March (winter): daily, 8.00 AM – 4.00 PM
• Last entry: 1 hour before closing time

Note – The best time to visit the Giza Necropolis, especially in summer, is in the morning between 8.00 AM and 12.00 PM to avoid the heat and the midday haze.

Last update: May 7, 2025

Ticket Prices

The cost of entrance fees for the Giza Pyramids area vary depending on nationality and age, as with the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Foreign Visitors

• General Admission:
  • Adults: EGP 540 (~ €16.50)
  • Students: EGP 270 (~ €8.25)
    (does not include access to the pyramids or tombs)
• Great Pyramid Entry:
  • Adults: EGP 900 (~ €7.50)
  • Students: EGP 450 (~ €13.75)
    (requires a general admission ticket as well)
• Tomb of Queen Meresankh III:
  • Adults: EGP 120 (~ €3.70)
  • Students: EGP 60 (~ €1.85)
    (requires a general admission ticket)

Egyptian and Arab Citizens

• General Admission:
  • Adults: EGP 60 (~ €1.85)
  • Students: EGP 30 (~ €0.90)
    (pyramid and tomb entries not included)
• Great Pyramid Entry:
  • Adults: EGP 100 (~ €3.10)
  • Students: EGP 50 (~ €1.55)
• Tomb of Queen Meresankh III:
  • Adults: EGP 20 (~ €0.60)
  • Students: EGP 5 (~ €0.15)

Vehicle Entry

• Taxi: EGP 20 (~ €0.60)
• Minibus: EGP 40 (~ €1.20)
• Bus: EGP 60 (~ €1.80)

Tickets

You can purchase priority access tickets to the Giza Pyramids online through GetYourGuide, via this real-time availability calendar:

• Free cancellation with full refund up to 24 hours before your scheduled visit

Other types of tickets are also available on GetYourGuide, including a nighttime sound & light show at the Pyramids of Giza.

Guided Tours

A wide variety of guided tours and excursions to the Pyramids are available for online booking on GetYourGuide. Here two examples:

Departures are offered directly from the Giza site, from Cairo, or even from major tourist hubs such as Alexandria, Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, and Eilat.

For detailed tour options, you can also check out our dedicated excursion page, where trips are organized by departure city.

Books

Here is our selection of books on the Pyramids and the Sphinx, also for children and teens. All books are available for purchase online at Amazon.

Hotels in Giza

» Find the best hotels near the Giza Necropolis – some with beautiful Pyramid views – available on Booking.com
» Discover the best areas to stay in the Greater Cairo metropolitan area
» Consider wheter ​it is better to stay in Cairo or Giza on our useful accommodation guide

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Top photo: The three Giza Pyramids.
Original title: All Gizah Pyramids in one shot.
By Ricardo Liberato via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)