How Many Pyramids are Located in Giza?

Standing in the desert near Cairo, Giza is the home of one of the seven ancient wonders of the world – the Great Pyramids. But did you know there are more pyramids located in Giza? The Giza Necropolis, or ancient cemetery, is located on the Giza Plateau, the site of several pyramids of ancient royal burial sites. It consists of the three Great Pyramids, the gigantic sculpture known as The Great Sphinx, several cemeteries, a workers’ village, an industrial complex and many smaller tombs and pyramids. The three major pyramids in Giza are so famous because they are the biggest and most visually impressive structures of their type ever built, using the most advanced engineering and construction techniques of their time. The three Great Pyramids are:

• The Great Pyramid of Khufu: also known as the Pyramid of Cheops and the oldest of the three pyramids in Giza, it is believed to have been built for Pharaoh Khufu, son of Snefru, and is estimated to have been built around 2560 B.C. It is estimated to contain around 2.3 million limestone blocks and is the only one at Giza that still has its significant part of its limestone casing intact.
• The Pyramid of Khafre: also known as the Pyramid of Chephren and estimated to have been built for Pharaoh Khafre, son of Khufu, and is estimated to have been built around 2535 B.C. It is somewhat smaller than the Great Pyramid of Khufu and is made to appear larger due to the elevation it stands on.
• The Pyramid of Menkaure: also known as the Pyramid of Mycerinus and estimated to have been built for Pharaoh Menkaure, son of Khafre, and is estimated to have been built around 2490 B.C. It stands at only 65.5 meters tall, making it dwarf compared to the other two.

In addition to those three major pyramids in Giza, there are around 10 smaller satellite pyramids surrounding them that may have been used for noble family members or as a final resting place for Pharaohs’ close friends or family. Some of these are about a 30-minute walk from the three original Great Pyramids of Giza. It also seems that there is evidence for at least six additional burial places with pyramidal shapes for which no details are available so far. Additionally, there are smaller pyramids located in nearby areas like Abu Rawash, Zawiyet el-Aryan and Saqqara, south of Giza. It’s clear that the ancient Egyptians were experts at designing and building these impressive structures and truly utilized an ancient wisdom we are still trying to uncover today. The pyramids in Giza show us that geometry and mathematics were important components in this ancient culture, providing insight into their spiritual beliefs and values. All in all, it is estimated that there are at least 19 pyramids located in Giza; 3 major ones, 6 minor ones and 10 smaller satellite pyramids surrounding them. To learn more about this amazing site, check out this guide from Tour Egypt for detailed information about history and culture of Giza’s pyramids.

Insider’s Guide to Exploring Giza, Egypt

Giza is an expansive city in Egypt, located on the west bank of the Nile River. Probably the most well-known landmark in the city is the Great Pyramid of Giza. As a tourist, you will have multiple opportunities to visit Giza and take in its incredible historical significance as well as its modern attractions. Giza has a lot to offer, including vast deserts, ancient temples and dramatic landscapes perfect for photography.

Top Attractions in Giza

The most prominent attraction for tourists visiting Giza is the Giza Necropolis, which comprises the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, one of the ancient world’s Seven Wonders. The pyramids are the main attractions here and are the last remaining of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the largest and oldest of the three pyramids. Visitors can enter Khufu’s Pyramid and take in the elaborate interior construction, while also marveling at the impressive size and scale of the exterior. The Sphinx lies just outside the pyramids, a statue of a lion’s body and the head of a pharaoh, and is a hugely popular and world-famous attraction.

In addition to the pyramids and Sphinx, there are other attractions worth exploring, such as the Giza Solar Boat Museum where one can see a wooden boat believed to have been used to transport the deceased Pharaoh into afterlife. The Valley Temple is another attraction that visitors shouldn’t miss; it was once used for the majestic processions known as ‘The Heb Sed’ and has a granite statue of the Pharaoh.

Local Dining and Food Spots

To explore traditional Egyptian cuisine, Giza has a few noteworthy restaurants. Abou El Sid is a popular candidate for the best authentic Egyptian restaurant in the region. With extraordinary decor and a garden setting, you can sit and dine with friends and family while enjoying the local cuisine. If you’re looking for cheap and cheerful street food, visit Felfela Restaurant where you can try out some delicious falafel sandwiches or kebabs.

Cultural Experiences in Giza

In addition to exploring ancient structures that are well over 4000 years old, Giza is also a great place to experience the modern, lively Egyptian culture. Try exploring the city’s living cults, visit the local markets and marts where vendors sell everything from quaint souvenirs to exotic spices. Visitors also get the opportunity to learn some embroidery techniques, where by they will use silk threads to craft fine silhouettes of almost anything imaginable, and also take home handcrafted souvenirs.

Local History and Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

In addition to the pyramids, Giza was once home to many other ancient wonders. Saqqara, located south of the Great Pyramids, is home to the Step Pyramid, the world’s first-ever structure built in stone, and the Imhotep Museum which holds records of ancient Egyptian medicine. The Dahshur Pyramids, around 10 km south of Giza, are home to the Bent and the Red pyramids, two must-see ancient attractions.

If you have extra time on your trip to Giza, explore the beautiful Wadi El Rayan waterfalls and lakes around 2 hours southwest of Giza.

Conclusion

Giza is a unique and fascinating place to visit, with its blend of old moments and daily living of the locals in a modern atmosphere. The vast history and culture of the city offer an enriching travel experience for tourists from all walks of life. Egyptian history and its pyramids should take central stage, it is a visit not to be rushed but to be fully enjoyed and appreciated.