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The Pyramid of Khufu Overview
Facts About Pyramid of Khufu
The Khufu Pyramid of Giza was constructed with roughly 2.3 million stone blocks of which a few weigh over 50-80 tons. The core stones for the formation of the inner monolith were extracted from Giza and were strategically placed at an angle. And the outer casing blocks were placed in a horizontal sequence and spaces were filled with plaster made of gypsum. Originally the outer casing was done using Tura limestone which reflected the sunlight quite brightly. It is also stated that the top of the pyramid was to be covered in gold whose light would have been visible from a great distance
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The interior of the Pyramid of Khufu has some mysterious chambers and passageways. The entrance to the inside of the pyramid of Khufu is quite an adventure as you need to crawl through a congested elevation towards a chamber that opens up to a gorgeous view of the Grand Gallery. The interior of the King’s Chamber is built entirely from red granite that was brought from the southern quarries of Aswan. Above the King’s chamber are five stress-relieving chambers made of huge granite blocks.
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The pyramid of Khufu took over 20 years to complete. Its construction started around 2580 BC and was completed around 2560 BC. The Khufu Pyramid of Giza was built originally with shining limestones that beautifully reflected the sun's rays throughout the day. However, these stones were destroyed during the early years of its completion. The pyramid of Khufu is the tallest man-made structure and is 141 meters tall. The giant monolith is accompanied by the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure.
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The restoration of the pyramid of Khufu was done by the succeeding pharaoh, including Amenhotep II, of the New Kingdom. Throughout the Middle Ages, the pyramid was ransacked multiple times, even by Caliph al-Mamun in 820 AD. In 1765, a modern traveler named Nathaniel Davison was the first to see the inside of Khufu’s pyramid. This was followed by the first real excavation by Giovani Belzoni and was continued by Colonel Vyse in 1835 who discovered four additional chambers.
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Know Before You Visit the Pyramid of Khufu
Location: Giza Necropolis, Al Giza Desert, Giza Governorate, Egypt
Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM (During Summer), 8 AM to 4 PM (During Winter)
How To Reach-
By Taxi: You can take a local taxi or an Uber to the Pyramid complex.
By Bus: You can board a public bus or a microbus to the Pyramid complex. For public buses take routes 355, 357, 900, or 997 to Giza.
By Metro: Metro line 2 will take you to the nearest station- Giza located on Al Haram Road, from there take the 900 or 997 bus or a taxi to the Giza Necropolis.
Best Time To Visit: Winters are the best time to experience Egypt since the heat is quite harsh during the summer season. The months of October to March are most favorable if you wish to avoid Egyptian heat. However, if you’re visiting during the summer, start your tour early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat.
- The pyramid of Khufu is also known as the Great Pyramid of Giza and is the oldest Seven Wonders of the World.
- The pyramid was built over the period of 20 years from 2580 BC and was completed in 2560 BC.
- The total height of Khufu’s pyramid is 141 meters and it is the tallest man-made structure in 3,800 years.
- The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only Wonder remaining from the ancient world.
- The pyramid was initially covered in limestone that beautifully reflected the rays of the sun, the outer casing of limestones was later destroyed.
- About 2.3 million blocks of stone were used to build the pyramid with approximately 5.5 million tons of limestone and 8,000 tons of granite.
Tips To Visit the Pyramid of Khufu
- To cut down the travel time from Cairo to Giza, choose a hotel in Giza with a view of the pyramids.
- If you love ancient and historic facts, hiring a tour guide will be a great option.
- Beat the heat and the rush by visiting the pyramids early in the morning around 10 AM.
- The pyramid complex is massive and it gets really hot during the afternoon, so you can choose to ride a camel.
- Wear light clothes as it will be very hot throughout the day and even inside the pyramids.
- Put your bargaining skills to use at local Egyptian shops.
FAQs
Can We Book Pyramid of Giza Tickets online?
The tickets for a visit to the Pyramid of Giza can be booked online. A wide range of websites offers online booking services which include a guided tour of the entire pyramid complex. Depending on your tickets, it may also include a pick-and-drop service from Cairo or Giza to the Giza Necropolis.
What’s Inside the Pyramid Of Giza?
During the early restoration and excavations, a lot of the treasure was looted from the pyramids, so there isn’t much to see on the inside. - You can take a look at the Grand Gallery as soon as you enter. - Inside there’s a King chamber where an empty granite sarcophagus lies.- The Queen’s chamber is at a lower level located below the King's chamber.- There are five stress-relieving chambers situated over the King’s chamber.- An underground passageway leads to the subterranean chamber also used as an escape passageway.- You can also see the beautiful interiors with red granite walls inside the King’s chamber.
What to know about the Pyramids Of Giza?
- Some of the most interesting Pyramids of Giza are the oldest structures of Ancient Egypt that have remained broadly intact.
- Three main pyramids form the complex of the Pyramids of Giza: the Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure.
- The most impressive Pyramids of Giza facts is that the Pyramid of Khufu was the largest man-made structure for 3,800 years until the construction of the Lincoln Cathedral, England in 1311 AD.
- A total of nine pyramids and the Great Sphinx are located on the Giza plateau also known as the Giza Necropolis.
- Inside each pyramid is a King’s chamber where their coffins are located.
- Entering the pyramids costs extra, you’ll need to buy additional tickets for Pyramid access unless it’s included in your pre-booked package.
Are the Pyramids of Giza worth visiting?
It is certainly worth visiting one of the oldest Seven Wonders of the World. The Pyramids of Giza are a wondrous sight to behold. The astonishing structure and its detailed architecture will leave you speechless. It is said that the precision with which the pyramid was built during the ancient time is hard to achieve today even with modern technology.
What is the best time to visit the Pyramid of Khufu?
The best time to visit the Pyramid of Khufu would be early morning from 10 AM to noon. The rush is comparatively low and if you’re visiting during the summer, the heat is also tolerable. Although, the winter months of October to March are the most favorable time for a visit to Egypt.
For whom the Pyramid Of Khafre was built?
The second largest pyramid in the Giza Necropolis is the Pyramid of Khafre. It was built for the third pharaoh of the 4th dynasty of the Old Kingdom of Ancient Egypt. The Pyramid of Khafre was built around 2540 BC and Khefre was the son of Khufu. He was also known by his Greek name Chephren.
Where is the Pyramid of Khufu located?
The Pyramid of Khufu, also known as the Great Pyramid of Giza, is situated on the Giza Plateau, just outside Cairo, Egypt. It is one of the three iconic pyramids in the Giza complex, along with the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure. Constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu, the Pyramid stands as a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians. Its strategic location on the Giza Plateau allows visitors to witness the majestic beauty and historical significance of this ancient wonder, making it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world.
Who built the Pyramid of Khufu?
The Pyramid of Khufu, also known as the Great Pyramid of Giza, was built during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu, the second pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom of Egypt. Khufu ruled from around 2589 to 2566 BCE, and his ambitious pyramid was constructed as his grand burial monument. It is the largest and most famous pyramid of the Giza complex and stands as a testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of the ancient Egyptians. The construction of the Pyramid of Khufu remains an awe-inspiring feat, reflecting the ancient Egyptians' deep cultural and religious beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife.
Inside the Pyramid of Khufu
Inside the Pyramid of Khufu, a monumental marvel of ancient engineering, lies a labyrinthine journey into the heart of history. Standing tall amidst the desert sands, this enigmatic structure has captivated the world for centuries. As you step through its weathered entrance, you embark on an expedition that transcends time. Darkened corridors lead to chambers that once housed the treasures of a pharaoh, whose legacy reverberates through millennia. The air is thick with the weight of ages, whispering tales of a civilization's ingenuity and spirituality.
The ascending passages challenge your senses, as you inch closer to the apex, where the ancient architects' precision is displayed in the majestic Grand Gallery. With each step, the pyramid's secrets unravel — the construction mysteries, the symbolic significance, and the awe-inspiring artistry. The echoes of the past envelop you, transcending the boundaries of space and reality. Inside these ancient stone walls, history comes alive, inviting you to decipher its ageless riddles and bask in the wonder of the ages.