Giza: Pyramids, Sphinx and Historic Sites

In the broader travel region of Giza, the Giza Plateau is located in Giza Governorate on the west bank of the Nile; it is considered extensive. The pyramids, Sphinx, tombs and temples give the area a rich historical character: its themes range from royal monuments and cemeteries to traces of the people who worked on pyramid complexes. For trip planning, the sights can be organized by monuments, burial sites and settlement history.

Pyramids and their associations

In the broader destination of Giza, the three pyramids were built for Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. The Great Pyramid is the tomb of King Khufu and the oldest and largest of the three great pyramids; the Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest. At the same time, the Pyramid of Khufu in the broader destination of Giza is considered the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World.

Tombs and archaeological finds

Two large boats were discovered in pits on the south side of the Great Pyramid. The complex of the Pyramid of Khufu includes the Eastern and Western Cemeteries; both contain tombs of members of the royal family and high-ranking nobles. The mastaba of Queen Meresankh III lies in the shadow of the Great Pyramid. She was the wife of Khafre and the granddaughter of Khufu; her mastaba contains the best-preserved wall reliefs in the Eastern Cemetery.

In the broader destination of Giza, most tombs in the Eastern Cemetery were intended for the pharaohs’ closest relatives, while the Western Cemetery was reserved for high-ranking nobles, including Hemiunu. This is a helpful distinction if you want to understand the cemeteries in their historical context.

Sphinx and temples

The Great Sphinx of Giza was carved directly out of the bedrock during the 4th Dynasty. The Great Sphinx and the Sphinx Temple are located right next to the Valley Temple of Khafre. The Valley Temple is one of the best-preserved temples of the Old Kingdom.

The people behind the pyramids

Heit al-Ghurab was a settlement where the workers who built the pyramid complexes of Khafre and Menkaure lived. In the broader destination of Giza, the plateau also includes pyramids of queens and the workers’ tombs.

Giza in its broader historical context

Memphis is also part of the broader historical context of the destination of Giza: during the Old Kingdom, it was Egypt’s main administrative capital. The Temple of Ptah is located in Mit Rahina. Near the Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum is located at El Remayah Square on the Cairo–Alexandria Desert Road. It is part of the ancient site of Memphis and its necropolis, a World Heritage Site. If you are planning a visit, check the latest information, as operational details may change.

Activities on the plateau

In the broader destination of Giza, camel rides and horse-drawn carriage rides across the Giza Plateau are offered. Before your trip, check whether your preferred option is available, as availability may change.

Discover more destinations: Kerdasah, Al Doqi, Bani Salamah, Madinat as-Sadis min Uktubar, Bawīti, Bani Majdul, Atati, Mandishah

Return to the broader travel overview: Giza.