Riding camels to Giza pyramid complex; credit Murat Sahin
Giza
Although it is a suburb of Cairo, Giza is on the west bank of the Nile River and existed long before the Cairo metropolis. Giza lies 18 miles north of Memphis, the first capital of Egypt, and its first pharaoh, Narmer. To world travelers, Giza is famous for the Giza Plateau of impressive ancient Egyptian royal structures, including the Great Sphinx, the Great Pyramid of Giza, two other large pyramids for pharaohs, three smaller pyramids for queens and their mortuary temples.
Giza is less than 20 miles from Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt’s Old Kingdom. Giza served as the necropolis (burial center) of several pharaohs in Memphis who ruled Egypt’s Old Kingdom up to 4500 years ago. Three of these tombs, in the form of giant pyramids form the Giza pyramid complex.
As ancient Egypt passed under several conquests by the Libyans, Nubians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines, so did the Giza pyramid complex. A Byzantine village named Phylake meaning “the fortress”, was located south of Giza. Muslims conquered Egypt from the Byzantine Empire beginning in 639 AD. In 642 AD, they founded the city of Giza. The exact origin of its name is unknown.
Giza welcomes 8 million tourists every year, making tourism one of the major sources of income for Egypt. Consider exploring these world-famous tourist attractions in Giza, Egypt.
6 Best Places To Visit In Giza
Arab proverb: “Man fears time, yet time fears the pyramids”
Map of Giza Pyramid Complex; credit Messer Woland
1. The Pyramid Complex of Giza
Khufu’s pyramid complex is the oldest among the seven wonders of the ancient world and the largest of 3 Giza pyramids. Built as a necropolis (tomb) for a king, Khufu pyramid, made of granite and limestone, is nearly 4500 years old and stands 445 feet tall. When its original height included a crown, the pyramid stood 481-487 feet tall, depending on the quote source. Design of the pyramid is alleged by some to have a geometric relationship with celestial bodies, such as the orbit of the earth around the sun. Visit the pyramid in the morning as only a limited number of visitors are allowed.
Khafre’s pyramid complex consists of a valley temple, the Sphinx temple, a causeway, a mortuary temple, and the king’s pyramid. The valley temple yielded several statues of Khafre. Several were found in a well of the temple by Mariette in 1860. Khafre’s complex contained five boat pits and a subsidiary pyramid with a serdab. Khafre’s pyramid, completed in 2570 BC, appears larger than the adjacent Khufu Pyramid by virtue of its more elevated location, and the steeper angle of inclination. It is actually smaller in height and volume.
Menkaure’s pyramid complex also consists of a valley temple, a causeway, a mortuary temple, and the king’s pyramid. The valley temple once contained several statues of Menkaure. During the 5th Dynasty, a smaller ante-temple was added to the valley temple. The mortuary temple also yielded several statues of Menkaure. The king’s pyramid, completed in 2510 BC, has three queen’s pyramids. Of the four major monuments, only Menkaure’s pyramid is seen today without any of its original polished limestone casing.
Archie Family kids visiting Giza; credit Candice Archie
2. Great Sphinx of Giza
It is a limestone statue located in Giza and is one of the most famous landmarks in Egypt. The sphinx basically features the body of a lion and the head of a human. The height of the sphinx is the major attraction for visitors. The face of the Sphinx represents the Pharaoh Khafre. The Great Sphinx is a 4,500-year-old limestone statue 240 feet wide by 66 feet high and one of the world’s largest monuments. Some people frame the image of themselves kissing the Sphinx when it’s actually several hundred feet in the background.
3. The Grand Egyptian Museum
This new museum with the largest group of Ancient Egypt artifacts. There is construction going on in the museum so as to add more new artifacts here. The museum is also set to become a hub for communications between different museums around the world. This is one of the most amazing places to visit in Giza, Egypt. The pinnacle exhibit is the 36 feet high, 83-ton granite sculpture of the 19th-Dynasty Pharaoh Ramesses II.
Ramesses II standing in the Grand Egyptian Museum, Giza
4. Giza Solar Boat Museum
Constructed in the year 1985, the main aim behind constructing this museum was to display the Khufu Solar Ship which was reconstructed. This small museum in Giza is a remarkable and excellent archaeological site. Going back to history, the solar boats were basically large ships that were used in religious rituals. But mostly they were made to be used in the funeral rituals of the king. People enamored with Egyptian ingenuity will find this museum to be a must-visit.
5. Pharaonic Village
You will get the best experience of art and history here. As you enter the place, get lost in its beauty depicting the history of Egypt. You will also find Hellenistic Museum here along with a replica of the Tomb of Tutankhamun. You can relive the history of Egypt in this village, which is counted amongst the best attractions in Giza.
6. Wissa Wassef Art Centre
You will find a different type of calm when you will visit this art center of two parts. One of its museums houses terracotta and the other one is a gallery for batiks and weavings. You will also find lovely gardens around the building of the art center. The ticket to this art center is reasonably priced. Do visit the Wissa Wassef Art Centre on your visit to Giza.
