Giza
Together with Cairo, Luxor and Alexandria, Giza is one of Egypt’s most internationally famous destinations due to its majestic and impressive pyramids built by the Pharaohs of antiquity around 4,600 years ago. It’s unfailingly visited by everyone who comes to Cairo on holiday and wants to discover the secrets of the Ancient Egyptian Empire.
The three pyramids of Giza are known as the Great Pyramid of Giza (Cheops), the Pyramid of Khafre (Chephren), and the Pyramid of Menkaure (Mycerinus), but there are also other tombs here, including mastabas and hypogeums that were used by members of the court, high-standing dignitaries and priests. The great pyramids were part of large funerary complexes featuring temples and other, smaller pyramids that were used by the queens.
Giza has over two and a half million inhabitants and is south-east of Cairo, forming part of the city’s metropolitan area. It’s where you’ll find the main tourist hotels, many of which have views of the pyramids. How long does it take to visit these famous tombs? We recommend setting aside at least a full morning or afternoon to visit the complex, including the funerary chamber of one of the pyramids.
And don’t miss the Great Sphinx! It’s 70 m long, 20 m tall and one of the largest sculptures to be carved out of one block of limestone rock dating from antiquity. An Egyptian Museum is also being built near to the pyramids.
Giza has many lovely sights that will catch your eye as you stroll along its streets. If you lose track of time and are ready for lunch or dinner, head to 9 Pyramids Lounge, the first restaurant to open in the Giza necropolis; it has incredible views of the pyramids. The restaurant serves breakfasts, lunches and dinners, with emblematic dishes including baba ghanoush, made from aubergine, olive oil and lemon, fattah, a rice dish with meat, bread and yoghurt sauce, and sambusek, a type of pie. The most typical desserts are um ali, which are made from pastry, dried fruit and milk.
So, a visit to Giza in Cairo is essential if you’d like to experience the incredible sight of the pyramids.
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