The Secrets of the Pyramids: Legacy, Tourism, and Preservation
The ancient pyramids of Egypt, built for kings, their sons, and grandsons, continue to protect their mysteries. Surrounding these monumental tombs are smaller pyramids for queens and other family members, where they too were mummified and laid to rest. Two temples are also located around the pyramids, likely used for funeral ceremonies and rituals.
In ancient Egypt, belief in resurrection after death prevailed. Pharaohs were mummified, buried with treasures to ensure their protection and immortality. The secret of the mummification process, which prevented the bodies of kings from decaying for centuries, remains a mystery to this day.
The famous 17th-century traveler, Evliya Çelebi, also mentioned the Egyptian pyramids in his travelogue, highlighting their enduring significance.
A Pillar of Egypt’s Economy
Last year, Egypt welcomed 14.9 million tourists, with a significant portion of its tourism revenue coming from visitors to the pyramids. The pyramids attract millions of tourists annually, making a vital contribution to the country’s economy.
Visitors to the Giza Necropolis can explore the pyramids between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. However, the Great Pyramid of Giza (Khufu’s pyramid) is closed to visitors from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
Ticket offices remain open until 4:00 PM, with entry fees set at 540 Egyptian pounds for general admission and 270 pounds for international student cardholders. To enter the pyramids’ interiors, the fee is 900 pounds for general entry and 450 pounds for students. Payments are only accepted via bank card, and children under 6 years old can visit for free.
While photography is allowed outside the pyramids, no photos are permitted inside.
Camel and Horse Cart Tours
At the entrance to the pyramid complex, visitors can enjoy camel and horse-drawn carriage rides. Horse cart rides cost 500 Egyptian pounds per hour, offering the best views of the pyramids from various angles.
Symbolic camel tours, often associated with the pyramids, cost 1,000 Egyptian pounds per hour, while a short photo opportunity on a camel is priced at 300 pounds.
A Monumental Construction
The Great Pyramid of Khufu, part of the 4th Dynasty of Pharaohs, was built with massive limestone blocks, each weighing thousands of kilograms. Construction of the pyramid, made from an estimated 2.3 million stone blocks, is believed to have taken 20 years, with 800 tons of stone laid each day.
The king’s burial chamber inside the pyramid was made of granite stones, believed to have been transported by boat from Aswan via the Nile River.
The second largest pyramid, that of Khafre, is thought to have been built by Khufu’s son, Khafre, and remains a remarkable testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of ancient Egypt.