Attractions in Giza (Cairo)

Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids of Giza

The commentary might not impress you, but the dazzling light show and awe-inspiring backdrop of the Sphinx and Pyramids surely will. Three times a night in three different languages, the Sphinx plays the role of storyteller, narrating the history of ancient Egypt. Shows are held in English, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Arabic. Call ahead to check the time of the performance you want to attend; private viewing times can be arranged.

Step Pyramid of Saqqara

Designed by Imhotep, chief architect of the III Dynasty pharaoh Djoser, this six-tiered funerary chamber was the first pyramid. Prior to its construction, pharaohs were buried beneath rectangular mastabas. Imhotep created a pyramid by stacking six increasingly smaller mastabas on top of each other. Later pharaohs took it a step further to create the pyramids seen at Giza and elsewhere. An extensive funerary complex surrounds the pyramid. It is a very atmospheric place and the highlight for many is wandering through the hypostyle hall and Great South Court, part of which has been rebuilt. Special permission is needed to enter the pyramid.

Cairo Zoo

One of the oldest zoos in the world, the Cairo Zoo was established in 1891 when Khedive Ismail relinquished part of his vast gardens and private menagerie to the government. Its labyrinth of paths and abundance of greenery makes it an enjoyable place to stroll. For a nominal sum, the zookeepers will let you feed the giraffes, hippopotami and camels. For a little more, they'll let you taunt the famished lions. If you're into swarms of crowds, try visiting on Sham el-Nessim, when every family will be out picnicking.

The Sphinx

Of all Egypt's monuments, none is as majestic and haunting as the Great Sphinx. It was named as such by the Greeks, because of its physical similarity to a mythical creature with a lion's body and woman's head who devoured passers-by unable to answer her riddle. Arabs know it as Abu el-Hol (Father of Terror). Carved out of a limestone outcropping in front of the Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx is 50 x 20 meters (165 x 65 feet) high. Conventional archeologists attribute its construction to the IV Dynasty pharaoh Khafre (who built one of the three pyramids behind it), but others suggest it may be much older. The nose and beard were later shot off by Mameluke troops who used the Sphinx for target practice. Visitors cannot climb on the monument, but there is a viewing platform accessible through the granite mortuary temple to one side.

Khafre Pyramid of Chephren

At first glance, this pyramid appears taller than the that of Cheops, but this is only because it is built on higher ground and still has its top intact. It was built by the IV Dynasty pharaoh Khafre (Chephren) around 2550 BCE and the first recorded entry was made by Belzoni in 1818. He found no treasure or inscriptions inside, and it is believed to have been looted by Arabs 1000 years earlier. The ticket for the Giza Plateau covers entrance to the site. A separate ticket is required to enter each pyramid and the Solar Boat Museum.

Cheops Great Pyramid of Khufu

The most famous site in Egypt, and the one that appears on almost every tour package, this is the oldest and largest of the pyramids on the Giza Plateau. Built by the IV Dynasty pharaoh Khufu (better known as Cheops) around 2570 BCE, this 140-meter (460-foot)-high monument contains an estimated 2.3 million blocks averaging 2270 kilograms (2.5 tons). Its purpose is controversial: Many believe it was the ancient burial chamber of the pharaoh and his queen, while others suggest it had astronomical functions. As no inscriptions or mummies were found inside, speculation continues. It is now illegal to climb the pyramid, but you can go inside. After a descent at a crouch, a steep ascending passage leads to the Grand Gallery and two chambers. The King's Chamber contains a lidless granite sarcophagus while the so-called Queens Chamber was found empty. A separate ticket is required to enter each pyramid and the Solar Boat Museum.

Pyramid of Menkaure

The smallest of the three great pyramids of Giza, this pyramid was built by the IV Dynasty pharaoh Menkaure (Mycerinus) around 2525 BCE. It is slightly offset from the plane of its two neighbors, which has led some to notice a similar layout to the stars in the belt of the constellation Orion. Most of its casing stones were removed in the 12th century when a sultan spent eight months trying in vain to demolish it.

Mastaba of Ptah-Hotep & Akhti-Hotep

This mastaba is actually a double mastaba, belonging to both Akhti-Hotep and Ptah-Hotep. They were the son and grandson of vizier Ptah-Hotep, both of whom held posts as inspectors of the priests serving the Pyramids of three kings of the V Dynasty. Ptah-Hotep is often referred to in the inscriptions as a priest of Maat. Maat was the Goddess of truth and justice, and she was a physical representation of all that is good and true - the ancient Egyptians were required to live according to the "way of Maat." Ptah-Hotep may have actually been a priest of Maat, or, more probably he was a lover of all that is true and good. The reliefs in this Mastaba are the best preserved in all the Old Kingdom. They have retained much of the original pigmentation and are a delight to see.

Mastaba of Ti

This tomb, discovered by Mariette in 1865, is an important source of knowledge about the Old Kingdom. Ti was an important court dignitary, being one of the Chief of the Pharaoh's hairdressers and responsible for the adornment of the Royal Head! He was also the controller of ponds, stock rearing and arable farms. Three shafts lead down to the burial chambers. Ti's burial chamber is not decorated and his sarcophagus is rather plain. There is a statue of Ti; however, but bear in mind that it is only a replica - the original can be seen in the museum of Cairo.

Colossus of Ramses II

The Colossus of Ramses II is just that: colossal. Imagine a statue ten meters (33 feet) long (and this despite the fact that the feet are missing). It is a true testimony to the skill and workmanship of the ancients, not to mention their patience. The anatomy is impeccable, the sheer size of it is intimidating. This great fallen statue was found by Giovanni Caviglia in 1820 near the south gate of the Temple of Ptah. It is a mere accident of fate that the statue is still in Egypt as Mohammed Ali had donated the statue to the British Museum. However, the mammoth task of relocating the statue prevented the British from moving this piece of Egyptian heritage.

Meidum Pyramid

This interesting pyramid is thought to have been started by Pharaoh Huni, and completed by his son Sneferu, the founder of the IV Dynasty (2613-2494 BCE). It is one of the few pyramids where one does not stop to marvel at the ingenuity of the ancient Egyptian architect. The flawed pyramid began as an eight-stepped structure. The steps were then filled in, and a smooth granite casing put in place, thus turning it into a true pyramid. Unfortunately, it seems that the stress distribution had not been correctly calculated so the outer walls collapsed.

Alabaster Sphinx

The Sphinxes are the most mystical creatures of ancient Egypt. By far the most famous Sphinx is that of Giza; however, this is far from being the only sphinx in Egypt. In fact, there are scores of Sphinxes all over the country. The Alabaster Sphinx is an impressive, 8 x 4 meter (25 x 13 foot)-structure. This Sphinx is particularly special because it is made from alabaster - a material rarely used for construction. Alabaster is mythically associated, mythically speaking with the sun and solar powers. Well worth a visit.