The first structure of their size to ever be constructed on Earth, the Giza Pyramids have been standing there, gazing at the world, for more than forty-five centuries. These three colossal structures have dazzled tourists for centuries, and they are definitely the world’s first tourist attraction. One’s first encounter with the Pyramids is immaculate, it explains why they’re the greatest of the Seven Wonders of the World. For centuries, people have asked why they were built? How they were built? And the more recent: Were they built by human beings?

Aside from the Three Great Pyramids, a few cemeteries are scattered here and there. Hardly any tourists visit these cemeteries for they are over-shadowed by the pyramids. Nevertheless, the tomb of Queen Mersyankh, as well as the tomb of Khenthawes might be worth a visit. At and around

the pyramids you’ll be bombarded with locals trying to get you on a horse or camel for extremely high prices. Supposedly, they take you on a tour around all three pyramids and the Sphinx. For strange reasons however, the tour never seems to go as planned. If your interested in horse or camel riding we would suggest you go to the area behind the Sphinx, where you’ll find plenty of stables offering longer rides for better prices. See activities. If you’re not part of a tour, coming to the pyramids can be by taxi, public bus, or the smaller minibuses from Tahrir Sq. Just ask for the bus to Al-Haram. We must warn however that the red public bus to the pyramids can get quite crowded!

The oldest and largest of the three, Cheops’ Pyramid took around 30 years to build. In the year 2600 BC it stood 146 meters tall. Today it’s just shy of 138 meters. Eight meters in 45 centuries isn’t much when you come to think of it. Two and a half million blocks of limestone, each weighing over two tons, were used in its construction. The inside of the pyramid is equally beautiful, not if you’re claustrophobic

however. For an entry fee of 20LE (half for students) you can get inside to have a look at the king’s, as well as the queen’s, chambers. Each chamber has two ventilation shafts and there’s plenty of fresh air. The shaft leading to the chambers, however, is tiny and visitors must bend their backs while they are inside. Claustrophobics might want to refrain from entering the Pyramid of Cheops. Nearby are three smaller pyramids, which belong to the wives and sisters of Cheops.

Next to the Great Pyramid of Cheops is the Solar Barque Museum. In it are the wooden boats, which were meant to take Cheops to the after-world. Supposedly, the “oldest boat in the world” is on display there in a glass show room. Admission to see these ancient barques is around 20LE (half for students).

Contrary to common belief, the second Pyramid of Chephren is not a lot smaller than the Pyramid of Cheops, in fact they are about the same size. Originally the pyramid was 144 meters high, today it measures 136 meters. Chephren was

the son of Cheops and his pyramid is located just south-west of his father’s. A distinct feature of the Chephren Pyramid is that part of the original limestone casing still remains at its peak. This limestone casing once covered all three pyramids so that they all had a completely smooth surface. The inside chamber and Chepren’s sarcophagus are well worth a visit. Again however, claustrophobics should avoid entry, for the shafts are just as small as the ones in the Great Pyramid. Admission is for 20LE (half for students).

The smallest of the three pyramids belongs to Mycerinus, son of Chephren, and grandson of Cheops. At a height of 62 meters (originally 65) the pyramid isn’t really that small. Mycerinus’ pyramid is probably the least preserved of the three. The interior consists of the burial chamber and a few rooms, but isn’t very popular with tourists as compared to the other two pyramids. Once more, there is an admission fee of 20LE (half for students) to get inside Mycerinus’ pyramid.

Measuring 50 meters in length and 22 meters in height, the Sphinx was carved entirely from one huge block of limestone. It was so-called by the Greeks, because of its resemblance to their winged monster with a woman’s head and a lion’s body. The Sphinx was carved during Chephren’s reign. In fact, the head of the Sphinx does resemble the Pharaoh. Despite numerous

attempts by Napoleon and his army to destroy the Sphinx, they only managed to blast off its nose. Recently a huge restoration project has been completed and today the Sphinx is in tip-top condition ready to receive his visitors from around the world.

Similar to the one in Luxor and in Aswan, this was the first sound and light show. The spectacular show is definitely worth seeing. It takes place in several languages and, unlike the one in Karnak, is a completely seated show. There are two and sometimes three shows each evening. One at 7:30 and another at 8:30 (an hour earlier in winter). Admission is for 30LE (half for students). Check for your language.

The Mahmoud Khalil Museum houses the largest collection of 19th Century French Art in Egypt. Not to be compared with French museums or the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the collection is still, relatively alright. Two Gauguins, one Van Gogh, a few impressionist paintings by Monet, Pissaro and Sisley, one portrait by Degas, a figurative drawing by Toulouse Lautrec as well as numerous sculptures by Rodin are among the collection.

Mahmoud Khalil was a rich Egyptian in the 19th century, he lived in Paris for most of his life and actually became acquainted with many of the artists. When he died, his wife donated his collection to be exhibited in their beautiful mansion by the Nile, and called it the Mahmoud Khalil Museum, naturally. The museum is open from 9am to 6pm. Admission is for 20LE (half for students). Recently, a new annex/gallery has been added to the museum, called First Horizon. At the moment it is holding an exhibition called, "French Art, from Impressionism to Modernity". Mahmoud Khalil is located in Giza, on Giza St. (Tel: 336-2358/ 336-2376) On your right: Portrait by Degas