10 fascinating facts about the Pyramids of Giza

Few landmarks are as instantly recognizable as the Pyramids of Giza, but even after thousands of years, they continue to impress travelers—not just due to their stature, but to the lingering mysteries surrounding them. They remain an enigmatic and enduring symbol of ancient cultures, one that’s not to be missed on any trip to Egypt. From their astonishing construction to their ties to celestial bodies, here are some fascinating facts that make the pyramids even more extraordinary.

1. They’re the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

If you’re asking yourself, “How old are the Pyramids of Giza?” We’ve got the answer. The pyramids were built more than 1,200 years before the rule of Tutankhamun—the young pharaoh known around the world as King Tut—and the Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and last remaining of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was completed in 2560 B.C. and is the final resting place of King Khufu; the second-tallest structure in the Giza Necropolis, known as the Pyramid of Khafre, was completed in 2570 B.C. for King Khufu’s son. The smallest of the three pyramids, the Pyramid of Menkaure, houses the tomb of King Khufu’s grandson.

Remarkably, these ancient structures have withstood the test of time, surviving wars, natural disasters, and centuries of erosion. Their resilience speaks to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the ancient Egyptians. If you’ve ever wanted to experience these awe-inspiring wonders in person, join us on a trip to Egypt to see them for yourself. “Getting to climb inside of the Great Pyramid of Giza will be an experience that we will hold in our hearts forever,” said traveler Matthew after returning from our Egypt & Nile River Cruise.

2. The Great Pyramid was the tallest structure in the world for millennia

For over 3,800 years, the Great Pyramid of Giza was the tallest structure in the world. The Lincoln Cathedral in Lincoln, England, which was completed in 1311 A.D., was the first building to surpass its height. One of the most interesting facts about the Egyptian pyramids is that they’re significantly smaller today than they were when they were built due to erosion and the removal of their exterior casing stones (more on that later). Even still, they remain a commanding and formidable feature of the Egyptian landscape—one you can see for yourself on a tour of the country.

Here’s how the Pyramids of Giza stack up against one another:

• Height of the Great Pyramid of Giza: Originally 481 feet tall, it has shrunk the most of the three and now stands closer to 454 feet—still an impressive figure! This UNESCO-listed structure is just a little shorter than the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C.
• Height of the Pyramid of Khafre: At 448 feet, this pyramid is about 100 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty.
• Height of the Pyramid of Menkaure: You know the famous sails of the Sydney Opera House? This pyramid is the exact same height—213 feet!

Another one of our favorite Pyramids of Giza facts? While the Great Pyramid of Giza is the tallest, the Pyramid of Khafre appears taller. That’s because Khafre’s pyramid was built atop bedrock that is 33 feet higher than the foundation below Khufu’s. “Point your camera in any direction at the Pyramids of Giza and you’ll capture a breathtaking photo,” said traveler Ralph, who joined our Egypt & Nile River Cruise.

3. The three pharaohs’ pyramids aren’t the only pyramids in Giza

The towering Pyramids of Giza might be the country’s most well-known landmarks, but they’re not the only pyramids in Egypt—or the Giza Necropolis, for that matter. When you explore Giza on a tour of Egypt, you’ll notice three smaller pyramids located south of the Pyramid of Menkaure. They’re collectively known as the Queen’s Pyramids—presumed to be the burial sites of the wives and sisters of the great pharaohs who built the pyramids, though their owners have never been confirmed.

Others mark royal burial sites across the country, dotting the desert with monuments that have stood the test of time—many of which were built long before the Great Pyramid. Join the Saqqara & the Bent Pyramid with Lunch excursion on our Grand Tour of Egypt: Cairo, Pyramids of Giza & Nile River Cruise to visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world’s oldest complete stone structure, built 89 years before the Great Pyramid. It’s one of many wonders beyond the Pyramids of Giza that you can visit on a trip to Egypt.

4. The pyramids were originally covered in smooth, shining limestone

The Pyramids of Giza weren’t always the golden, sandy color we’re familiar with today. They were once encased in smooth, white Tura limestone, which caused them to sparkle in the sunlight. Over time (and thanks to earthquakes, theft, and opportunistic building), the stones were stripped from the pyramids. The Pyramid of Khafre has retained some of its casing stones near its top, and you can still find a few at the base of the Great Pyramid.

Remember that opportunistic building? It’s thought that some of the removed Tura limestone was repurposed in the 12th century for construction projects in Cairo. The most famous site made with those pilfered stones? The grand Cairo Citadel—which you can visit on any of our tours of Egypt.

5. It took 20 years to build the Great Pyramid—and we’re still not sure how it was done

Egyptologists are still not quite sure how the pyramids were built. One of the most mind-blowing facts about the Egyptian pyramids is that each of the limestone blocks used to build them weighed two tons—about the same as a midsize SUV. Exactly how laborers were able to maneuver the stones to construct the pyramids has been hotly debated for centuries, with several prevailing theories. Most agree that workers used a system of ramps, sledges, and pulleys to move the enormous blocks, but questions linger over the ramp configuration and whether or not water or sand was used to reduce friction.

A less widely accepted theory hypothesizes that the ancient Egyptians created canals and water-filled shafts around the pyramids to float the blocks into position. While there’s more evidence supporting the ramp theory, archaeologists did discover a papyrus record mentioning the pyramids’ casing stones being floated on boats from Tura, which lies across the Nile from Giza. “We got up close to the Great Pyramid, and it is humongous,” recounted staffer Angus about experiencing Egypt on tour. “How they moved each enormous building block is unfathomable! I was shocked at how well-preserved everything is, too. You’re standing in front of ruins that are thousands of years old, but the sculptures and hieroglyphics look like they were made yesterday. You could still see the tool marks on some of the walls!”

Regardless of how the pyramids were built, we know that it took a massive amount of time and effort to create them. It’s estimated that the Great Pyramid of Giza took around 20,000 laborers 20 years to build. That means that, on average, one of the pyramid’s 2.3 million blocks was placed every 4.6 minutes. “Pictures in a book do not give you the sense of the strength and awe of the engineering feats until you are standing next to these epic monuments,” said traveler Cynthia after joining our Egypt & Nile River Cruise.

6. The pyramids weren’t built by enslaved people

A common misconception about the Pyramids of Giza is that they were built using slave labor. In reality, the Egyptians who helped construct them were skilled laborers who were paid for their work. When you visit the pyramids on your tour of Egypt, your guide will tell you about the worker village known as Heit el-Ghurab that was discovered near the complex. Here, archaeologists unearthed dormitory-style housing, artisan workshops, and even administrative buildings, which hint that the workers were highly organized.

7. They are precisely aligned with the cardinal directions

One of the most remarkable facts about the Pyramids of Giza is that they’re almost exactly aligned with the cardinal directions of north, south, east, and west, off by a just fraction of a degree. Each of their entrances faces north, and all of their temples look east. Builders were likely able to achieve this by observing the position of the sun and stars throughout the year. Some scholars also believe the layout of the three main pyramids is meant to mirror the stars in Orion’s Belt—a constellation associated with Osiris, the god of the afterlife.

The ancient Egyptians had a strong connection to the sun and other celestial bodies, with the former being one of the most important symbols of life and rebirth. They believed that the sun god Ra traveled across the sky during the day and passed through the underworld at night, and that the pharaohs were his direct descendants. When you join us on a trip to Egypt, you’ll learn all about the ancient Egyptian gods when you visit places like the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Temples of Karnak and Luxor. And speaking of the sun, here’s how to dress while in Egypt to protect yourself from its bright rays.

8. The pyramids are guarded by the Great Sphinx

Most travelers who book a trip to Egypt dream of seeing the imposing pyramids and the enigmatic Great Sphinx—but not everyone realizes how deeply connected they are. The exact date of the Sphinx’s construction remains a mystery, but it was most likely built during Khafre’s reign, around the same time as the second pyramid. Just like the pyramids, the Sphinx is aligned with the cardinal directions, facing east into the rising sun. Furthermore, it’s believed to have been placed to guard the eternal resting place of the pharaohs. Not only is the Sphinx the world’s largest monolithic statue, but it’s also one of the oldest—and most impressive—ancient ruins to see in Egypt. “Touring the Great Pyramids of Giza and seeing the Sphinx was spectacular!” said traveler Mary after returning from our A Week in Egypt: Giza, Nile River Cruise & Cairo tour.

9. The pyramids contain many hidden chambers and tunnels

The impressive architecture of the Pyramids of Giza isn’t limited to their outer structures. Inside, you’ll find an impressive network of complex pathways, shafts, and chambers—so many, in fact, that scientists are still discovering them. In 2023, for example, a previously hidden chamber was found within the Great Pyramid. Although its interior is relatively bare when compared to other pyramids and royal tombs across Egypt, the Great Pyramid is an impressive feat of engineering: Massive granite beams, corbel arches made from overlapping bricks, and weight-distributing chambers all enabled it to withstand the ages. “I still can’t believe that I was inside of pyramids, tombs, and temples,” said traveler Tracy after joining our Egypt & Nile River Cruise for Solo Travelers. “My mind is still blown away.”

Learn more about the Pyramids of Giza when you join us on a tour of Egypt!