Attraction Details
Overview
The Pyramid of Khafre
The Pyramid of Khafre is the second largest of the Giza pyramids and, due to its higher base elevation on the plateau, appears taller than the Great Pyramid of Khufu from many angles. Built during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre (c. 2558–2532 BCE), it stands 136.4 meters tall and retains a distinctive cap of original white Tura limestone casing at its apex — the most visible surviving example of how all the Giza pyramids once looked.
Khafre’s complex is the most complete of the three at Giza. In addition to the pyramid itself, it includes a well-preserved valley temple built from red granite and alabaster, a long causeway connecting the valley temple to the mortuary temple on the pyramid’s eastern face, a satellite pyramid, and the Great Sphinx — which stands guard at the eastern approach to the complex. The valley temple is one of the finest surviving examples of Old Kingdom temple architecture.
The interior of Khafre’s pyramid is less elaborate than Khufu’s — it has a simpler burial chamber and no Grand Gallery — but it is open to visitors for an additional fee and involves a less crowded descent than the Great Pyramid. The burial chamber still contains the granite sarcophagus, though it was robbed in antiquity.
History & Significance
Khafre was the son of Khufu and the fourth pharaoh of the 4th Dynasty. His pyramid complex is the second built on the Giza plateau and was constructed following the same basic template as his father’s: a pyramid with a mortuary temple, a covered causeway, and a valley temple at the plateau’s edge.
The Italian explorer Giovanni Battista Belzoni was the first modern person to enter the interior of Khafre’s pyramid, in 1818. He found the burial chamber largely empty, with only the damaged granite sarcophagus remaining in place. The pyramid had been entered and robbed in antiquity, as evidenced by the forced breach in the north face still visible today alongside the original descending entrance passage.
Khafre’s valley temple, excavated by Auguste Mariette in 1853, contained a pit with fragments of 23 diorite gneiss statues of Khafre, including the famous seated statue now in the Egyptian Museum. This sculptural ensemble is considered the finest example of Old Kingdom royal portraiture.
What to See
Surviving Limestone Casing Cap
The top 15 meters of Khafre's pyramid retain their original polished casing — the most visible reminder that all Giza pyramids were once sheathed in gleaming white limestone.
Valley Temple
Built from red Aswan granite over alabaster floors, this is one of the best-preserved Old Kingdom temples and the place where Khafre's famous diorite statues were found.
Pyramid Interior
A descending passage leads to the burial chamber containing Khafre's intact granite sarcophagus lid — robbed in antiquity but still in situ.
Causeway
The partially restored limestone-walled causeway runs 494 meters from the valley temple to the mortuary temple on the pyramid's east face.
Photo Gallery
Visitor Information
Daily 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM; interior access may have shorter hours
⛔ Closed: NeverNo dress restrictions
Photography is free
Partially accessible
💡 Visitor Tips
Location & Map
🚕 How to Get There
Located on the Giza plateau, approximately 13 km southwest of central Cairo; access by taxi, Uber, or organized tour to the Giza plateau main entrance.
