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Overview
The Pyramid of Menkaure
The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest and southernmost of the three main Giza pyramids, built during the reign of Pharaoh Menkaure (c. 2532–2503 BCE), the grandson of Khufu. It stands 65 meters tall with a base of 102 meters per side — significantly smaller than its two predecessors, though still a substantial monument by any absolute measure. The lower third of the pyramid’s exterior was originally cased in red Aswan granite rather than the white Tura limestone used for Khufu and Khafre, giving Menkaure’s pyramid a distinctive two-toned appearance in ancient times.
The complex includes three small subsidiary pyramids for Menkaure’s queens to the south, and a mortuary temple and valley temple to the east and northeast. Unlike the other two pyramid complexes at Giza, Menkaure’s valley temple appears to have been completed in mudbrick by his successors after his death, suggesting the reign ended before full completion. The site is considerably less crowded than the northern end of the plateau where Khufu’s pyramid stands.
The pyramid’s interior is accessible through an original entrance cut into the north face. The descending passage leads to a paneled chamber and then to the burial chamber, where an intact decorated basalt sarcophagus was found by Colonel Howard Vyse in 1837. The sarcophagus was lost at sea when the ship transporting it to England sank off the coast of Spain.
Photo Gallery
Interesting Facts
Menkaure's pyramid was originally cased in red Aswan granite on its lower third and white Tura limestone above — the only Giza pyramid with a two-material outer casing
The carved basalt sarcophagus found inside the pyramid was lost in 1838 when the ship carrying it to England sank off the coast of Spain
At 65 meters, Menkaure's pyramid is less than half the height of Khufu's 138.8 meters, yet still required an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 stone blocks to build
Boston's Museum of Fine Arts holds four of the Menkaure triads — carved greywacke statues — excavated from the valley temple by George Reisner between 1906 and 1910
Menkaure's complex appears to have been finished in mudbrick by his successor Shepseskaf, suggesting the king died before the complex was completed
History & Significance
Menkaure was the fifth or sixth pharaoh of the 4th Dynasty and is thought to have had a shorter reign than his predecessors. Ancient Egyptian tradition recorded in Herodotus portrayed him as a just and lenient king — in contrast to the allegedly tyrannical Khufu and Khafre — though no contemporary evidence supports this characterization.
Howard Vyse and John Perring forced entry into Menkaure’s pyramid in 1837 and discovered the burial chamber and a carved basalt sarcophagus. Inside the sarcophagus were fragments of a wooden coffin with an inscription in Menkaure’s name and human bones. The bones were later dated to the early Christian era, indicating a secondary burial reusing the tomb, while the sarcophagus itself was genuine Old Kingdom work. The sarcophagus was shipped to England but sank with the merchant vessel Beatrice off Cartagena in 1838.
Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts acquired the famous Menkaure triads — carved greywacke statues showing the king flanked by the goddess Hathor and a nome deity — from excavations by George Reisner in the early 20th century. Several triads and a remarkable paired statue of Menkaure and his queen remain among the finest examples of Old Kingdom royal sculpture in existence.
What to See
Pyramid Exterior and Granite Casing
Rough red granite casing blocks remain visible at the base of the north and east faces, showing the original cladding material used on the lower third of the structure.
Pyramid Interior
A descending passage leads to a decorated antechamber and then to the burial chamber; inner decorative paneling carved into the chamber walls is among the earliest decorative work inside a Giza pyramid.
Three Queen's Pyramids
Three small subsidiary pyramids south of the main structure, one retaining its original stepped core, were built for Menkaure's queens and provide a good example of the full royal pyramid complex layout.
Mortuary Temple
The mudbrick sections of the mortuary temple, completed by Shepseskaf after Menkaure's death, are still distinguishable from the limestone Old Kingdom core construction.
Pyramid of Menkaure Tickets (2026)
The Giza plateau ticket lets you see the Pyramid of Menkaure from outside. Going inside needs its own ticket, bought at the plateau ticket office; the pyramid interiors open in rotation, so check on the day which ones are open.
| Ticket | Adult | Student |
|---|---|---|
| Giza plateau (outside of all pyramids, the Sphinx) | EGP 700 | EGP 350 |
| Inside the Pyramid of Menkaure | Separate ticket, sold at the plateau | |
What to See
Menkaure's is the third and smallest of the three great pyramids of Giza, built around 2500 BC for the son of Khafre. It was about 65 metres high, less than half the height of the Great Pyramid, but its lower courses were cased in red granite brought from Aswan, and some of that casing is still in place. In front of it stand three small queens' pyramids. Inside, a passage leads down to chambers cut into the bedrock.
Opening Hours and the Best Time to Visit
The plateau opens daily at 7:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM. Menkaure stands at the far, south-western end, so it is quieter than the Great Pyramid. The desert viewpoint behind it, where all three pyramids line up, is best in the morning light.
How to Get There and How Long You Need
The pyramid is on the Giza plateau, about 13 km from central Cairo. Allow 30–45 minutes for Menkaure, and half a day for the whole plateau.
| How | Best for |
|---|---|
| Giza Pyramids day tour | All three pyramids and the Sphinx with a guide and car. |
| Saqqara and Memphis day tour | The older pyramids south of Giza. |
Pyramid of Menkaure: Common Questions
Can you go inside the Pyramid of Menkaure?
Sometimes. The interiors of the Giza pyramids open in rotation, with a separate ticket; ask at the ticket office on the day.
Why is the Pyramid of Menkaure so small?
Nobody knows for sure; it may reflect a shorter reign or a change in priorities. It was, however, the most richly cased, with red granite on its lower part.
Which is the third pyramid of Giza?
The Pyramid of Menkaure, after those of Khufu and Khafre.
Tours Including The Pyramid of Menkaure
These packages visit this site as part of the itinerary.
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Day tours & Nile cruises visiting The Pyramid of Menkaure
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