Giza is one of the oldest cities in Egypt and is home to world-famous cultural monuments such as Pyramids and Sphinx. Its territory has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Furthermore, Giza is regarded as the prime destination in Egypt for those seeking relaxation and culinary experiences. Those who are not interested in the mummies and Sphinx can enjoy a cultural holiday in the city’s luxurious hotels, restaurants and on the Nile riverbanks.
Giza has many sites to visit, offering attractions for all tastes. Below is a list of most important attractions to visit in the city:
- Imhotep museum in Saqqara
It specializes in archaeology and is named after Egypt’s famous architect and doctor. It houses collections of exhibits and relics to interest all explorers and history enthusiasts.
- The Serapeum at Saqqara.
A burial place of animals in Egypt, which in ancient times were considered sacred and personifications of the gods. These tombs are stunning in their architectural craftsmanship and historical importance in understanding the Giza’s city culture.
- Pharaohs Park.
A themed open-air museum that resembles a small village where the Egyptians resided. Local workers parody local customs and life so that tourists can see for themselves how people lived here in ancient times. They do fieldwork, trade, communicate and worship the gods.
- Solar Boat Museum.
Khufu’s Royal Sun Barque is a full-size ancient Egyptian boat placed in an underground pavilion at the southern foot of Giza’s Great Pyramid around 2500BC. According to legend, it was used to carry the Pharaoh Khufu on his final journey to the afterlife. The museum offers visitors the opportunity to examine the barque from multiple angles and learn about the Egyptian shipbuilding techniques.
- Dreampark.
An amusement park where you can take a break from exploring the historical heritage of Giza and enjoy a family holiday. Covering an area of around 60 acres, there is plenty of entertainment for adults and children. There are attractions to suit all tastes, from water slides to entire children’s theatres. Dreampark in Giza city has good restaurants and musicians and singers perform all the time.
Pyramids and Sphinx
A visit to Giza City is incomplete without experiencing the iconic sights of this city, including Sphinx and Pyramids, which are among the Seven Wonders of the World. Below are interesting facts about them.
Sphinx:
- The statue is carved from limestone rock and depicts a man with a lion body. Sphinx is situated in close proximity to the world-renowned pyramids of Giza. The statue is 73 meters long and 20 meters high. According to historical sources, the statue’s head is believed to be a representation of one of the pharaohs, Chephren.
- Previously, sphinx statue had a different appearance. It had a nose and a long beard, which were typical of ancient Egyptian culture. These were destroyed by an unknown party or due to the statue’s natural deterioration.
- Sphinx statue was an incarnation of the god Horemakhet. People believe that it guards the entrance to the pyramids, which was designed to come to life and repel any attackers attempting to invade the pharaohs’ chambers.
Pyramids:
- There are numerous buildings, with the most notable being Pyramid of Cheops. It stands at 139 meters high, weighs over 4 million tons and is 4,500 years old. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is a national treasure of Egypt.
- One of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. It is a burial ground for pharaohs, where the mummified remains of rulers have been discovered by archaeologists. Despite extensive research, many questions remain unanswered.
- The technology used to construct pyramids at Giza remains a subject of research and debate. Many people find it challenging to comprehend how ancient civilizations moved and stacked enormous stone blocks without modern construction equipment and techniques.
Location of the city of Giza
Giza is a city of mystery, with its pyramids, mummies and sphinx statue. It is a densely populated area, home to more than 4.8 million Egyptians. It is the third largest city in the country and attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year.
Giza city is on the west bank of the Nile, close to Cairo, with convenient access to international airports. The journey to this city is conducted in few minutes. The distance from Cairo Airport to Sphinx is 33 kilometers, which is covered by bus for an hour.
Giza’s city location has historically made it a prosperous area. It was a hub for trade routes, with irrigation of fertile lands a key factor in its development. It was home to world’s most renowned figures. Giza is a historical site and an ideal destination for a memorable holiday on the Nile’s banks, with access to the best hotels and restaurants in Egypt.
