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Mortuary Temple of Khufu: Echoes of the Pharaoh

Explore the Mortuary Temple of Khufu, a window into ancient Egypt's architectural and spiritual world, next to the Great Pyramid of Giza.

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Adjacent to the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Mortuary Temple of Khufu stands as a testament to ancient Egyptian architectural prowess and the pharaoh's divine status. Though largely ruined, its remnants evoke the grandeur of Khufu's reign and the rituals surrounding his afterlife.

A brief summary to Mortuary Temple of Khufu

  • X4HP+M7M, Khafraa, Al Haram, Nazlet El-Semman, Giza Governorate, EG

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and the intense heat.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the temple grounds involve walking on uneven surfaces.
  • Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, especially during the warmer months.
  • Consider hiring a local guide for deeper insights into the temple's history and significance.
  • Respect the historical site by not touching the ancient carvings or structures.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Cairo, take Metro Line 2 to Giza station. From there, catch a microbus or taxi to the Giza Plateau entrance. The microbus costs around 5 EGP, while a taxi may range from 30-50 EGP. From the entrance, follow signs to the Mortuary Temple of Khufu, a short walk away.

  • Taxi/Ride-Sharing

    Take a taxi or Uber from Cairo directly to the Giza Plateau. Input 'Mortuary Temple of Khufu, X4HP+M7M, Khafraa, Nazlet El-Semman, Al Haram, Giza Governorate' as the destination. The trip typically costs 100-150 EGP from central Cairo, depending on traffic. From the plateau entrance, it's a short walk to the temple.

  • Walking

    After entering the Giza Plateau, follow the main path leading towards the Great Pyramid. The Mortuary Temple of Khufu is located on the east side of the pyramid, marked by the remaining black basalt paving. The walk from the entrance to the temple is approximately 10-15 minutes.

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Discover more about Mortuary Temple of Khufu

The Mortuary Temple of Khufu, situated on the eastern side of the Great Pyramid, was commissioned by Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops) over 4,500 years ago. This temple was not merely a place of worship but a symbol of Khufu's divine power and his journey into the afterlife. Once a grand structure, the temple's layout included a large rectangular courtyard paved with black basalt. Pillars and portals, crafted from red granite, supported ceilings of white limestone. Within its walls, chapels and altars were dedicated to deities revered during Khufu's reign, hosting rituals and ceremonies that honored the pharaoh's spirit. Today, much of the temple lies in ruins, with only the basalt pavement remaining. Despite its ruined state, the site offers stunning views of the pyramids and a palpable connection to ancient Egyptian history. Exploring the grounds, visitors can appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship and imagine the lives of those who once walked these grounds. The temple's design and location provide a deeper understanding of the significance of the pyramids within the context of Egyptian civilization. Archaeological excavations reveal that an 810-meter causeway once connected the mortuary temple to a valley temple, though little of it remains today. The valley temple, now buried beneath the village of Nazlet El-Simman, awaits future excavation.

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