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The Queens' Pyramids of Giza

Explore the Queens' Pyramids at Giza, ancient tributes to the pharaohs' wives and mothers, revealing royal life and mortuary customs.

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Located on the Giza Plateau, the Queens' Pyramids are a trio of smaller pyramids next to the Pyramid of Khufu and another trio near Menkaure's pyramid. These served as tombs for the wives and family members of the pharaohs, demonstrating the importance of royal women in ancient Egyptian society.

A brief summary to Pyramids of Queens

  • X4CH+J8Q, Al Haram, Giza Governorate, 3512201, EG

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain, as the area around the pyramids can be challenging to navigate.
  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat, especially during the summer months.
  • Bring water and sunscreen, as there is limited shade available.
  • Be prepared for persistent vendors and touts; politely decline if you're not interested.
  • Check if any of the Queens' Pyramids are open for entry, as access may vary.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From central Cairo, take Metro Line 1 towards Helwan and disembark at Giza station. From there, take a microbus or taxi to the Pyramids of Queens. Microbuses cost around 5-10 EGP. A taxi may cost 30-50 EGP, but negotiate the fare beforehand.

  • Taxi

    Take a taxi from anywhere in Cairo to the Pyramids of Queens in Al Haram. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A typical taxi ride from central Cairo to the pyramids costs around 100-150 EGP, depending on traffic. A taxi from the airport to the pyramids would cost $10-15.

  • Car

    Start from Cairo and head southwest on Al-Ahram Street towards Giza. Continue straight for about 18 kilometers until you reach the Pyramids of Queens in Al Haram, Giza Governorate. Parking is available near the entrance. A car ticket costs 25 EGP.

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Discover more about Pyramids of Queens

The Queens' Pyramids, also known as satellite pyramids, are located in the Giza Necropolis and are associated with the larger pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. These smaller structures were built during the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt, around 2600 to 2500 BC. To the east of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, there are three pyramids dedicated to his wives and sisters. The northernmost pyramid, G1a, is believed to be the tomb of Queen Hetepheres I, Khufu's mother. The middle pyramid, G1b, is ascribed to Queen Meritites, one of Khufu's wives. The southernmost pyramid, G1c, is attributed to Queen Henutsen. South of Menkaure's Pyramid, there are three more Queens' Pyramids, but it is unknown who is buried there. These pyramids, though smaller in scale, reflect the architectural and mortuary customs of ancient Egypt. Each pyramid had a sloping shaft leading to the burial chamber and was associated with mortuary temples where mortuary cults would worship for centuries after the queen's death. The Queens' Pyramids highlight the vital position of royal women and the familial relations within Egyptian culture. While some believe that some of these pyramids might have been cult pyramids and not burial sites at all, all had burial shafts. Today, the Queens' Pyramids stand as a testament to the sophisticated engineering and cultural values of ancient Egypt. They offer visitors a glimpse into the lives of the royal family members who played a significant role in one of history's most fascinating civilizations.

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