The ancient Egyptians built three magnificent pyramids during the Old Kingdom’s golden era (2686-2181 BC), specifically in the fourth dynasty (2613-2494 BC).
This included the Pyramid of Khafre, also known as Chephren in Greek.
This pyramid, the second tallest and second largest among the Giza pyramids, was constructed for Khafre, the second son of Pharaoh Khufu.
It’s situated southwest of Khufu’s pyramid on the Giza Plateau near Cairo.
The Pyramid of Khafre boasts impressive dimensions, standing just 3 meters shorter than the Great Pyramid in height.
The Pyramid of Khafre features a square base measuring 215 meters.
Though it may appear slightly smaller than Khufu’s pyramid, this optical illusion is due to its location on a rocky outcrop.
The pyramid’s summit retains its original limestone casing, showcasing the ancient Egyptian architectural mastery that still fascinates today.
The Sphinx, another iconic monument, is linked to Khafre and is located near his complex, although it has distinct characteristics and significance.
What is the Pyramid of Khafre
The Pyramid of Khafre of Khafra stands out as one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian structures.
Fragments of several statues of Pharaoh Khafra within this temple have been discovered.
It includes the well-known statue depicting Khafra seated on a lion’s throne with Horus’s falcon positioned behind his head.
This portrayal underscores the belief that the pharaoh embodied a living god.
Notably, two eight-meter sphinxes once flanked each of the temple’s two entrances.
While the temple has limited surviving inscriptions, they are concentrated around the entrance doors.
These inscriptions include the pharaoh’s names and titles and references to the goddesses Bastet (at the north entrance) and Hathor (at the south entrance).
Recent excavations in front of the temple within the valley have unveiled a ritual cleansing site and two ramps with underground tunnels leading into the valley.
Who was the Pharaoh of Khafre
Khafra, the third Pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty, is credited with commissioning the construction of the three iconic pyramids at Giza.
As the son of Khufu, his reign spanned approximately from -2518 to -2492, though these dates remain subject to scholarly debate.
Khafra’s burial complex closely resembles those of Khufu and Menkaure.
It features a pyramid as its central element, an adjoining enclosure, a nearby high temple, a more distant low temple, and an interconnecting roadway.
The high temple stands separate from the pyramid, leaving a gap between the two structures.
The lower temple is remarkably well-preserved for its age.
Interestingly, Khafra’s complex houses a single pyramid whose exact purpose remains a mystery.
It is speculated to have served a cultic role or possibly contained the tomb of one of Khafra’s queens.
Additionally, Khafra’s pyramid boasts five wells for solar boats, akin to those found near Khufu’s pyramid.
Unfortunately, unlike his father’s, no boat was discovered within Khafra’s pyramid.
Internally, Khafra’s pyramid is less intricate than the Great Pyramid.
It features two converging descending passageways leading to a solitary tomb chamber.
In contrast to Khufu’s pyramid, where the tomb chamber is situated high within the structure, Khafra’s tomb chamber is carved deep into the bedrock beneath his pyramid.
Where Is The Pyramid Of Khafre Located
The Pyramid of Khafre is prominently located within the Giza Necropolis on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt.
Its strategic position places it southwest of the Pyramid of Khufu, the largest pyramid, and near the central hub of the Giza Complex.
The Giza complex encompasses several pyramids and related structures.
This pyramid complex is an enduring testament to ancient Egypt’s architectural and cultural achievements.
It serves as a lasting tribute to King Khafre’s legacy.
Pyramid of Khafre timings
The Pyramid of Khafre, like the other pyramids at Giza, follows specific opening hours based on the seasons.
Its doors are open from 8 am to 5 pm from April to September in the summer.
In contrast, the pyramid welcomes visitors from 8 am to 4 pm during the cooler winter season from October to March.
Much like the Great Pyramid of Khufu, Khafre’s pyramid offers a more comfortable experience during the winter months, with milder temperatures.
However, this is also the peak tourist season, leading to larger crowds and slightly higher prices.
For an ideal visit, consider arriving between 10 am and noon during the winter season or in the late afternoon, just before closing.
This timing lets you enjoy better weather and helps you avoid the morning haze and the intense afternoon sun.
It allows for a more enjoyable exploration of the Pyramid of Khafre and its surroundings.
Inside the Pyramid of Khafre
The interior design of Khafre’s pyramid is notably simpler than Khufu’s tomb.
It houses a single burial chamber measuring 14 by 5 meters.
It contains a relatively large sarcophagus and vessels for storing the pharaoh’s internal organs.
What sets this pyramid apart from others are its two entrances and two tunnels leading to the burial chamber.
It is also a feature that may have increased the risk of tomb robbery.
However, this unique layout was necessitated by the pyramid’s construction in two stages.
The central hall located within the lower corridor remains a mystery.
It is distinct from the main chamber’s burial chamber or any receptacle for canopies.
While it is speculated that this hall may have served as a treasury, this hypothesis lacks concrete evidence or confirmation.
Activities You Should Not Miss at the Pyramid of Khafre
Here are some of the exciting things we recommend for you to do at the Pyramid of Khafre:
Exploring the Pyramid of Khafre
Visitors are in for an incredible experience as they stand before the Pyramid of Khafre.
Despite appearing smaller than the Pyramid of Khufu, this architectural marvel rises to 163.4 meters.
Imagine the sheer magnitude when considering its original height of 473 feet.
To add to the wonder, the Pyramid of Khafre boasts an estimated weight of a staggering 4,880,000 tons.
For an additional fee, you can step inside and gain insight into how the ancient Pharaohs lived, their thoughts, and their daily lives.
You can witness the tomb, clothing, jewelry, and clay pots—a testament to the genius and craftsmanship of the ancient Egyptians.
Marveling at the Great Sphinx
Prepare to be breathless as you set eyes on the Great Sphinx, a colossal statue with a human’s head and an animal’s body.
Its sheer magnitude leaves a lasting impression.
Stretching 73 meters in length, 19 meters in width, and towering 20 meters from base to head, this monument is a testament to the remarkable feats achieved by ancient builders.
When you witness it in person, you’ll ponder, “How could they have constructed something of such grandeur?”
Panoramic Views on Foot
Don’t miss the opportunity to ask locals for the best spot to capture a panoramic view.
You’ll encounter fellow tourists trying to frame the Pyramid of Khafre in their photos.
Tourists often amusingly hold their glasses or offer a water bottle to create unique perspectives.
Camel Rides for an Authentic Experience
No trip to this iconic site is complete without a camel ride, which offers an authentic desert experience.
Consider embarking on this adventure before sunrise when the weather is pleasantly warm and the vistas are at their best.
Don’t forget to ask your camel handler to snap a photo during the ride.
Enchanting Sound and Light Show
For a different perspective, consider attending the Sound and Light Show, a captivating evening experience that lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Here, you’ll delve into fascinating facts about the Pyramid of Khafre and the Great Sphinx, gaining insights into their construction and history.
It’s an affordable outing, with show ticket prices starting at just $35 per person.
It’s available in various languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian.
Quad Biking Adventure
If you seek something unusual, indulge in a thrilling quad biking excursion around the Pyramid of Khafre.
This activity costs $35 per person and caters to individuals, families, and large groups.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour
An appealing alternative to camel rides, the horse-drawn carriage tour offers a unique way to explore the surroundings.
With two wheels and a rich historical legacy dating back to 3000 BC, this mode of transport provides a half-hour journey around the Pyramid of Khafre and Sphinx.
Capture the moment with videos and selfies as you embrace this delightful adventure.
Pyramid of Khafre history
The Egyptian Pyramid of Khafre, found on the Giza Plateau, is a testament to ancient Egyptian architecture and King Khafre’s enduring legacy.
As the son of Pharaoh Khufu, who built the Great Pyramid of Giza, Khafre ruled during Egypt’s Old Kingdom period, around 2570-2544 BCE.
This pyramid complex, housing the Pyramid of Khafre and the Great Sphinx, served religious and symbolic purposes.
It was designed as a tomb and a monument to honor Khafre’s greatness.
The mortuary temple, associated with the pyramid, played a crucial role in his afterlife journey, serving as offerings, rituals, and remembrance.
Though slightly smaller than the Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre stands out due to the casing stones that partly cover its upper sections.
These polished Tura limestone stones reflected sunlight.
It symbolizes the pharaoh’s divine connection and role as a bridge between Earth and heaven.
The Great Sphinx, with its lion body and pharaoh’s head, possibly Khafre’s, guards the pyramid’s entrance and holds deep significance in ancient Egyptian beliefs.
Its enigmatic presence adds mystery to the site, sparking speculation about its role.
The Pyramid of Khafre and its complex unveil ancient Egyptian religious beliefs.
These include ideas about the afterlife, the pharaoh’s divinity, and the alignment of monumental structures with celestial bodies.
These structures were not just tombs but portals for pharaohs to enter the realm of gods, perpetuating the cycle of rebirth.
Today, the Pyramid of Khafre is a testament to ancient Egyptian architectural prowess and culture.
It draws visitors worldwide to admire its ingenuity and spiritual significance.
Fun facts about the Pyramid of Khafre
Here are a few facts that you would be surprised and interested to know about:
Sunset Hieroglyph
An intriguing phenomenon occurs when observing the pyramids of Cheops and Khafre from the Great Sphinx during sunset.
The setting Sun aligns between the two pyramids, forming the ancient Egyptian hieroglyph “Ahet,” symbolizing the Primordial mountain supporting the sky.
Distinct Slope
The Khafre pyramid stands out with its sides sloping at a unique angle of 53 degrees.
This distinguishes it from other pyramids like Menkaure’s, which has a 51-degree slope.
Magnificent Lower Temple
The lower temple of the Khafre Pyramid is a remarkable structure.
Its main hall takes the shape of the letter T, allowing light to filter through ceiling holes.
It casts an individual illumination on each of the 23 pharaoh statues.
Enigmatic Wall Depressions
The pyramid’s walls feature slight depressions, a phenomenon that remains unexplained.
Whether caused by erosion, loss of cladding, or the colossal mass of stone blocks, the exact reason remains a mystery.
The “Great” Pyramid
Initially smaller than Cheops’ pyramid, the Khafre pyramid earned the title “Great Pyramid” due to its elevated location on the Giza plateau.
Today, it stands as the tallest pyramid in the complex, reaching a height of 143.5 meters with sides measuring 215.5 meters each.
Original Limestone Coating
The upper part of the Khafre pyramid retains its original limestone coating.
It features a simpler layout than Cheops’ pyramid, boasting two entrances on the north façade.
One is twelve meters high, and the other is at ground level, approximately thirty meters from the base.
Burial Chamber Details
The burial chamber, carved into rock, showcases a granite slab ceiling and stonework walls.
Within this chamber, a red granite sarcophagus is positioned almost at ground level, although it has long been found empty.
City of Workers
Located 500 meters from the pyramid lies the city of workers.
This self-contained settlement offered essential services for its inhabitants, including bakeries, artisans, doctors, and more.
Fourteenth Century Earthquake
The pyramid endured significant damage in the fourteenth century due to an earthquake.
This event had severe consequences, much like the permanent destruction of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
If you are planning to visit Pyramids of Giza, here are some more information to help you plan your visit:
Pyramid of Khafre FAQs
1. Where is the Pyramid of Khafre located?
The Pyramid of Khafre is located on the Giza Plateau in Egypt, near Cairo.
2. Who built the Pyramid of Khafre?
It was built by King Khafre, also known as Khafra or Chephren, during the Old Kingdom period of ancient Egypt.
3. Who was King Khafre?
King Khafre was the son of Pharaoh Khufu and ruled Egypt from around 2570 to 2544 BCE.
He is renowned for constructing the Pyramid of Khafre.
4. Why was the Pyramid of Khafre built?
The Pyramid of Khafre was built as a tomb and monument to honor King Khafre’s greatness.
It also had religious significance, serving as a site for offerings, rituals, and commemoration.
5. How was the Pyramid of Khafre built?
The pyramid was constructed using limestone and featured polished Tura limestone casing stones that reflected sunlight.
It was part of a complex with a mortuary temple for religious ceremonies and offerings.
Featured Photo by Museums Victoria on Unsplash