GRACIE – Inside the pyramid

Arriving at the only surviving Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that is still standing today, is a thrill in itself. The largest of the pyramids of Giza known as Cheops or Khufu, dominates the landscape and is thought to have been completed around 2560 BC. It originally stood at 481 feet but due to the removal of its outer casing and capstone, it rises to 455 today.

We took the opportunity to venture inside and what an experience that was! The shaft is very narrow, the climb is long and demanding and leads to the King’s Chamber that is rather small. It contains only the granite sarcophagus which has been vacant for 4,500 years.

Entry to the shaft is via the lower opening pictured below. The climb to this entrance is via the large blocks, some of which have carved out steps but not all do. There are no handrails making it rather a challenge.

Some sections of the climb have to be done in the crouch position! There are also iron rung ladders to scale. It’s not for the faint hearted nor those who suffer claustrophobia, but if you’re fit and up for an experience of a life time, it’s well worth doing.

There are 3 large pyramids at Giza, the second largest being Khafe or Chephren which still retains it’s capping. It was build in 2570BC. It is close by the Cheops pyramid and is built on a higher platform.

Another remarkable fact to discover, is that the city of Cairo extends almost up to the site of the pyramids. We envisage they are surrounded by desert, and while that is true in terms of the terrain, the city is also boarded by the desert – both in sight of each other.