Menkaure Pyramid

The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three iconic pyramids on the Giza Plateau, standing about 65 meters (213 feet) tall. It was built for Pharaoh Menkaure, the sixth ruler of the Fourth Dynasty, around 2510 BC. Unlike its larger neighbors, the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Khafre, Menkaure's pyramid features a unique cladding of granite at its base, with the upper sections originally covered in white limestone. Visitors can explore the pyramid's exterior and descend into its burial chamber, which contains a beautifully carved sarcophagus (though the original was lost at sea). The site is less crowded, allowing for a more contemplative experience. The adjacent mortuary temple and three smaller queen's pyramids add to the historical richness of the visit.

Don't miss

• Descend into the burial chamber to see the granite sarcophagus
• Observe the distinctive granite casing at the pyramid's base
• Explore the adjacent mortuary temple ruins
• View the three smaller queen's pyramids nearby
• Enjoy fewer crowds compared to the Great Pyramid

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Menkaure Pyramid

Cheapest way inGiza Pyramids, Sphinx, Camel Ride ,Inside The Pyramid& Lunch4.7★ · 11 travelers4-5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$4 per personSee dates →Best full dayPyramids Sphinx Grand Egyptian Museum & Bazaar Or Nile Felucca5★ · 229 travelers8-10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$8 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleGiza Pyramids and Sphinx Tour with Photoshoot5★ · 45 travelers2-3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$30 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Arrive early to beat the crowds and heat, especially in summer.
• Bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen; shade is scarce.
• Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes for walking on sand and stone.
• Photography is allowed, but flash may be restricted inside the pyramid.

A bit of history

Built during the Fourth Dynasty (c. 2510 BC), Menkaure's pyramid was the last of the major Giza pyramids. It originally stood 65.5 meters with a casing of limestone and granite. The pyramid complex includes a valley temple, causeway, and three subsidiary pyramids for queens.