Which Egyptian Pyramid is the Largest?

If you are planning a trip to the Land of the Pharaohs, you may be wondering which Egyptian pyramid is the largest. Is it one of the Giza Pyramids, one of the Dashur Pyramids, or is it one of the Saqqara Pyramids? In this post, we will look at which one of Egypt’s pyramids is the biggest pyramid, and we will also look at how it compares to some of Egypt’s other major famous pyramids.

The Great Pyramid

The Great Pyramid, which is located in a royal necropolis on the Giza Plateau, holds the title of being Egypt’s largest pyramid complex. This ancient pyramid was constructed to serve as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu, a 4th Dynasty ruler who ruled Egypt during the Old Kingdom era.

It is believed that construction of the Great Pyramid (Khufu Pyramid) began in 2,600 BC and took approximately 27 years to complete. It is the oldest of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only remaining one still standing and largely still intact.

In ancient times, this monumental structure is believed to have been 481 feet tall (146.6 m). It remained the tallest man-made structure for a period of more than 3,800 years. Over time, most of its smooth white limestone casing which covered the Great Pyramid of Giza was removed, and its height was subsequently reduced to 454.4 feet (138.5 m).

Since the outer limestone casing was removed in antiquity, what visitors see today is essentially only the inner structure comprising an estimated 2.3 million large roughly dressed blocks of stone, with a total weight of approximately 6 million tons. A further 80 tons of granite blocks from the quarries at Aswan were also used to construct the King’s chamber and also the Queen’s burial chamber.

In antiquity, the Great Pyramid of Pharaoh Khufu would have glistened magnificently in the sun thanks to its polished outer limestone casing, and it would have looked nothing like it does today. Within this pyramid complex, there are also a number of much smaller subsidiary pyramids which were constructed to serve as royal tombs for the King’s various wives.

Explore the Giza Plateau: Giza Pyramids Tours

Entering the Great Pyramid of Giza

Which Egyptian pyramid is the largest, and can tourist go inside it? As has already been mentioned, the Khufu pyramid is the largest Egyptian pyramid, and yes, tourists are able to enter the pyramid, although a separate ticket needs to be purchased at the site.

Be warned, however, that there really is not much to see in the Great Pyramid other than a number of narrow shafts, including access shafts and air shafts, along with plenty of stairs. Visitors who enter the pyramid will also be able to see the king’s burial chamber and a stone sarcophagus.

All of the three Pyramids of Giza were looted in antiquity, so don’t expect to see any ancient relics or artifacts inside the Great Pyramid. The three main Giza Pyramids also don’t contain any notable artworks or hieroglyphs.

Egypt’s Second Largest Pyramid

Which Egyptian pyramid is the largest after the Great Pyramid of Giza? The second largest pyramid in Egypt is the pyramid of Pharaoh Khafre. Situated between Khufu Pyramid and the Pyramid of Pharaoh Menkaura, Khafre’s pyramid is 448 feet tall (136.4 m). Only marginally smaller than the Pyramid of Pharaoh Khufu, the Pyramid of Pharaoh Khafre, who was the son of Pharaoh Khufu, was completed around 2570 BC and was to serve as the burial tomb for the pharaoh.

As is the case with the Great Pyramid, the pharaoh’s remains were never been found inside the pyramid, and this pyramid is also devoid of all ancient Egyptian artifacts and relics, since it too was looted in antiquity. Visitors can enter this pyramid but they are required to purchase a separate admission ticket at the site. Once again, there is not much to see other than passageways, empty chambers, and plenty of stairs.

Egypt’s Third Largest Pyramid

Which Egyptian pyramid is the largest after the Pyramid of Pharaoh Khufu and Pharaoh Khafre? The third largest Pyramid in Egypt is the Red Pyramid, located within the Dashur Necropolis which is roughly 40 km to the south of Cairo. Standing at a height of 344 feet (105 m), the Red Pyramid has become a relatively popular tourist attraction, especially among tourists who want to avoid the large crowds which are commonplace at the Pyramids of Giza.

Tourists visiting the Red Pyramid are able to enter the pyramid without having to purchase any additional ticket.

Other Famous Major Pyramids in Egypt

Which Egyptian pyramid is the largest after the Red Pyramid? Located in the Dashur Necropolis, just a short distance from The Red Pyramid, the Bent Pyramid is the fourth largest pyramid in Egypt. It is less than 1 meter shorter than the Red Pyramid. As with the Red Pyramid, visitors can enter the Bent Pyramid without having to buy any additional admission ticket.

Other large and famous Egyptian pyramids include the Pyramid of Menkaura, the Pyramid of Meidum, and the Step Pyramid of Pharaoh Djozer, which was the very first pyramid ever built by the ancient Egyptians.

NOTE: It is illegal to climb any of the pyramids in Egypt. Anyone who is caught attempting to climb a pyramid faces a hefty fine and a possible four year prison sentence.

A Dream Vacation Awaits

If you are still curious as to which Egyptian pyramid is the largest, why not visit Egypt in person and see for yourself? At Egypt Tours Plus, we offer an epic range of high quality Egypt tour packages, all of which can be customized to meet your own individual travel needs and requirements. We also offer custom Egypt tours to any and all tourist attractions that you want to visit.

And, with five star accommodations, your own private guide, a driver, and deluxe air conditioned transportation, you can be sure that your trip to Egypt will be more rewarding that you can possibly imagine.

Contact us now to learn more about which Egyptian pyramid is the largest, or to plan or book a vacation in the Land of the Pharaohs that will leave you with memories for life.

 

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Last Updated on May 13, 2024