Great Pyramid of Giza

The Pyramid of Khufu, also known as the Great Pyramid, is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids of Giza and the only surviving wonder of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was built around 2560 BCE for the 4th-Dynasty pharaoh Khufu and at its original height of 146.6 metres remained the tallest building on earth for nearly 3,800 years; today it measures 138.75 metres after the loss of its capstone. About 2.3 million blocks of stone were used, many weighing several tonnes; how the builders moved them without iron tools or wheels remains a subject of research and speculation. Inside, the Grand Gallery leads to the King's Chamber with its empty granite sarcophagus; a further large void was detected by muon tomography in 2017 and is not accessible. The Giza complex including the Sphinx is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Interior access requires a separate ticket; the climb is cramped and airless but unforgettable.