Egypt announces closure of the Pyramid of Menkaure

Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities has announced the temporary closure of the Pyramid of Menkaure, coinciding with the reopening of the Pyramid of Khafre to visitors as part of a routine rotation system for maintenance across the Giza Pyramids.

This decision falls under the Council’s strategy to conduct periodic maintenance and preservation work, ensuring the world-renowned archaeological site remains accessible to tourists without interruption.

The Pyramid of Khafre, the second-largest of the three Great Pyramids of Giza and a hallmark of ancient Egyptian civilization, was built for King Khafre of the Fourth Dynasty. Originally standing at approximately 143.5 meters tall, it is notably distinct for retaining a portion of its original limestone casing at its apex.

The Supreme Council of Antiquities emphasized that the rotational opening and closing system strikes a balance between artifact conservation and visitor access. By conducting necessary maintenance in cycles, preservation goals are met without disrupting tourist flow.

By contrast, the Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the trio, constructed for the Fourth Dynasty King Menkaure. With an original height of roughly 65 meters, it is famous for the granite blocks used on part of its outer casing.

The largest of the set, the Great Pyramid of King Khufu, remains the primary focal point in size and height, standing as the only surviving wonder of the ancient world. Built during the Fourth Dynasty, its original height reached approximately 146.6 meters, with its current height measuring around 139 meters.