The Menkaure Pyramid is one of the three Great Pyramids of Giza and is the smaller one
It serves as the tomb of the Egyptian Fourth Dynasty Pharaoh Menkaure, featuring a mysterious chamber with six distinct niches that differ from other burial chambers
It is said that when Pharaoh Menkaure passed away, his pyramid was not yet completed, and the succeeding Pharaoh hurriedly continued the construction
The outer layer was originally intended to be covered with red granite, but only half was completed before it was hastily changed to limestone
As a result, the bottom outer layer of the pyramid still retains the original red granite
Entering the pyramid, the Menkaure Pyramid is located next to the Khafre Pyramid, and its entrance is much smaller compared to the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Khafre Pyramid
After ascending a few stone steps, one enters a trapezoidal passage that leads to the burial chamber
This chamber is relatively small and has another entrance that connects to the main hall
The arched ceiling is accessed through the passage leading to the next chamber, which is unique for its arched ceiling design
Upon entering the main burial chamber through the trapezoidal passage, one can see the complete and finely crafted arched ceiling
The niche in the floor of the main burial chamber was originally intended for the sarcophagus, which was lost at sea during transportation to England and has not been found to this day
To visit the mysterious chamber, turn right before the main burial chamber at the end of the trapezoidal passage, leading to another passage and then to the mysterious chamber
This chamber has six distinct niches and is unlike any seen before, possibly used for hiding treasures or burying the king’s family, but the exact purpose remains unknown
Operating hours are from 7:00 to 17:00 all year round
Note: The official website indicates that the Menkaure Pyramid is currently temporarily closed
