Khafre Pyramid opens for first time in three years

The Pyramid of Khafre and six ancient tombs are open for visitors after three years of restoration, Antiquities Minister Mohamed Ibrahim Ali announced on Thursday.

The minister said during a press conference that the event was the first in a series of archaeological openings around the country, both of newly-opened and restored sites.

The ministry wants to celebrate and promote the sites to attract tourists and emphasize that Egypt is a country of safety, security and stability, the minister said. Several other openings are planned for this month ahead of the winter tourist season.

Khafre is the second largest of the three great pyramids of Giza and was built by the fourth-dynasty pharaoh of the same name around 2520 BC to serve as his tomb. The pyramid has been closed to tourists for three years while it was restored.

The six tombs belong to officials and princesses of the Old Kingdom.

Source: Egypt Independent [October 10, 2012]