While ancient civilizations around the world initially built step pyramids, the Egyptians soon evolved their design into the straight-sided true pyramid, a structure that became synonymous with their royal tombs. The true pyramid first appeared around 2600 BC and remained the preferred design for over a millennium, until the Egyptians ceased pyramid building around 1550 BC. This architectural marvel has inspired cultures and architects worldwide, leading to the construction of numerous pyramids throughout history and even into modern times.
Here are 11 of the most amazing true pyramids from around the globe, spanning more than 4,500 years of history.
1. Transamerica Pyramid: San Francisco’s Modern Icon
The Transamerica Pyramid is one of San Francisco’s most iconic structures, located in the heart of the Financial District. Designed by architect William L. Pereira, the pyramid shape was chosen for its ability to allow more air and light to reach the streets below, making it an ideal design for a skyscraper. Completed in 1972, the Transamerica Pyramid stands at 260 meters (85 feet) tall.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | San Francisco, USA |
| Height | 260 meters (85 feet) |
| Architect | William L. Pereira |
| Nearby Attractions | Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island |
| Open Time | 9:00 AM |
| Close Time | 5:00 PM |
2. Ryugyong Hotel: The Unfinished Giant of Pyongyang
The Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea, is an unfinished pyramid-shaped skyscraper that was intended to be a symbol of North Korean power. Construction began in 1987 but was halted due to financial difficulties, leaving the 330-meter structure incomplete. Despite its unfinished state, the Ryugyong Hotel remains the largest building in North Korea and the 24th tallest in the world.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Pyongyang, North Korea |
| Height | 330 meters (1,083 feet) |
| Nickname | Hotel of Doom |
| Nearby Attractions | Juche Tower, Kim Il-sung Square |
| Open Time | Currently Closed (Construction Halted) |
| Close Time | N/A |
3. Pyramid of Cestius: Rome’s Ancient Tomb
The Pyramid of Cestius in Rome, Italy, was built as a tomb for Gaius Cestius Epulo between 18 BC and 12 BC. Made of brick-faced concrete covered in white Carrara marble, this pyramid stands at 27 meters (89 feet) high and is one of the best-preserved ancient structures in Rome. It is believed to have been inspired by the Nubian pyramids, which the Romans encountered during their campaign in 23 BC.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Rome, Italy |
| Height | 27 meters (89 feet) |
| Construction Date | 18 BC – 12 BC |
| Nearby Attractions | Colosseum, Roman Forum |
| Open Time | 9:00 AM |
| Close Time | 4:00 PM |
4. Luxor Hotel: A Modern Pyramid in Las Vegas
The Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, is a 30-story glass and steel pyramid that was modeled after the Great Pyramid of Giza. Opened in 1993, the Luxor was one of the first megaresorts on the Las Vegas Strip. The hotel features 2,526 guest rooms, a casino, and numerous entertainment venues, making it a popular destination for tourists.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Las Vegas, USA |
| Height | 106 meters (348 feet) |
| Rooms | 2,526 |
| Nearby Attractions | The Strip, Bellagio Fountains |
| Open Time | 24 Hours |
| Close Time | 24 Hours |
5. Gebel Barkal: The Nubian Pyramid Complex
Gebel Barkal, located in modern-day Sudan, was an important religious site for the Nubian Kingdom of Kush. Influenced by Egyptian culture, the Nubians constructed approximately 220 pyramids as royal tombs, almost double the number built in Egypt. Gebel Barkal became a major pyramid site in the 3rd century BC, with many pyramids built during the 2nd and 1st centuries BC.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Karima, Sudan |
| Number of Pyramids | Approximately 220 |
| Cultural Influence | Ancient Egypt |
| Nearby Attractions | Nile River, Meroë Pyramids |
| Open Time | 8:00 AM |
| Close Time | 5:00 PM |
6. Pyramid of Meidum: Egypt’s Towering Mystery
The Pyramid of Meidum in Egypt is an enigmatic structure that today appears more like a tower than a typical pyramid. Believed to have been built during the reign of Pharaoh Sneferu, the pyramid represents one of the earliest attempts to construct a true pyramid. However, its original outer casing has collapsed, leaving a core that barely resembles its original shape.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Meidum, Egypt |
| Height | 92 meters (302 feet) |
| Builder | Pharaoh Sneferu |
| Nearby Attractions | Saqqara, Dahshur |
| Open Time | 7:00 AM |
| Close Time | 4:00 PM |
7. Meroë: The Extensive Pyramid Site of Nubia
Meroë, located along the Nile River in Sudan, is the most extensive pyramid site in Nubia. The oldest pyramids here date back to the 6th or 5th century BC, and the site served as the royal cemetery for over 600 years. Almost 40 generations of Nubian royalty are buried in the pyramids of Meroë, making it one of the most significant archaeological sites in Africa.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Meroë, Sudan |
| Oldest Pyramid Date | 6th or 5th century BC |
| Number of Pyramids | Numerous |
| Nearby Attractions | Meroë Royal City, Gebel Barkal |
| Open Time | 8:00 AM |
| Close Time | 5:00 PM |
8. Bent Pyramid: The Unique Pyramid of Dahshur
The Bent Pyramid at Dahshur is one of the most intriguing pyramids in Egypt, built by Pharaoh Sneferu. The pyramid starts at a steep 55-degree angle but then shifts to a shallower 43-degree angle midway through its construction. This change in angle has led to much speculation, with one theory suggesting that the original steep angle was too ambitious, forcing a redesign to prevent structural collapse.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Dahshur, Egypt |
| Height | 101 meters (331 feet) |
| Builder | Pharaoh Sneferu |
| Nearby Attractions | Red Pyramid, Meidum Pyramid |
| Open Time | 7:00 AM |
| Close Time | 5:00 PM |
9. Red Pyramid: The First True Pyramid
The Red Pyramid, also built by Pharaoh Sneferu, is the world’s first successful true pyramid. Completed in 10 years and 7 months, the Red Pyramid stands 104 meters tall and was constructed with the same 43-degree angle as the upper section of the Bent Pyramid. Unlike the pyramids at Giza, the Red Pyramid is less crowded, offering visitors a more serene experience.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Dahshur, Egypt |
| Height | 104 meters (341 feet) |
| Builder | Pharaoh Sneferu |
| Nearby Attractions | Bent Pyramid, Meidum Pyramid |
| Open Time | 7:00 AM |
| Close Time | 5:00 PM |
10. Giza Pyramids: Egypt’s Most Famous Pyramids
The Giza Pyramids, located near Cairo, Egypt, are the most famous ancient structures in the world. Built over three generations by Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, the pyramids are a testament to the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, built with over 2 million blocks of stone, stands at 139 meters (455 feet) and is the only surviving wonder of the ancient world.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Giza, Egypt |
| Height | 139 meters (455 feet) |
| Builders | Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure |
| Nearby Attractions | Sphinx, Cairo Museum |
| Open Time | 8:00 AM |
| Close Time | 5:00 PM |
11. The Louvre Pyramid: A Modern Marvel
The Louvre Pyramid in Paris, France, is a modern glass and metal pyramid serving as the entrance to the Louvre Museum. Designed by architect I.M. Pei and completed in 1989, the pyramid contrasts beautifully with the classical architecture of the museum. Although not a true pyramid in the traditional sense, its iconic design has made it a symbol of modern Paris.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Paris, France |
| Height | 21.6 meters (71 feet) |
| Architect | I.M. Pei |
| Nearby Attractions | Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame |
| Open Time | 9:00 AM |
| Close Time | 6:00 PM |
