Too Dangerous to Visit the Pyramids? Use Street View!

The Pyramids of Egypt are the last remaining piece of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, and as such represent a huge tourist drawcard. However, in recent years, the political situation in Egypt has deteriorated, making the areas around Cairo (where the Pyramids are located) too dangerous for all but the most adventurous of travellers. Luckily, now you don’t need to go there in the flesh in order to get a first-person view of these ancient wonders.

Read More: 6 Hidden Secrets of Google Maps

Google has slowly been expanding its Street View collection to not just include cities in developed countries, but also interesting sites further afield. Places from the Taj Mahal to the Galapagos Islands, and even Everest Base Camp, can all be explored using Google’s Street view technology. The latest addition to this impressive list is the Great Pyramids of Giza, added as part of their Google Treks feature.

Image: © 2014 Google Street View

The new imagery allows users of Google maps to tour the pyramids at Giza, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, as well as the lesser pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. This site also contains the world-famous Sphinx, and many small buildings which make up the Giza Necropolis which was the main burial site of many of the Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs.

Image: © 2014 Google Street View

Users can also visit some of the other famous sites around the city of Cairo, including the Citadel of Qaitbay, the necropolis of Saqqara, the Cairo Citadel, the Hanging Church and the ancient city of Abu Mena. Alongside these Street View style 360 degree views, Google also provides the viewer with a wealth of information on each site and its history.

Feeling intrepid? Visit Google’s special Treks page to start exploring!