Meresankh III was royalty three times over: granddaughter of Khufu, daughter of Prince Kawab and wife of King Khafre. Her tomb in the Eastern Cemetery was a gift from her mother, Hetepheres II, and when the American archaeologist George Reisner opened it in 1927 he found the colours on the walls almost as fresh as the day they were painted.
The chapel is cut into the bedrock beneath a mastaba, so you descend a few steps into three cool rooms covered in relief: the queen and her mother boating in the marshes, craftsmen making statues and furniture, bakers, bird-catchers and scribes. Along one wall stands the tomb’s most famous feature, a row of ten women carved from the living rock — thought to be Meresankh, her mother and her daughters.
What to see and do at Tomb of Meresankh III
Study the painted reliefs
Look for the unusual costume of Hetepheres II, with pointed shoulders and what appears to be blonde or yellow hair — a detail debated for a century. The scenes of sculptors and metalworkers are among the best records of Old Kingdom workshops.
Stand before the ten statues
The figures in the north wall diminish in height from left to right, perhaps to show generations of the family. Nothing quite like the group exists elsewhere in Egypt.
Read the dates at the doorway
Inscriptions by the entrance record the day of the queen’s death and the day of her burial 272 days later — a far longer interval than the usual seventy days of mummification, and still unexplained.
How to get to Tomb of Meresankh III
- On foot: the tomb (numbered G 7530–7540) lies in the Eastern Cemetery, a few minutes east of the queens’ pyramids. It is not signposted; ask a guardian or go with a guide.
Insider tips
- A separate ticket is required, bought at the main ticket office before you walk over — there is no sales point at the tomb.
- Opening is not guaranteed every day. Ask when you buy your plateau ticket.
- The tomb is small. Only a handful of people fit comfortably at once, which is also why it is so peaceful.
- Do not touch the walls, and avoid flash.
Best tours & tickets for Tomb of Meresankh III
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Tomb of Meresankh III:
Walking tour from €37 Giza Pyramids Walking Tour: Skip-the-Line, Sphinx & Views
A compact guided walk that starts at the plateau itself, so you are not paying for a car across Cairo. Good value if you are staying in a nearby guesthouse and simply want an expert to explain what you are looking at.
- Meet your guide at the site
- Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure plus the panoramic views
- Finish at the Great Sphinx
Private tour from €48 Cairo: Pyramids & Great Sphinx Private Tour with Camel Ride
The most-reviewed Giza tour on GetYourGuide, and deservedly. A private guide collects you from your hotel, walks you through the plateau at your own pace, sorts out the camel ride and keeps the vendors at bay. Longer options add extra sights.
- Your own Egyptologist guide and air-conditioned car
- The three pyramids, the panoramic viewpoint and the Sphinx
- Short camel ride arranged for you
Entry ticket from €15 Cairo: Giza Pyramids QR Code Entry Ticket
The general admission ticket for the plateau, delivered as a QR code so you can go straight to the gate. It does not include going inside any pyramid — buy that on site if you want it.
- General admission to the Giza Pyramids area
- QR code sent to your phone
- No waiting at the ticket windows
