Which Giza pyramid still has some of its original casing stones at the top?
Answer
Pyramid of Khafre
Answer
Pyramid of Khafre
The Pyramid of Khafre still has some of its original casing stones at the top.
Khafre's pyramid is the middle pyramid at Giza and the second-largest of the three main monuments there. Its surviving limestone cladding forms a conspicuous cap near the summit, making it easy to identify in photographs. The upper casing once covered much more of the pyramid, but most of it was removed or lost over the centuries.
The remaining stones are made from Tura limestone, a fine, pale material that was used to create the smooth outer surface. The lowest course was made from pink granite, another detail that can confuse visitors who assume the entire casing was granite. The pyramid's original apex and pyramidion are missing, so the surviving casing does not represent a complete top.
Khafre's pyramid can also appear taller than Khufu's because it stands on higher bedrock, even though it was originally slightly shorter. This visual effect, together with the preserved casing, is why the monument is often mistaken for the Great Pyramid.
Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026