The Great Pyramids of Giza are located just south of Cairo in Egypt. Built around 2540 BC, the largest pyramid, known as the Great Pyramid of Giza, was the tallest man-made structure for over 3,800 years and took approximately 20 years to construct. The pyramids were built as elaborate burial sites for pharaohs based on the ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife. Today, the pyramids remain one of the most famous tourist attractions in Egypt.