Giza Pyramid Closed For Repairs

Mycerinus, the smallest of the three Great Pyramids at Giza, was closed Thursday for six months of restoration.

An average of 5,000 tourists a day clamber down to the pyramid’s burial chamber, and the water vapor in their breath has caused salt to leach through walls and ceilings, creating cracks.

Zahi Hawass, chief archaeologist at Giza, on the western edge of Cairo, said a new ventilation system will be installed during the closure.

The Great Pyramids were built for three pharaohs who ruled Egypt 4,500 years ago.