Family · Giza
Pharaonic Village
A living museum on a Nile island in Giza that recreates ancient Egyptian life through rebuilt scenes, crafts and a boat ride along its canals.
Listen to the guide
The story
The village was founded by Dr. Hassan Ragab, an Egyptian diplomat and businessman, on a Nile island known as Jacob's Island. After about a decade of preparation it opened to visitors in 1984. The idea is a living museum: canals cross the island and a barge carries visitors past scenes from everyday life in the New Kingdom era, such as a nobleman's house, a farmer's home, a temple, a market and a boat-building yard. Staff in ancient-style costume demonstrate crafts including farming, weaving and papyrus boat-making. The grounds also include a replica of Tutankhamun's tomb and several small museums.
Good to know
- The village sits on Jacob's Island in the Nile at Giza, close to central Cairo.
- It opened to visitors in 1984 after about ten years of preparation, the vision of Dr. Hassan Ragab.
- Its scenes portray life in Egypt around 1500 BC, in the New Kingdom period.
- Visitors glide along the canals on a barge while staff in period dress demonstrate farming, weaving and boat-building.
- The grounds include a replica of Tutankhamun's tomb.
Visiting tips
The boat ride along the canals is the heart of the visit and suits families and children. Allow several hours and go in the morning to avoid the heat. Please check opening hours, prices and guided-tour languages before visiting, as they can change.