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Google launches interactive virtual tours of Egyptian monuments
Couch potato explorers can now explore the pyramids and other historical sites of Egypt—all symbols of thousands of years of civilization—from the comfort of their homes, thanks to Google's Street View.
Starting Wednesday, Street View offered 360-degree images of landmarks such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Necropolis of Saqqara, the Citadel of Qaitbay, the Cairo Citadel, the Hanging Church and the ancient city of Abu Mena.
"Bringing this imagery to Egypt and the world reflects Google’s commitment to bring features that are relevant and useful to everyday lives of our users in the region," a Google Streetview spokesperson said.
Google said its Street View team drove over more than 7.2 million miles of road across more than 59 countries since the Street View project began in 2007.
From just 5-megapixel shots in only five US cities, Street View today has 75-megapixel cameras recording images across all continents.
It presently offers 360-degree panoramic imagery for locations such as theme parks, university campuses, pedestrian malls, landmarks and zoos.
Tours
Virtual tourists can start at the Pyramids of Giza, kilometers from the modern city of Cairo. The Pyramids, among Egypt's most recognizable icons, have stood for nearly 5,000 years.
Click here to start the tour.
Click here to start the tour.
Other attractions captured by Street View include:
- The Giza Necropolis, one of the most famous archaeological sites, home to the last standing wonder of the ancient world: the Great Pyramid. It was built as a tomb and a symbol of eternity for the Pharoah Khufu, and stands 139 meters.
- The Great Sphinx, the oldest and largest known monumental sculpture in the world. It has the body of a lion and the head of a human, and measures 73 meters long and 20 meters high.
- Pyramid of Djoser, the ancient site of the world’s first Pyramid designed by the great Egyptian Architect Imhotep.
- Abu Mena, one of the oldest sites of Christianity in Egypt—the church, baptistry, basilicas and monasteries
- Hanging Church, one of the oldest Coptic Churches in the world
- Cairo Citadel, a medieval Islamic fortification and historic site
- Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century defensive fortress on the Mediterranean coast.
— Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News
