<p>Egypt's second largest pyramid and several ornate ancient tombs have been reopened to visitors for the first time in three years today following a painstaking restoration process.<br /><br />Egypt's antiquities authorities held a news conference near the 4th Dynasty Khefren pyramid, distinctive for its limestone cap.</p><br /><p>Egypt's tourism industry, a major source of income, has been hard hit by instability that has wracked the country in the aftermath of the uprising that toppled former President Hosni Mubarak.</p><br /><p>Antiquities Minister Mohamed Ibrahim said today that the opening of the restored sites should demonstrate to the world that Egypt is a safe destination for tourists.</p><br /><p>Ibrahim said that a number of important sites were being unveiled to the public at long last.</p><br /><p>The Minister also said that the long-standing threat to antiquities sites on the Giza plateau had finally been resolved.</p><br /><p>The tomb now features new lighting and information signs as well as a wood panelling to protect the original tomb floor. The restoration of the tombs also included newly paved walkways as well as lighting to illuminate the tombs after dark.</p><br /><p>Egypt's antiquities authorities are hoping that the new coat of polish given to just a few of the ancient wonders of the Giza plateau will go some way towards bringing back the tourists so vital to Egypt's put-upon economy.</p>
