Egypt's antiquities authority closed the largest of the Giza pyramids Friday following rumors that groups would try to hold spiritual ceremonies on the site at 11:11 A.M. on Nov. 11, 2011.

The authority's head, Mustafa Amin, said in a statement that the pyramid of Khufu, also known as Cheops, would be closed until Saturday morning for "necessary maintenance".

The closure follows a string of unconfirmed reports in local media that unidentified groups would try to hold "Jewish" or "Masonic" rites on the site to take advantage of mysterious powers coming from the pyramid on the rare date.

 The rumors sparked an internet campaign to stop any ceremonies.

However the head of Egypt's antiquities authority said the pyramid had been closed until Saturday morning for "necessary maintenance" only.

The Great Pyramid houses the ancient tomb of the Pharaoh Khufu. Two nearby pyramids and the Sphinx remained open.

Amin called all reports of planned ceremonies at the site "completely lacking in truth." The complex's director, Ali al-Asfar, said Friday that an Egyptian company requested permission last month to hold an event called "hug the pyramid," in which 120 people would join hands around the ancient burial structure.

His statement did not say whether the rest of the pyramid complex, one of Egypt's biggest tourist attractions, would be closed to visitors.

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