Giza Governorate

Giza Governorate

Giza governorate is located in the middle region of Egypt on the west bank of the Nile. It is situated just opposite to Cairo, the capital city of Egypt. This prime governorate extends along the Nile Valley and also includes a large part of the desert and the well-known Bahariya Oasis. The area of this already-large Giza province was further increased by when it was merged with the 6th of October Governorate in April 2011. Nonetheless, the population of the Giza governorate is fairly low at less than 100 per square kilometer. This is mainly due to the inclusion of the scarcely populated desert area in this province. Giza governorate is particularly famous for the presence of the Great Sphinx and the remarkable Pyramids on the Giza strip.

The Notable Tourist Destinations of Giza Governorate:

Necropolis of Giza strip

The Pyramids of Giza are considered archaeological wonders and are famous worldwide. They are built on the Giza Plateau, just outside the city of Cairo. This pyramid complex consists of three great pyramids, namely the  Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, along with the Great Sphinx.

• The Pyramid of Khufu, also called the Pyramid of Cheops, is the oldest and the biggest among the three Great Pyramids. It is considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the World and at present, this is the only one among them that still exists. This huge stone-built pyramid was built for Pharaoh Khufu, of the fourth dynasty. It is surrounded by three smaller pyramids built for his queens. There are also mortuary temples built in honor of Khufu and connected by an elevated walkway. A few mastaba tombs are also present in this pyramid complex, however, the Valley temple of this pyramid is still buried under the nearest village.
• The Pyramid of Khafre consists of a Valley temple, a causeway, a mortuary temple, and the main pyramid structure. The Valley temple of this pyramid complex is also known as the Sphinx’s temple and contains statues of Pharaoh Khafre. This pyramid structure is built on higher land, though it is a smaller size than the Pyramid of Khufu.
• Likewise, the Pyramid of Menkaure also comprises a valley temple, a causeway, a mortuary temple with statues of Menkaure, and the main pyramid of the Pharaoh, surrounded by three smaller pyramids of his queens; while a smaller ante-temple was added later to the valley temple.
• The famous Sphinx of Giza was made by Pharaoh Khafre and this huge limestone structure is believed to be the largest statue in the complex. It is made from a single stone, with its human face said to be similar to that of Pharaoh Khafre. Its massive lion body measures 73.5 meters in length, 19.3 meters in width, and 20.22 meters in height.
• The Tomb of Queen Khentkaues I is another pyramid complex that tourists love to visit. It is located near the valley temple of the Pyramid of Menkaure.

Abusir

This is another famous necropolis of Egypt, built during the reign of the 5th dynasty in the Old Kingdom. Abusir literally means ‘the House of Osiris’ in the ancient Egyptian language. It is located near Cairo and contains 14 pyramids, including the incredible Pyramid of Sahure, the Pyramid of Neferirkare Kakai, and the Pyramid of Nyuserre.