Giza is the third largest city in Egypt and the capital of Giza Province. It is located on the west bank of the lower reaches of the Nile River, across the river from Cairo, and is the economic, cultural, educational and tourist center of the north. It has a subtropical desert climate, which is hot and dry. Giza is famous for its pyramids. The Giza Pyramids were selected as a World Heritage Site in 1979. There are also ancient monuments such as the Sphinx. It is an excellent place to appreciate the ancient civilization of Egypt.