[2] The interior of the Matrouh Governorate is part of Egypt's Western Desert, including the Siwa Oasis, in antiquity known for its shrine to Amun.

In the center of the Governorate is the Qattara Depression, descending to 133 metres below sea level.

Marsa Matrouh is the ancient Koinē Greek: Παραιτόνιον Paraitónion, Latin Paraetonium.

The latter include el Alamein, which comprises cemeteries of fallen soldiers from Axis and Allied forces.

An estimated 16 million mines,[5] planted by the Europeans during the world wars and called "devil's gardens", still hinder the development of most of the governorate, and are constantly being removed.