Sphinx of Memphis

#7 among destinations in Egypt

Monuments and statues

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Facts and practical information

The Sphinx of Memphis, Egypt, stands as an enduring sentinel from the ancient world, a historical landmark steeped in mystery and grandeur. Carved from a single block of alabaster, this colossal statue represents a reclining lion with a human head, thought to be that of the Pharaoh Amenophis II, and is an emblematic example of sphinx iconography in Egyptian art.

Located in the ancient city of Memphis, the capital of the Old Kingdom of Egypt, the Sphinx has weathered the passage of millennia. It is smaller yet no less significant than its famous counterpart at Giza, the Great Sphinx. The Sphinx of Memphis measures approximately 8 meters in length and stands 4 meters tall, a testament to the remarkable craftsmanship of its creators.

Visitors to the site can marvel at the Sphinx's serene countenance and the intricate detail of its carving. Despite the damage sustained over time, the Sphinx of Memphis continues to exude a sense of regal authority and mystique. As a guardian of what was once a thriving metropolis and a ceremonial center, the Sphinx remains a powerful symbol of Egypt's rich and complex history.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 29°50'58"N, 31°15'18"E

Location

Al JizahEgypt

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Day trips

Sphinx of Memphis – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Red Pyramid, Pyramid of Djoser, Imhotep Museum, Pyramid of Userkaf.

4.1 miSW
Fully accessible ancient burial chamber
Red Pyramid
104 min walk • The Red Pyramid, standing tall in the Dahshur necropolis of Egypt, is a testament to the architectural prowess of the ancient Egyptians. Named for the reddish hue of its limestone, it was built during the reign of Pharaoh Sneferu, around 2600 BC.
2.7 miNW
Ruins of step pyramid built for pharaoh
Pyramid of Djoser, Saqqara
70 min walk • The Pyramid of Djoser, or Step Pyramid, is an archaeological site in the Saqqara necropolis, Egypt, northwest of the city of Memphis. The 6-tier, 4-sided structure is the earliest colossal stone building in Egypt. It was built in the 27th century BC during the Third Dynasty for the burial of Pharaoh Djoser.
2.7 miNW
Museum, History museum
Imhotep Museum, Saqqara
70 min walk • The Imhotep Museum is an archaeological museum located at the foot of the Saqqara necropolis complex, near Memphis in Lower Egypt.
2.7 miNW
Pyramid
Pyramid of Userkaf, Saqqara
70 min walk • The pyramid complex of Userkaf was built c. 2490 BC for the pharaoh Userkaf, founder of the 5th Dynasty of Egypt. It is located in the pyramid field at Saqqara, on the north-east of the step pyramid of Djoser.
2.7 miNW
Pyramid
Pyramid of Teti, Saqqara
68 min walk • The Pyramid of Teti is a smooth-sided pyramid situated in the pyramid field at Saqqara in Egypt. It is the second known pyramid containing pyramid texts.
2.7 miNW
, Pyramid, Ruins
Pyramid of Unas, Saqqara
70 min walk • The Pyramid of Unas is a smooth-sided pyramid built in the 24th century BC for the Egyptian pharaoh Unas, the ninth and final king of the Fifth Dynasty.
2.3 miW
Pyramid
Qakare Ibi, Saqqara
59 min walk • Qakare Ibi was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh during the early First Intermediate Period and the 14th ruler of the Eighth Dynasty. As such Qakare Ibi's seat of power was Memphis and he probably did not hold power over all of Egypt.
2 miW
, Pyramid
Pyramid of Djedkare Isesi, Saqqara
52 min walk • The Pyramid of Djedkare Isesi is a late 25th to mid 24th century BC pyramid complex built for the Fifth Dynasty pharaoh Djedkare Isesi. The pyramid is referred to as Haram el-Shawaf by locals. It was the first pyramid to be built in South Saqqara.
2.2 miW
Pyramid
Mortuary complex of Pepi I, Saqqara
56 min walk • The Pyramid of Pepi I is the pyramid complex built for the Egyptian pharaoh Pepi I of the Sixth Dynasty in the 24th or 23rd century BC. The complex gave its name to the capital city of Egypt, Memphis.
2.2 miSW
Pyramid
Pyramid of Khendjer, Saqqara
57 min walk • The Pyramid of Khendjer was a pyramid built for the burial of the 13th dynasty pharaoh Khendjer, who ruled Egypt c. 1760 BC during the Second Intermediate Period.
2.4 miW
Pyramid
Pyramid of Merenre, Saqqara
61 min walk • The pyramid of Pharaoh Merenre was constructed for Merenre Nemtyemsaf I during the Sixth Dynasty of Egypt at Saqqara 450 metres to the south-west of the pyramid of Pepi I and a similar distance to the pyramid of Djedkare.