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Monument · Giza, Giza
Great Sphinx
Colossal statue with a lion’s body and a human head, carved from the rock of the Giza plateau, in front of Khafre’s pyramid, beside the valley temple.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Great Sphinx
The Great Sphinx of Giza was carved from the limestone of the plateau, probably in the time of Pharaoh Khafre, around 2500 BCE. It is about 73 meters long and 20 meters high, with a lion’s body and a human head wearing the royal headdress.
Between the paws lies the Dream Stele, placed by Pharaoh Thutmose IV, which tells how he freed the Sphinx from the sand. The statue stands beside Khafre’s granite valley temple, through which the funerary procession passed.
The terrace in front of the Sphinx allows a frontal view with Khafre’s pyramid in the background, and at night the pyramids are lit with projections accompanied by narration.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About half an hour to an hour.
Best time
In the morning, when the sun lights the face, which faces east.
How to get there
Through the Giza plateau entrance, descending on foot from the pyramids area or via the entrance on the Sphinx side.
Tip
Also visit Khafre’s valley temple next door to see the granite blocks.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Great Sphinx
How big is the Great Sphinx at Giza?
About 73 meters long and 20 meters high.
Who built the Sphinx?
It is attributed to the time of Pharaoh Khafre, around 2500 BC.
Is the Sphinx near the pyramids?
It stands on the same plateau, in front of Khafre’s pyramid, about 500 meters from the Great Pyramid.