The sphinxes originate from the 14th century BCE, predating the founding of St. Petersburg by over three millennia.
The purchase of the statues was originally intended for a different buyer, but the Russian diplomat Andrey Muravyov secured them for the Imperial Academy of Arts after seeing them in an Egyptian marketplace.
The granite pedestals are decorated with bronze griffin lamps and reliefs of winged solar disks.
Archaeological markings are still visible on the bases of the statues, recording their original installation at the Temple of Amenhotep III.
The sphinxes are positioned to look out across the Neva River toward the city center, a placement that differs from their original temple orientation.
The Sfinksy, or Sphinxes of St. Petersburg, are two authentic 3,500-year-old Egyptian stone figures located on the University Embankment. Originally commissioned by Pharaoh Amenhotep III, these sculptures were discovered in the 1820s during excavations at the Temple of Amenhotep near Thebes. They were purchased by the Russian government and relocated to St. Petersburg in 1832. The statues are carved from syenite granite and feature the faces of the Pharaoh, wearing the traditional nemes headdress. They are positioned on a quay designed by architect Konstantin Thon, featuring bronze griffin lamps. The sphinxes face the Neva River, serving as a distinct historical landmark in the Vasilyevsky Island district. They remain one of the few original ancient Egyptian artifacts displayed in an outdoor urban setting in Russia.
From the opposite side of the embankment to capture the sphinxes with the Neva River and the skyline of the city in the background.
Combine this visit with a walk along the University Embankment to see the nearby Academy of Arts building.
Visit during the White Nights season in summer to view the statues under midnight sun conditions.
Inspect the bases closely to see the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics carved into the granite.
Do not attempt to climb or sit on the historical pedestals, as they are protected cultural monuments.
