Egypt, known for its pharaohs and pyramids, consistently astounds visitors with its rich culture and medieval treasures.
Among these wonders, the Great Sphinx of Giza reigns supreme.
It’s an enormous statue with a lion’s body and a human’s head, meticulously hewn from a single block of native limestone bedrock.
This colossal Egyptian relic claims the title of the world’s oldest and largest known sculpture.
It is a testament to ancient Egypt’s enduring mysteries and historical significance.
What is the Sphinx of Giza
The purpose behind the construction of the Sphinx remains a mystery.
Some historians and archaeologists suggest it was crafted to be a guardian for significant areas.
Specifically, the Great Sphinx of Giza was built to protect the three imposing pyramids of Giza: Khufu (Cheops), Khafre (Chephren), and Menkaura (Mycerinus).
Archaeologists propose that this colossal Sphinx was once adorned with vibrant colors, with a red face and a body painted in blue and yellow hues.
It is also believed that the Sphinx originally sported a long beard and a nose, which are now missing.
It was made around 2500 BC during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom.
The Great Sphinx of Giza is situated on the Giza plateau, prominently in front of the Great Pyramid.
Facing east, this magnificent monument glistens in the morning sunlight.
The Great Sphinx measures 73 meters in length and stands 20.21 meters tall.
It had been buried beneath the encroaching desert sands until the first documented effort to clear it was undertaken in 1400 BCE during the reign of Pharaoh Tuthmosis IV.
Following a series of restoration efforts, the massive structure once again found itself buried up to its neck in the sand when Napoleon arrived in Egypt in 1798.
Numerous excavation projects were initiated between 1816 and 1858 by renowned antiquarians such as Giovanni Caviglia, Auguste Mariette, and Gaston Maspero.
However, these endeavors were ultimately abandoned due to the relentless sand accumulation.
Sphinx of Giza timings
The Pyramids of Giza have designated opening hours between summer (April to September) and winter (October to March).
The opening hours are from 8 am to 5 pm in the summer.
During the winter months, the Pyramids of Giza hours of operation are from 8 am to 4 pm.
During the sweltering summer months, with temperatures often surpassing 30°C (86°F), visitor numbers are lower, and prices are more favorable.
However, it’s essential to note that the scorching desert heat can make extended outdoor exploration uncomfortable.
In such conditions, the optimal time to visit is 8 am when the site opens, offering cooler temperatures and fewer fellow tourists.
Conversely, the milder winter season, averaging around 22°C (71°F) is the best time to visit Giza.
Yet, it’s also the peak tourist period, resulting in larger crowds and increased costs.
To make the most of a winter visit, the best hours are between 10 pm and noon or late afternoon, just before closing.
This will help you avoid the morning haze and the afternoon heat.
Aim for a 10 am and noon visit to circumvent the morning haze and evade the searing afternoon sun.
Inside the Sphinx of Giza
The entrance to the pyramid has been enlarged through excavation, now featuring cement steps and iron guardrails.
As visitors venture inside, they’ll find that the ascending passage gradually narrows, with some segments measuring less than 1.5 meters in both height and width.
To ease the passage for tourists, non-slip wooden boards, handrails, and lighting lamps have been installed.
Navigating this deep and narrow tunnel requires constant bending and climbing.
It serves as a physical test while highlighting the immense challenge faced by ancient Egyptians in constructing such a colossal pyramid.
Visitors arrive at the permissible endpoint about 20 minutes into the passage – the King’s Chamber.
The final section is the narrowest and lowest, with dimensions less than 1.2 meters in height and width, yet remarkably smooth on all four sides.
The size of this passage is believed to have been designed to accommodate the coffin.
The King’s Chamber is situated at the heart of the Pyramid of Khufu, housing an empty sarcophagus, the mystery of which still awaits unraveling.
The precise alignment of the chamber’s walls, floor, and ceiling appears more characteristic of modern construction, raising questions about the capabilities of ancient builders over 4,000 years ago.
Despite the Pyramid of Khufu’s towering height, equivalent to that of a 40-story building, the interior defies the expectation of spaciousness.
The pyramid consists of massive stone blocks stacked closely together for stability, leaving limited interior space.
The pyramid’s interior is far from expansive, challenging the perception of its grandeur.
Sphinx of Giza tour
You can enjoy the Sphinx of Giza tour with two different ticket options.
The private all-inclusive tour will allow you to witness the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis and Saqqara.
With this tour ticket, you can also access lunch and camel riding.
The next option is the private tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum with Local Lunch.
To choose the best option, read the ticket details below.
Private All Inclusive: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, Saqqara, Lunch & Camels
In just half a day, escape the persistent hawkers of Giza and partake in three quintessential Egyptian experiences.
This door-to-door tour offers convenience as you’re introduced to the mysteries of ancient Egypt.
Accompanied by a private guide, delve into the history of Egypt.
With this ticket, you can admire the three pyramids, the enigmatic Sphinx, and the Valley Temple.
Pose for iconic photos, then embark on a camel-back journey across the desert sands.
Your day is complemented with an authentic Egyptian lunch at a traditional restaurant.
Tour Includes:
- Qualified Egyptologist guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private tour
- Bottled water
- Riding camel for 30 minutes during the tour
- Lunch in a Quality restaurant
- Entrance fees Giza Pyramids – Memphis – Sakkara – Sphinx
Tour Price:
The ticket price for adults is EGP 6065 ($197) and for children between 6 and 11 years is EGP 2925 ($95).
However, children below 5 years old can enter for free.
The ticket prices for different age groups are given below:
| Age | Tour Price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (12+ years) | EGP 6065 ($197) |
| Child ticket (6 to11 years) | EGP 2925 ($95) |
| Infant ticket (up to 5 years) | Free |
Private tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum with Local Lunch
Avoid the tourist crowds and gain intimate insight into Egypt’s 3 most iconic landmarks on a private tour of the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, and Egyptian Museum.
Benefit from your Egyptologist guide’s full attention as you tick off the Big 3 in just 1 day.
Enjoy round-trip transfers from your hotel for a hassle-free experience.
Tour Includes:
- Bottled water
- Qualified Egyptologist guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Guaranteed to skip the long lines
- Private tour
- Entry / Admission to the Giza Pyramids
- Lunch
- Entry/ Admission – Pyramids of Giza Area
- Entry/ Admission – The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities
- Entry / Administration for Sphinx – Valley Temple
Tour Price:
The ticket price for adults is EGP 4557 ($148) and for children between 3 and 11 years is EGP 1385 ($45).
However, children below 2 years old can enter for free.
The ticket prices for different age groups are given below:
| Age | Tour Price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (12+ years) | $148 |
| Child ticket (3 to 11 years) | EGP 1385 ($45) |
| Infant ticket (up to 2 years) | Free |
Great Sphinx of Giza history
The Great Sphinx of Giza is an enduring symbol of ancient Egypt.
This colossal statue, embodying the fusion of a lion’s body and a pharaoh’s head, is an iconic representation of ancient Egyptian artistry.
It is believed to have been constructed around 4500 years ago during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre in Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty.
This colossal limestone statue, measuring 240 feet long and 66 feet tall, represents ancient Egyptian craftsmanship.
Carved from a single block of limestone, its creation is estimated to have required about three years and the labor of 100 workers.
Prevailing beliefs suggest it was intended to serve as a guardian for the nearby pyramids, including those of Khufu (Cheops), Khafre (Chephren), and Menkaura (Mycerinus).
Despite the ravages of time, including damage and the loss of its nose, the Great Sphinx remains a powerful symbol of Egypt’s rich cultural heritage.
Some theories have suggested alternative creators, such as Khafre’s older brother, Djedefre or their father Khufu.
Most scholars lean toward Khafre as the most likely architect behind this masterpiece.
The intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail displayed in the sphinx carving from a single block of limestone underscore the advanced architectural skills of ancient Egypt.
Despite the passage of time and the statue’s damaged visage and missing nose, the Great Sphinx continues to intrigue visitors from across the globe.
Fun facts about the Great Sphinx of Giza
Now that we know the basic details about the Great Sphinx of Giza, let’s uncover some lesser-known but fascinating facts about this iconic Egyptian monument.
The Missing Nose: A Mystery Unveiled
The enigmatic absence of the Great Sphinx’s one-meter nose has stirred numerous stories and speculations throughout history.
Some have pointed fingers at Napoleon and his troops, accusing them of damaging the nose during their expedition to Egypt in 1798.
Contrarily, documented evidence suggests that Muhammad Sa’im al-Dahr, a 15th-century Sufi Muslim leader, may be the culprit behind the nose’s destruction.
Driven by opposition to the Sphinx’s worship, Muhammad is said to have furiously eradicated the nose, leaving behind a perplexing void.
The Sphinx’s Lost Beard: A Relic of the Past
Archaeologists reveal that this monolithic sculpture once sported a beard.
It eventually crumbled – perhaps succumbing to the natural erosion caused by blowing sands.
Interestingly, a fragment of the missing beard was discovered between the Sphinx’s front paws during the 19th century.
This fragment is now displayed at the British Museum in London as a link to the Sphinx’s ancient appearance.
The Sphinx used to be Multicolored
Despite enduring the ravages of time, including the relentless forces of wind and thousands of years of erosion, faint traces of red paint persist on the statue’s face.
These remnants hint at the Sphinx’s former colorful existence.
Additionally, remnants of blue and yellow pigments on the body further support the belief that this ancient masterpiece was once a vibrant and multicolored sculpture.
The Largest and Oldest Sculpture on Earth
With colossal proportions measuring 73 meters in length, 20.21 meters in height, and 19 meters in width, the Great Sphinx is the largest single sculpted statue on the planet.
Its immense size and antiquity make it an unparalleled marvel of ancient artistry and a symbol of Egypt’s rich cultural heritage.
If you are planning to visit Pyramids of Giza, here are some more information to help you plan your visit:
The Sphinx of Giza – FAQs
1. What is the Sphinx of Giza?
The Sphinx of Giza is a colossal statue located near the pyramids in Egypt.
It has the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, most likely Pharaoh Khafre, and is believed to symbolize a guardian or protector.
2. Why was the Great Sphinx of Giza built?
The exact purpose of the Sphinx’s construction remains a mystery, but it is commonly believed to have been built to guard the nearby pyramids.
It serves as a symbol of power and protection.
3. How old is the Great Sphinx of Giza?
The Great Sphinx of Giza is estimated to be around 4,500 years old, dating back to the reign of Pharaoh Khafre during Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty.
4. Can you go inside the Sphinx of Giza?
No, tourists cannot go inside the Sphinx of Giza. Its interior is not accessible to the public.
5. Does the Sphinx of Giza have a tail?
No, the Sphinx of Giza does not have a tail.
It is typically depicted with a lion’s body and a pharaoh’s head without a tail.
6. How tall is the Great Sphinx of Giza?
The Great Sphinx of Giza stands approximately 20.21 meters (66.3 feet) in height and 73 meters (240 feet) in length.
7. Can tourists go inside the Great Sphinx of Giza?
No, tourists are not permitted to enter the interior of the Great Sphinx of Giza.
Visitors can only admire it from the outside.
8. Can you buy tickets to visit the Great Sphinx?
Yes, visitors can purchase tickets to visit the Great Sphinx as part of their entry to the Giza Plateau, which includes access to the Sphinx and the nearby pyramids.
Featured Image: Britannica.com