Sphinxes at the University Quay - St. Petersburg, Russia
Posted by: 
neoc1
N 59° 56.218 E 030° 17.441
36V E 348621 N 6647490
A pair of Egyptian sphinxes are locate at the University Quay on the Neva River in Saint Petersburg, Russia
Waymark Code: WMHQRK
Location: Russia
Date Posted: 08/06/2013
Views: 13
A pair of 23 ton sphinxes that once stood in the Alley of Sphinxes in front of the tomb of Pharaoh Amenhotep III in Egypt. They now reside along the embankment of the Neva River at University Quay in St. Petersburg, Russia. They were discovered during archeological excavations in the 1820's.
The sculptures are carved from syenite, a type of granite, and are about 3,500 years old. Both France and Russia were interested in purchasing the sphinxes. France was able to complete the deal faster. Russia acquired them from France in 1832. The granite pedestals and piers on which the sphinxes rest were designed by architect Konstantin Ton. Since the sphinxes are exposed to harsh winter conditions, they have been restored several times, most recently in 2003.
Style: Egyptian
Medium: syenite (pink granite)
Head Type: Man
Head Namesake: Pharaoh Amenhotep III
Website: [Web Link]
Street Address:
University Quay
St. Petersburg, Russia
Statue Name: Not listed
Specify Other Head: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:Post a picture of your GPS (time stamp), and maybe another of the statue.
Please update any changes in the status of the statue or it's surroundings.