Diocletian's Palace Sphinx - Split, Croatia
Posted by: GT.US
N 43° 30.484 E 016° 26.502
33T E 616538 N 4818247
The Sphinx guards the doorway to Cathedral of Saint Domnius at Diocletian's Palace in Split Croatia.
Waymark Code: WMMD44
Location: Croatia
Date Posted: 09/03/2014
Views: 24
The website at (
visit link) provides this interesting history of the Sphinx:
"Human head on a lion's body, originally from Egypt and brought to Split 3500 years ago under orders of the Emperor Diocletian...
Twelve sphinxes were brought to Split after Diocletian put down a rebellion in Egypt somewhere around the year 297. Unfortunately, only one survived and is now standing at the Peristyle.
The sphinx on the Peristyle is made of black granite. It dates back to the period of pharaoh Tuthmosis III who lived from 1479 until 1425 BC. She holds a vessel for offerings in her hands.
Just like a major part of the palace itself, the sphinxes were decapitated and destroyed with arrival of Christianity. Why this one still stands remains a mystery.
She has been standing here since the 3rd century watching generations pass by. Please have respect for this old lady."
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.