Facts about the Great Sphinx of Giza
Quick answerThe Great Sphinx is a limestone lion with a pharaoh's head, carved over 4,500 years ago and guarding the Giza plateau beside the pyramids. It is included on almost every Giza tour, with the best photos from the viewing terrace and the panorama point.
Size, age and mystery
Carved from a single ridge of limestone, the Sphinx is about 73 metres long and over 4,500 years old. Its missing nose and weathered face have fed legends for centuries.
How to see it
Almost every Giza tour walks you to the Sphinx and the viewing terrace, where you can frame it with the Great Pyramid behind. Early light is best for photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is the Great Sphinx?
The Great Sphinx is generally dated to around 4,500 years ago, built in the reign of the pharaoh Khafre during the Old Kingdom, the same era as the second Giza pyramid.
Is the Sphinx included in a pyramids tour?
Yes. The standard plateau ticket and almost every guided Giza tour include the Sphinx and the viewing terrace, where most visitors take their best photos of the monument.