The Great Sphinx of Giza, commonly referred to as the Sphinx of Giza or just the Sphinx, is a limestone statue of a reclining sphinx, a mythical creature. Facing directly from West to East, it stands on the Giza Plateau on the west bank of the Nile in Giza, Egypt.

This colossal temple is on the way down to Egypt’s Valley Temple of King Chefren. The body of a lion with a human head is 70 meters long and 20 meters high — as tall as a six-story apartment block.

Although the Sphinx has been thought of as female, many scholars believe the face is that of King Chefren.

Recognized today as one of the world’s leading Egyptologists and Sphinx authorities, Lehner has conducted field research at Giza during most of the 37 years since his first visit. (Hawass, his friend, and frequent collaborator is the secretary-general of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities and controls access to the Sphinx, the pyramids, and other government-owned sites and artifacts.) Applying his archaeological sleuthing to the surrounding two-square-mile Giza plateau with its pyramids, temples, quarries, and thousands of tombs, Lehner helped confirm what others had speculated—that some parts of the Giza complex, the Sphinx included, make up a vast sacred machine designed to harness the power of the sun to sustain the earthly and divine order. And while he long ago gave up on the fabled library of Atlantis, it’s curious, in light of his early wanderings, that he finally did discover a Lost City.

Things to do at the Sphinx of Giza in Egypt

A Sphinx is a mythological creature with the body of a lion and the head of a person. In Ancient Egypt, a lot of times the head was that of a Pharaoh or a god. Why were they built? The Egyptians built sphinx statues to guard important areas such as tombs and temples.

Viewing the sphinx

Visitors will be awestruck with its sheer height (its name literally means The Terrifying One). A mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human, the face of the Sphinx is generally believed to represent the Pharaoh Khafre.

Solar Boat Museum

The boat in this museum was built specifically for Pharaoh Khufu, and here, you can see it from three different angles, from all three floors, along with a narration of how the ship was first discovered and later reassembled for the museum.

The Great Egyptian Museum

Also known as the Giza Museum and is currently partially opened, a One-stop museum to house all the artifacts of ancient Egypt and become the largest archaeological museum in the world.

How to get to the Sphinx of Giza in Egypt

The best way to visit is by guided tour. Alternatively, take a taxi from the center of Cairo to the Pyramids of Giza complex, then walk or take a camel ride around the site. Make your way to the Sphinx early in the morning to avoid the crowds and afternoon heat.

When to Visit the Sphinx of Giza in Egypt

Giza temperatures can be extremely hot during the summer months, so the most pleasant time to visit is either March to April or October to November.

Where to stay while visiting the Sphinx of Giza in Egypt

Accommodation facilities available while visiting the pyramids of Giza include Giza Pyramids Inn, Comfort Pyramids Inn, and Pyramids Valley Boutique Hotel.

Pyramids Guest House, Atlantis Pyramids Inn.