Sphinx, Split Travel Guide

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A 3,400-year-old Egyptian treasure in the heart of Split's Diocletian's Palace, a silent witness to history and a testament to ancient empires.

An ancient Egyptian sphinx stands proudly in Split's Diocletian's Palace, a relic of Emperor Diocletian's fascination with Egyptian culture. This well-preserved black granite statue, dating back to Pharaoh Thutmose III (1479-1425 BC), is a unique and often overlooked treasure within the palace complex.

A brief summary to Sphinx

Ul. Kraj Svetog Ivana 1, Split, 21000, HR
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sphinx.

Don't overlook this ancient treasure! The sphinx is easily missed amidst the grandeur of the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and the Peristyle.
Take a moment to appreciate the sphinx's details, including the offering vessel it holds.
Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds and have a more intimate experience with this ancient monument.

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Explore Sphinx on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

From the Riva promenade, enter Diocletian's Palace through the Bronze Gate. Walk straight ahead, and you'll find yourself in the Peristyle, the central courtyard of the Palace. The Sphinx is located here, in front of the Cathedral of Saint Domnius. No costs are involved.
Public Transport

From Split's main bus station, take bus number 5 or 15. Get off at the 'Kraj Svetog Ivana' stop. From there, walk to Ul. Kraj Svetog Ivana 1, where you'll find the Sphinx. A single bus fare costs around €1.50.
Taxi/Ride-share

Take a taxi or ride-share directly to Ul. Kraj Svetog Ivana 1, Split. From the city center, the ride should take approximately 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi fares have a base price of €3.32, plus €1.86 per kilometer. A ride from the city center will likely cost between €8-€12.

Discover more about Sphinx

Nestled within the heart of Split's Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, lies an authentic Egyptian sphinx, a silent sentinel with a rich history. Brought to Split over 1,700 years ago by Emperor Diocletian, this black granite androsphinx—a creature with a lion's body and a human head—dates back to the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III. It is believed that Diocletian brought as many as twelve sphinxes from Egypt after quelling a rebellion around 297 A.D., placing them strategically within his palace to reflect Egyptian customs and beliefs regarding the afterlife.Of the original twelve, only one has survived the ravages of time relatively intact. This particular sphinx, made of black granite, stands in the Peristyle, the palace's central courtyard. The sphinx holds a vessel for offerings in her hands. Over 3,400 years old, it is one of the oldest objects in Split. The sphinx has witnessed countless generations pass by.Another headless sphinx can be found in front of the Temple of Jupiter. The remaining fragments of the other sphinxes are now housed in museums around the city and within the cellars of Diocletian's Palace. According to local lore, American industrialist Cornelius Vanderbilt once sought to purchase the Peristyle sphinx, but his offer was declined.