Interesting Places I've Photographed
Sphinxes
University Quay
St. Petersburg, Russia
Topic: Sphinx Sculptures
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GPS: N59° 56.218; E030° 17.441
Quick Description:
A pair of Egyptian
sphinxes are locate at the University Quay on the Neva River in Saint
Petersburg, Russia
Long Description:
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.
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.
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