University Embankment Sphinxes
Ancient Egyptian Sphinxes on the Neva River, offering a surreal historical encounter with iconic city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
University Embankment Sphinxes
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient Egyptian Sphinxes on the Neva River, offering a surreal historical encounter with iconic city views.
"A beautiful landmark said to be filled with ancient energy. Great place to look at Saint Petersburg."
📸 Capture the Magic
Visit during golden hour for stunning photos. Early mornings offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Embankment
Combine your sphinx visit with a walk along the Neva River for incredible city views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Egyptian Sphinxes
University Embankment
Two 3,500-year-old sphinxes from Egypt, offering a surreal glimpse of ancient history by the Neva River.
St. Isaac's Cathedral View
Across the Neva River
Enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the majestic St. Isaac's Cathedral's golden dome from the embankment.
Imperial Academy of Arts
Behind the Sphinxes
Admire the grand architecture of the Imperial Academy of Arts, a fitting backdrop to the ancient statues.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Riverfront Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Magic
Visit during golden hour for stunning photos. Early mornings offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots. 
🚶♀️ Stroll the Embankment
Combine your sphinx visit with a walk along the Neva River for incredible city views.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
St. Petersburg weather can be unpredictable. Layers are key, especially for evening visits in colder months.
✨ Seek Ancient Energy
Some believe whispering wishes to the sphinxes can bring good fortune.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Magic
Visit during golden hour for stunning photos. Early mornings offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Embankment
Combine your sphinx visit with a walk along the Neva River for incredible city views.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
St. Petersburg weather can be unpredictable. Layers are key, especially for evening visits in colder months.
✨ Seek Ancient Energy
Some believe whispering wishes to the sphinxes can bring good fortune.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the unique historical significance of the ancient Egyptian Sphinxes and the stunning panoramic views of St. Isaac's Cathedral and the Neva River. It's considered a beautiful landmark and a great spot for photos, though some find it can be crowded with tour groups.
"The fun here is to see the Sphinxes and the great view to St Isaac cathedral, the other day of the river. Great if you're passing by, but I wouldn't go out of my way for it. For some reason it's always crowded with tour groups."
Julia Boechat
"Walking by the river and looking at all the wonderful buildings was one of my favorite parts of the day. My advice to you is to book a hotel near Hermitage museum (mine was 20 minutes away from Harmitage by foot) amd the you can walk to most of the attractions in the vacinity. And when you spend a whole day in the museum the cherry on the cake is seeing something like this walking by the river in the evening...."
Moica Brecelj
"It was surprised that it is a real sphinix from Egypt. I like the view. You can enjoy whole view of the opposite side."
Adela Jang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sphinxes are located on the University Embankment, easily accessible by public transport. Many visitors arrive by metro to Admiralteyskaya or Vasileostrovskaya stations, followed by a walk. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. +1
Yes, it's a pleasant walk along the Neva River from the Hermitage Museum area, offering beautiful views along the way. It takes about 20-30 minutes on foot.
A leisurely walk along the embankment is ideal. You can also consider a river cruise for a different perspective of the Sphinxes and the city skyline.
Street parking can be challenging in this central area. It's generally recommended to use public transport or taxis to avoid parking hassles.
Several bus routes stop near the University Embankment. Check local transport apps for the most current routes and schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the University Embankment Sphinxes are an outdoor public attraction, and there is no admission fee to view them.
As an outdoor monument, the Sphinxes are accessible 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best viewing and photography.
The embankment itself is a public space and does not require an entrance fee. You can freely walk along it and admire the sights.
While there isn't a specific tour just for the Sphinxes, many general St. Petersburg walking tours include this area as part of their itinerary.
It's generally advised not to touch or climb on ancient monuments to preserve them. Respect the historical significance of these artifacts.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hour' shortly after sunrise or before sunset offers the most beautiful light for photography. Early mornings also mean fewer people in your shots.
Experiment with different angles from the embankment. Capturing them with St. Isaac's Cathedral in the background provides a classic St. Petersburg vista.
Generally, photography is allowed in public spaces. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash directly at the statues.
Drone usage is often restricted in city centers and near historical sites. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the Sphinxes with their surroundings. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of St. Isaac's Cathedral across the river.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
These ancient Egyptian sphinxes were brought to St. Petersburg from Egypt in 1832, during the height of 'Egyptomania.' They are approximately 3,500 years old and were originally part of a temple complex.
Sphinxes in ancient Egyptian mythology were guardians of temples and tombs, often symbolizing power and wisdom. These particular sphinxes were created for the temple of Amenhotep III.
They were placed in front of the Imperial Academy of Arts, serving as a grand and historically significant adornment to the St. Petersburg cityscape.
Local lore suggests that whispering wishes to the sphinxes can bring good fortune, and some believe they possess ancient energy.
Their arrival coincided with a European fascination with ancient Egypt, leading to the import of artifacts and the creation of Egyptian-inspired art and architecture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it part of a larger walk along the river, perhaps bringing along some snacks. The view of St. Isaac's Cathedral is also a great visual for kids. While the Sphinxes themselves don't have interactive elements, their sheer presence and the stories behind them can spark imagination.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with wide-angle lenses to include the Sphinxes with the Neva River and St. Isaac's Cathedral in the frame. Look for interesting perspectives from different points along the embankment. Don't forget to capture the details of the sphinxes themselves, their weathered features telling tales of millennia.
🚶♀️ Casual Strollers & Day-Trippers
Combine your visit with a stroll along the embankment, enjoy the views of the river and St. Isaac's Cathedral, and perhaps grab a coffee from a nearby cafe. It's a great place to pause, take photos, and appreciate the city's unique blend of history and architecture.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey of the Sphinxes
+1The sphinxes were carefully chosen and brought to the city to adorn the newly constructed Imperial Academy of Arts. Their presence on the University Embankment was intended to add an air of classical grandeur and historical depth to the burgeoning imperial capital. The sheer age and origin of these statues make them a unique and captivating sight, offering a tangible link to a civilization thousands of miles away and millennia in the past.
Today, they stand as silent guardians on the banks of the Neva River, a testament to both ancient craftsmanship and the historical connections between Russia and the wider world. Their enduring presence continues to intrigue visitors, sparking curiosity about their journey and the stories they might hold.
Experiencing the Embankment
Visitors often describe the embankment as a perfect place for a leisurely walk, especially in the late afternoon or evening when the city lights begin to twinkle. The combination of historical monuments, the flowing river, and the grand architecture creates a truly memorable experience. Many find it a welcome respite from the more crowded museum interiors, offering a chance to appreciate the city's beauty in the open air.
During warmer months, the embankment buzzes with activity, while in winter, it transforms into a serene, snow-dusted landscape. Regardless of the season, the University Embankment provides a quintessential St. Petersburg experience, with the Sphinxes serving as ancient sentinels overlooking the modern city.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit