Very well preserved Sphinx. It has humans hands instead of paws. Twelve sphinxes were brought to Split after Diocletian put down a rebellion in Egypt somewhere around the year 297. Unfortunately, only one survived and is now standing at the Peristyle. The sphinx on the Peristyle is made of black granite.

This sphinx is the oldest artefact in Split. She is 3500 years old. Brought with other 11 together from Agypt here to present the emperor's power and richness. In Roman time, Agypt was the richest roman province. This sphinx on the square is best preserved one. The only one with head and uniquely with hands instead pows like a cat.

It was very easy for roman emperor to find beautiful things and bring them to his palace from conquered countries like Egypt is this case. There were others but only this one is still in front of mausoleum converted to cathedral.

If what the guides are saying is true this is a piece of art that is over 3000 years old, and honestly I can't believe it, because it's just exposed there... but nobody said it's a replica. There used to be 13, now this is the only one remaining. Interesting and easy to get to.

He has seen the history of thousands of years.

Busy area post 8.30am... but beautiful sphinx

Very well preserved. It is located inside the Palace in one of the corners

Small but well preserved Sphinx. It's in the corner of the palace square.

The statue is a replica of the original Egyptian Sphinx located in Giza, near Cairo. The Sfinga of Split was created by Venetian sculptor Antonio Benci, and it was brought to the city in 1921. It was a gift from Egypt to the city of Split in gratitude for Split's support during the construction of the Suez Canal. What is interesting: there are 2 statues in Split. The old one (from Rome empire is in the museum), the new one (in the picture) is outside.

Great architecture, if that's your thing. Lots of interesting facts to discover and history of the area. This site is free to visit with gift shops close by.

This is another piece of our so must valuable history. Do not capture in a photo and leave, try to spend some moments observing the details - fine work! This is a legacy from Romans Empire. Add to your to-do-list in Split.

I was compelled to sit with the sphinx for quite a while. It's beautiful and powerful. The fact that it is thought to be roughly 3200 years is mind-blowing to me.

Cool place in the small streets of the old town.

Sphinx in the main square of Diocletian's Palace.

Sit here night time to listen to local music under starry night.

It's a real miracle that it was not destroyed by the dark middle age, like many other ancient masterpieces.