Did you know? The Largest Sphinx in Europe is located in Zadar, Croatia

There is a mysterious Sphinx located in Croatia; it is the largest Sphinx in Europe and the story behind it will make you want to travel there and see it.

While the most famous and important Sphinx is located in Giza Egypt, the truth is there are many Sphinx scattered across the globe.

This beautiful coastal Croatian city has become the center of tourism in the last couple of years, and the fact it has the largest Sphinx in Europe makes this city even more appealing.

Interestingly, the biggest Sphinx in Europe is located in modern-day Croatia, Zadar. While there are numerous monuments and ancient structures located in Dalmatia, if you ever travel to Zadar, Croatia be sure to check out the Sphinx.

Anyway, the story behind the ‘Croatian’ Sphinx is fascinating, to say the least.

The Sphinx of Zadar can be found if you decide to visit Brodarica from Zadar’s old town, taking the Barkajoli boat ride will offer you a chance to see the most prestigious parts of the city.

Three, you will see countless ancient villas that were erected in the Belle Époque period, with incredible architectural designs and breathtaking gardens.

However, one of those villas is like no other villa in Europe, located in the Bay of Maestral a villa hosts the largest Sphinx in Europe, The Dalmatian Sphinx.

Image by Žeminea Čotrić

Called Villa Attilia, this beautiful residence was constructed ni 1901 by local historian and artist Giovanni Smirich.

Smirich was one of the most prominent citizens of 19th century Zadar.

While studying abroad in Venice, Smirich met his wife Attilia Spineda de Cataneis and they moved to Dalmatia where they had five children.

Both his wife and Smirich were fascinated with the occult, one of the main reasons why their garden was decorated with extremely interesting elements, which were not seen in any other villa.

The Sphinx of Zadar will have its 100th birthday very soon.

In fact, this Sphinx was ordered to be built in 1918 after Smirich’s wife died. The Sphinx was built as a memorial to his wife.

The Sphinx was created of concrete and has human hands instead of paws. The Sphinx was built as if it were protecting what seems to be a small goldfish. In front of the Sphinx was a pond which has long dried out.

For decades it was said that there was a buried treasure located beneath the Sphinx.

The mysterious Sphinx of Zadar also has hieroglyphic inscriptions which so far no one has been able to decipher.

If you ever decide to take a trip to this beautiful Croatian city, don’t forget to visit the Sphinx and make a wish, it is said that this majestic statue will grant wishes.

Source: ancient-code