The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa in Alexandria are an extraordinary archaeological site that blends Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures. Discovered in 1900, these underground tombs originally served wealthy families but later expanded into a public burial ground. Featuring intricate carvings and frescoes, the catacombs offer a unique insight into Alexandria's role as a cultural crossroads, showcasing a mix of architectural and artistic influences from all three civilizations.
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are hidden beneath the vibrant streets of Alexandria, which is one of Egypt’s most captivating archaeological treasures and is known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. This ancient necropolis provides a rare glimpse into the confluence of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures that once thrived in this Mediterranean Sea region.
As it was carved into the bedrock over 1,800 years ago, the catacombs are a testament to Alexandria's unique role as a cultural and commercial crossroads of the ancient world. With its intricate carvings, multi-level chambers, and mythological motifs, the site reflects the blend of artistic and spiritual traditions cherished by its creators.
From elaborate burial practices to artistic fusion, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa stand as a hauntingly beautiful relic of Alexandria’s storied past, inviting visitors to descend into history itself.
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are located in the Karmouz district of Alexandria, just west of the famous Pompey’s Pillar. This area, known as Kom El Shoqafa or “Mound of Shards,” is a prominent historical site and one of Egypt's largest burial grounds from the Greco-Roman period.
The catacombs are about a 10-minute drive from Alexandria’s city center, making it accessible by taxi, rideshare services, or public buses from major areas within the city. Visitors often arrive from Alexandria’s main Corniche Road, leading inland to Pompey’s Pillar, then continuing west.
Alexandria is well-connected by train from Cairo, with multiple daily departures. From Cairo, you can also take a bus or hire a private car to reach Alexandria, which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by road. By booking with a travel agency, all your transportation will be handled with care and attention.
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa trace their origins back to the 2nd century AD, a time when Alexandria thrived under Roman rule yet remained heavily influenced by Greek and Egyptian traditions. These catacombs were initially constructed as private tombs for affluent families of Alexandria, intended to serve as resting places imbued with luxury, status, and cultural identity.
However, over time, the site evolved beyond its original purpose, expanding into a more public burial ground that ultimately housed many individuals from diverse backgrounds, reflecting Alexandria’s cosmopolitan society. The catacombs embody a blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic and architectural elements, capturing the essence of Alexandria's multicultural spirit during the Ptolemaic and early Roman periods.
This fusion of styles is evident in the funerary motifs, statues, and relief carvings that juxtapose Egyptian deities with Roman attire and Hellenistic symbolism, providing a remarkable visual record of Alexandria's role as a meeting point of the ancient world's great civilizations.
The catacombs remained hidden from the modern world until 1900, when their accidental discovery came about due to a donkey falling through an opening in the ground. This unexpected event uncovered a treasure trove of historical significance, drawing in archaeologists and historians.
Since then, the site has been a focal point for studies on ancient Alexandria, revealing insights into the spiritual beliefs from the religion of ancient Egypt, expressions of ancient Egyptian art, and burial customs that were woven into the city’s Greco-Roman and Egyptian heritage.
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa span an impressive three subterranean levels, descending to a depth of approximately 35 meters (115 feet). Each level was intricately carved directly into Alexandria’s bedrock, showcasing the skill of ancient builders and their understanding of the structural demands for such a significant excavation. Unfortunately, the lowest level remains inaccessible due to water infiltration, leaving only the upper two levels open to visitors today.
Upon entering the catacombs, visitors descend through a spiral staircase that encircles a central shaft. This shaft served a vital function: it allowed bodies and offerings to be lowered respectfully into the tombs via ropes, preserving the integrity of the remains. Designed with rectangular slits in the walls, the shaft let natural light trickle down, illuminating the staircase and adding a mystical touch to the descent.
Once inside, visitors encounter the Rotunda, a central circular hall distinguished by a domed ceiling supported by six stately pillars. This hall is a point of orientation within the tomb complex and exemplifies the architectural blend of Egyptian and Greco-Roman design.
Adjoining the Rotunda is the Triclinium, a distinctively Roman feature resembling a dining area where family and friends could hold funeral banquets or observe commemorative gatherings. The benches in the Triclinium, carved from stone and shaped in a U-formation, reflect a reverence for the deceased, with ritual feasting playing a key role in honoring their memory.
Beyond these areas, the catacombs encompass a network of chambers, corridors, and Luculi (burial niches), each adorned with intricate carvings, frescoes, and symbolic imagery that bring together Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultural elements. The attention to detail in these areas highlights the significance of the afterlife in Alexandrian society and the desire to honor the dead with enduring symbols of their identity.
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Within the catacombs, several burial chambers stand out, particularly the main burial chamber, which is fronted by two grand composite columns. These columns are embellished with a fusion of Egyptian and Greco-Roman motifs, including winged sun disks, protective Medusa heads, and depictions of deities like Anubis. Anubis, often seen dressed in Roman armor in these depictions, embodies both Egyptian and Roman aspects, emphasizing the cultural blending that defined Alexandria.
The main burial chamber holds three stone sarcophagi, each designed with non-removable lids and adorned with elaborate carvings of mythological scenes, floral garlands, and figures representing gods from both the cultures of Greek and Egyptian lore. These sarcophagi reflect the wealth and reverence associated with the deceased, symbolizing the complex spiritual beliefs that were a hallmark of Alexandria's Greco-Roman elite.
Additionally, nearby tombs such as the Tomb of Tigrane feature wall paintings that skillfully integrate Pharaonic funerary symbols with Hellenistic themes. This tomb, with its uniquely Alexandrian style, exemplifies the artistic innovation that occurred when these ancient cultures intersected.
Another nearby tomb, the Tomb of Wardian, is noteworthy for its small painted chapel, which originally housed a statue of the goddess Isis. These auxiliary tombs offer visitors a broader understanding of Alexandria's artistic heritage and the city’s historical significance as a cultural center of the ancient world.
The Catacombs of Alexandria, or Kom El Shoqafa, are a powerful testament to the cultural fusion that shaped ancient Alexandria. These ancient Egyptian tombs, with their intricate carvings and design, bridge the gap between Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures. Visiting the catacombs offers a deep connection to the city's rich history, where civilizations and ideas flourished.
For those interested in ancient culture, a visit to the catacombs is not just an exploration of the past, but a journey through Alexandria's spiritual and cultural heart. You can visit this historical place and enjoy an unforgettable time in Egypt by booking breathtaking Egypt vacations and Nile river cruises to cover all Egypt's famous landmarks.
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Originally intended for a single wealthy family, the catacombs expanded to accommodate numerous other burials, including people of diverse backgrounds and cultural identities within Alexandria’s Greco-Roman society. Historical artifacts suggest a mix of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman individuals, likely including members of Alexandria’s upper class and possibly people associated with the local administration under Roman rule.
The cost to visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa varies depending on your nationality and age.
For Egyptians and Arabs:
Adult: EGP 30
Student: EGP 10
For Other Nationalities:
Adult: EGP 200
Student: EGP 100
It's always a good idea to check the current prices at the ticket booth or with a local tour guide.
The entire country of Egypt deserve to be explored with its every heavenly detail but there are places that must be seen before any other such as the breathtaking Hurghada's red sea, The wonders of Cairo the pyramids of Giza, the great sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the wonders of Luxor like Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Hatshepsut temple and the wonders of Aswan such as Abu Simbel temples, Philea temple, Unfinished obelisk and The Wonders of Alexandria like Qaitbat Citadel, Pompey's Pillar and Alexandria Library. Read more about the best places to visit in Egypt.
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Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend “Ful & Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)”, Mulukhiya, “Koshary”, a traditional Egyptian pasta dish, and Kebab & Kofta, the Egyptian traditional meat dish.
The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a little tropical accompanied by a magical atmosphere of warm weather with a winter breeze. You will be notified in the week of your trip if the Climate is unsafe and if any changes have been made.
You should pack everything you could ever need in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
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Wear whatever feels right and comfortable. It is advised to wear something light and comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the terrain of Egypt. Put on sun block during your time in Egypt in the summer to protect yourself from the sun.
The best activity is by far boarding a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan or Vise Versa. Witness the beauty of Egypt from a hot balloon or a plane and try all the delicious Egyptian cuisines and drinks plus shopping in old Cairo. Explore the allure and wonders of the red sea in the magical city resorts of Egypt like Hurghada and many more by diving and snorkeling in the marine life or Hurghada. Behold the mesmerizing western desert by a safari trip under the heavenly Egyptian skies.
There are a lot of public holidays in Egypt too many to count either religious or nation, the most important festivals are the holy month of Ramadan which ends with Eid Al Fitr, Christmas and new years eve. Read more about festivals & publich holidays in Egypt.
Egypt is considered to be one of the most liberal Islamic countries but it has become a little bit conservative in the last couple of decades so it is advised to avoid showing your chest, shoulders or legs below the knees.
Arabic is the official language and Most Egyptians, who live in the cities, speak or understand English or at least some English words or phrases. Fewer Egyptians can speak French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Professional tour guides, who work in the tourism sector, are equipped to handle visitors who cannot speak Arabic and they will speak enough English and other languages to fulfill the needs of all our clients.
The fastest way is a car, of course, a taxi. If you are in Cairo ride a white taxi to move faster or you could board the fastest way of transportation in Egypt metro if the roads are in rush hour.
The temperature in Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c. Summer in Egypt is somehow hot but sometimes it becomes cold at night and winter is cool and mild. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 °C in the wintertime to 23 °C in the summertime and the average high temperatures vary from 17 °C in the wintertime to 32 °C in the summertime. The temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
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