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Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

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Historical site
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Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (Egypt)

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The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa in Alexandria are a unique archaeological wonder and were historically listed among the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. This vast underground necropolis, dating back to the 2nd century AD, consists of a series of tombs, chambers, and hallways carved directly into solid rock across three subterranean levels, reaching depths of over 30 meters. The site is world-renowned for its extraordinary fusion of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic styles, often referred to as 'Alexandrian art.' Here, one can see reliefs of Egyptian deities like Anubis dressed in Roman legionary armor, guarding the entrance to the main burial chamber. A grand spiral staircase leads visitors down into the complex, which includes a triclinium where families held ritual banquets to honor the deceased. The catacombs were rediscovered by chance in 1900 when a donkey reportedly fell through a shaft, revealing the entrance to the long-forgotten labyrinth. Today, they stand as the most significant testimony to the multicultural identity of ancient Alexandria during the Roman Empire.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C141517192326282827242016
Rain mm23169141110071320

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are open to the public for an entrance fee. These underground tombs can be explored via a self-guided or guided walk through the burial chambers.
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Typical hours
The catacombs are typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:00 PM. Hours may change on holidays; it's advisable to check ahead.
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Photography
Photography is allowed inside the catacombs, but without flash to protect the ancient wall paintings. Tripods are not permitted due to the narrow walkways.
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Time needed
Allow about 45 minutes to 1 hour for visiting the catacombs. If you also want to see the nearby Pompey's Pillar, plan for 1.5 to 2 hours total.
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Combine with
The catacombs are in the Karmouz district, about 2 km from Pompey's Pillar. The Roman Amphitheatre and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina are also located in the same area.
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Getting there
The easiest way to get to the catacombs is by taxi from central Alexandria; the ride takes about 15 minutes. Alternatively, take bus line 1 or 2 to Karmouz stop and walk about 10 minutes.
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Insider tip
Bring a flashlight, as some niches in the catacombs are dimly lit. Wear sturdy footwear, as the floor is uneven and occasionally slippery.

Geography

Coordinates
31.17860, 29.89660

Facts

  • The catacombs were rediscovered on September 28, 1900.
  • The complex features three levels of tombs, though the lowest is flooded.
  • The name Kom El Shoqafa translates to Mound of Shards.
  • A large spiral staircase was built to lower bodies into the tombs.
  • The site contains a banquet hall known as the Triclinium Funerarium.
  • It features the Hall of Caracalla, which contains the bones of young men and horses.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pompey's PillarPompey's Pillar<1 km · NExplore →
Graeco-Roman MuseumGraeco-Roman Museum2 km · NExplore →
Alexandria Petroleum RefineryAlexandria Petroleum Refinery2 km · SExplore →
Port of AlexandriaPort of Alexandria3 km · NWExplore →
Citadel of QaitbayCitadel of Qaitbay4 km · NExplore →
Giza City ParkGiza City Park6 km · SEExplore →
Stanley BridgeStanley Bridge8 km · NEExplore →
Giza Organic FarmsGiza Organic Farms9 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (1)

Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa📍 landmark

This historical tourist attraction encompasses ancient Roman-Egyptian burial sites and tunnels.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-16:00

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How deep does it go down?
Across three levels, up to 35 meters deep.
What is the style of the catacombs?
A mix of Egyptian and Roman elements.
Is it narrow inside?
The passages are partly narrow and humid.
Are cameras allowed?
Usually forbidden or requires a special fee.
When were they discovered?
In 1900 by accident (a donkey fell in).
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: where is it located?
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa is located in Egypt.
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: why is it worth visiting?
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa in Alexandria are a unique archaeological wonder and were historically listed among the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Graeco-Roman Museum — Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (Egypt)
Graeco-Roman Museum
A prominent museum in Alexandria showcasing artifacts from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods of Egyptian history.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina — Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (Egypt)
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
A major library and cultural center located on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea in Alexandria.
Ras El Tin Palace — Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (Egypt)
Ras El Tin Palace
A historic royal palace on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in Alexandria, one of the official residences of the President.
Stanley Bridge — Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (Egypt)
Stanley Bridge
A 400-meter-long bridge in Alexandria spanning the Mediterranean Sea, known for its elegant design and night lighting.
Borg El Arab Stadium — Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (Egypt)
Borg El Arab Stadium
The largest stadium in Egypt and one of the largest in Africa, located near the Mediterranean resort city of Alexandria.
Montaza Palace — Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (Egypt)
Montaza Palace
A grand palace and extensive gardens in the Montaza district of Alexandria, overlooking a beach on the Mediterranean Sea.

Nature

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Lake Mariut
A lake south of Alexandria.

More places

Pompey&#39;s Pillar — Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (Egypt)
Pompey's Pillar
A Roman triumphal column in Alexandria, the largest of its type constructed outside the imperial capitals.
Alexandria Roman Amphitheatre — Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (Egypt)
Alexandria Roman Amphitheatre
A well-preserved ancient Roman theater located in the heart of the modern city of Alexandria.
Alexandria Petroleum Refinery — Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (Egypt)
Alexandria Petroleum Refinery
One of the largest petroleum refineries in Egypt.
🗺️
Alexandria Zoo
Popular zoo on the Mediterranean coast.
Port of Alexandria — Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (Egypt)
Port of Alexandria
Egypt's main seaport on the Mediterranean Sea.
Citadel of Qaitbay — Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (Egypt)
Citadel of Qaitbay
A 15th-century defensive fortress located on the Mediterranean sea coast in Alexandria.
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El-Dakheila Port
A natural extension of the Port of Alexandria with deep water.
Al-Amiriya Petroleum Refinery — Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (Egypt)
Al-Amiriya Petroleum Refinery
Another major refinery in the Alexandria region.