The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are a vast underground burial complex dating back
to the Roman period. They represent a unique blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman
artistic traditions carved deep beneath the city.
Visitors descend a spiral staircase into chambers decorated with reliefs, statues, and
burial niches. The site offers a fascinating look into ancient funerary practices and
Alexandria’s multicultural history.
For travelers, the catacombs provide a memorable experience that combines
archaeology, history, and a sense of discovery below ground level.
- 🌀 The Spiral Staircase: Descend the massive circular shaft, designed with wide steps to allow light into the deeper levels 🏛️.
- 🍽️ The Triclinium (Banquet Hall): Visit the chamber where relatives of the deceased held commemorative feasts on stone couches 🏺.
- 🐍 The Main Tomb: Marvel at the “Bearded Serpents” and the Medusa shields guarding the burial chamber, showcasing a unique blend of Roman and Egyptian iconography 🛡️.
- 🐎 Hall of Caracalla: Explore the tragic mass grave area containing the remains of both humans and horses, dating back to 215 AD 🐎.
- 📸 Subterranean Photography: Capture the play of light and shadow across the intricate rock-cut reliefs and statues 🤳.
- 🚕 By Taxi/Uber: The most straightforward option. Simply ask for “Kom El Shoqafa.” It is located in the Karmouz district, very close to Pompey’s Pillar 🚗.
- 🚃 By Tram: Take the yellow tram toward the Karmouz stop; the catacombs are a short 10-minute walk through the historic neighborhood 🚋.
- 🚗 By Car: There is a small parking area directly in front of the site entrance for private vehicles 🅿️.
- 👟 Comfortable Shoes: You will be navigating many stairs and uneven rock floors. Wear shoes with excellent grip 👣.
- ⚠️ Slippery Steps: The lower levels can be humid, and the stone steps may be damp. Hold onto the railings provided 🚧.
- 🧥 Temperature Shift: It is significantly cooler underground than at the surface; a light layer might be comfortable if you are sensitive to temperature changes 🌬️.
- 🕒 Beat the Crowds: Arrive at 9:00 AM. The passageways are narrow, and the experience is much more “Indiana Jones-esque” before the large tour groups arrive 📅.
- 📸 Photo Permit: Using a phone is usually free, but professional cameras often require an additional ticket at the entrance 🎫.
- 🕒 09:00 AM – Arrive at the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa and start with the surface-level artifacts and the open-air sarcophagi 📍.
- 🕒 09:30 AM – Descend the spiral staircase to the Rotunda and begin exploring the three levels of chambers 🌀.
- 🕒 11:00 AM – Exit the depths and take a rest break in the shaded courtyard area at the surface 🥤.
- 🕒 12:00 PM – Walk or take a quick taxi to Pompey’s Pillar, which is less than 1km away, to continue your Roman history tour 👣.
