Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa – A Site You Must Visit in Alexandria
Step beneath Alexandria’s bustling streets into a world frozen in time.
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa represent one of Egypt’s most fascinating archaeological discoveries, where three civilizations merged their burial traditions into something entirely unique. Carved deep into the bedrock during the 2nd century AD, this remarkable necropolis showcases the cultural crossroads that defined ancient Alexandria. What began as private family tombs for the wealthy evolved into a sprawling public burial ground that welcomed people from diverse backgrounds.
We’ve witnessed countless travelers emerge from these underground chambers with a profound appreciation for how ancient cultures adapted and blended their most sacred traditions.
A Remarkable Archaeological Discovery in Modern Times
Construction workers stumbled upon this underground treasure purely by accident in 1900. A donkey fell through a shaft opening, revealing what archaeologists now consider one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World.
The Accidental Revelation
The discovery happened during routine construction work in Alexandria’s Karmouz district. Workers were expanding a cistern when the ground gave way, exposing a circular staircase spiraling into darkness. Local authorities quickly recognized the significance of the find and called in archaeologists to investigate what lay beneath.
Initial Excavation Challenges
Early excavators faced numerous obstacles as they descended the 100-step spiral staircase. The catacombs had been partially flooded for centuries, requiring extensive pumping operations before proper exploration could begin. Ancient debris and collapsed sections complicated the initial mapping efforts, but determined archaeologists gradually revealed the true scope of this underground complex.
Recognition and Preservation
Archaeological teams from multiple institutions collaborated to document and preserve the site. The Egyptian government designated the catacombs as a protected monument within just a few years of discovery, recognizing their international significance as a unique example of cultural fusion in ancient burial practices.
Cultural Fusion in Stone and Symbol
The catacombs demonstrate how Roman, Greek, and Egyptian traditions merged during the Antonine period to create something unprecedented in ancient architecture.
Egyptian pharaonic motifs appear alongside Roman eagles and Greek mythological figures throughout the burial chambers. The main tomb features stunning reliefs where Anubis, the Egyptian god of the dead, stands guard wearing Roman military dress. Serpent guardians carved in traditional Egyptian style frame doorways designed with classical Roman proportions.
This artistic blending reflected Alexandria’s cosmopolitan character during the 2nd century AD. Wealthy families commissioned tombs that honored their diverse heritage while conforming to local burial customs. The result was an underground art gallery that tells the story of cultural adaptation and mutual respect among different communities.
Roman Architectural Elements
The structural design follows Roman engineering principles with its systematic layout and durable construction methods. Builders used precise mathematical calculations to ensure the stability of chambers carved 35 meters (115 feet) below street level. The main rotunda features classical columns and decorative moldings that would have been familiar to any Roman citizen.
Egyptian Religious Symbolism
Traditional pharaonic imagery dominates the religious aspects of the decoration. Falcon-headed gods, sacred scarabs, and hieroglyphic inscriptions maintain continuity with thousands of years of Egyptian burial traditions. The positioning of these symbols follows ancient Egyptian guidelines for ensuring safe passage to the afterlife.
Architectural Marvel Beneath Alexandria
Descending the ancient circular staircase feels like traveling back through time itself. The spiral design serves both practical and symbolic purposes, allowing mourners to process solemnly while representing the journey between the world of the living and the dead.
The main level opens into a rotunda with six massive columns supporting the ceiling. From here, corridors branch off toward family burial chambers, each designed according to the specific wishes and cultural backgrounds of the deceased. The largest chamber, known as the Caracalla Hall, could accommodate communal burial ceremonies for up to 300 people.
Water played a crucial role in both the practical and spiritual aspects of the complex. An intricate drainage system prevented flooding while ceremonial wells provided water for purification rituals. Storage areas held the oils, perfumes, and food offerings essential for ancient burial practices.
Three distinct levels comprise the full complex, though only the upper two remain accessible to modern visitors. Each level served different functions, from preparation of the deceased to final interment and ongoing commemoration ceremonies.
Advanced ventilation systems ensured fresh air circulation throughout the underground chambers. Ancient engineers calculated precise angles for air shafts that remain functional today, nearly 2,000 years after their construction. The sophisticated planning required to create such an ambitious underground project demonstrates the high level of technical expertise available in Roman Alexandria.
Visiting the Catacombs Today
Our expert guides help visitors understand the historical significance and artistic details that might otherwise go unnoticed during a self-guided visit.
Planning Your Visit
The site opens daily from 9:00 am (09:00) to 5:00 pm (17:00), with last entry at 4:30 pm (16:30). We recommend visiting during morning hours when lighting conditions inside the chambers are optimal for photography and detailed viewing. The temperature underground remains constant at approximately 20°C (68°F) year-round, providing relief from Alexandria’s summer heat.
Entry tickets are available at the site entrance, though advance booking through our service ensures skip-the-line access during busy tourist seasons. Photography inside the main chambers requires an additional permit, which we can arrange as part of our comprehensive tour packages.
What to Expect Underground
The descent takes visitors down 99 steps along the same spiral staircase used by ancient mourners. Handrails and improved lighting enhance safety while preserving the authentic atmosphere of discovery. The main chambers showcase the finest examples of Greco-Roman-Egyptian artistic fusion, with detailed explanations provided by our qualified Egyptologist guides.
Wheelchair accessibility remains limited due to the historical nature of the site and the steep staircase entrance. Visitors with mobility concerns should contact us in advance to discuss alternative arrangements for experiencing this remarkable location.
Combining with Other Alexandria Attractions
The catacombs location in Alexandria’s archaeological district makes them an ideal starting point for exploring the city’s ancient heritage. The nearby Pompey’s Pillar stands just 500 meters (0.3 miles) away, while the Alexandria National Museum offers additional context about the city’s multicultural past. We design our Alexandria day tours to include multiple historical sites with comfortable transportation between locations.
Preservation Efforts and Modern Challenges
Archaeological teams continue working to protect and study this invaluable cultural treasure. Rising groundwater levels pose ongoing challenges, requiring sophisticated drainage systems and constant monitoring of structural stability.
Modern conservation techniques help preserve the delicate reliefs and inscriptions that make these tombs so extraordinary. Specialists use non-invasive imaging technology to document areas too fragile for regular public access. Climate control systems maintain optimal humidity levels to prevent further deterioration of the ancient artwork.
International cooperation supports ongoing research and preservation projects. Egyptian authorities work closely with archaeological institutions from around the world to ensure the catacombs remain accessible for future generations while protecting their irreplaceable historical value.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a typical visit to the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa take?
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to 1 hour exploring the accessible chambers with a guide who explains the historical significance and artistic details.
Are the catacombs suitable for children?
Yes, children over 8 years old generally enjoy the adventure, though parents should supervise carefully on the stairs and consider their child’s comfort with underground spaces.
Can I take photographs inside the burial chambers?
Photography requires a special permit available at the entrance for an additional fee, and flash photography is prohibited to protect the ancient artwork.
What should I wear when visiting the underground chambers?
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential, and we recommend bringing a light jacket as temperatures underground are cooler than street level.
How far are the catacombs from central Alexandria?
The site is located approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) from Alexandria’s city center, easily accessible by taxi or as part of our guided tour packages.
Do I need a guide to understand the significance of what I’m seeing?
While self-guided visits are possible, our expert Egyptologist guides provide invaluable context about the cultural fusion and historical importance that casual visitors often miss.
Are there restrictions on touching the ancient carvings and artwork?
All touching of reliefs, inscriptions, and architectural elements is strictly prohibited to preserve these irreplaceable artifacts for future generations.
What makes these catacombs different from other ancient burial sites in Egypt?
The unique blend of Roman, Greek, and Egyptian artistic traditions found here exists nowhere else in the ancient world, making it a one-of-a-kind archaeological treasure.
Can the catacombs be visited year-round?
Yes, the underground location provides consistent conditions regardless of weather, though we recommend checking for any temporary closures due to conservation work.
How deep underground do the accessible chambers extend?
Visitors can explore chambers approximately 35 meters (115 feet) below street level, accessed via the famous spiral staircase with 99 steps.
What happened to the original occupants of these tombs?
Most remains were removed during early archaeological excavations, though some sarcophagi and burial artifacts remain on display in their original positions.
Is there parking available at the site?
Limited parking exists near the entrance, though we recommend using our transportation service for convenient access and to avoid Alexandria’s busy traffic conditions.
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa – A Site You Must Visit in Alexandria
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, descending three levels beneath the city of Alexandria, might not be one of Egypt’s top attractions, but they’re certainly worth a visit.
Alexandria is a city in Egypt that never fails to attract vast numbers of tourists. One of the reasons for this is because the area has been under the control of several different cultures, with each culture influencing the region accordingly.
Located in the Karmouz district of Alexandria, one will find the fascinating Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. While this ancient necropolis might not be included in all Egypt package tours, and while it might not be regarded as being one of the country’s top attractions, it is certainly well worth a visit. In fact, they are nowadays officially one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.
A Brief History Of The Tombs at Kom El Shoqafa
The tombs, when compared to some other similar sites, are actually quite massive, and descend three levels beneath the city above. Historians and archaeologists believe the tombs were carved into the existing bedrock over a period of several years. Records also tend to suggest that the work was funded by one family, even though the site later became more of a common burial place.
As with the Anfushi Tombs which are also in Alexandria, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa also exhibit a very obvious fusion of Greek; Roman and Egyptian cultures. For example, many of the statues inside the necropolis are clearly Egyptian as far as basic style is concerned, but many are “dressed” in Roman clothes. Common belief is that the family who funded the necropolis wanted to hold on to ancient Egyptian tradition.
From the first century AD to the fourth century AD, the tombs where essentially used as a cemetery, and the final resting place for as many as 300 mummies, even though it should be mentioned that so many mummies have never physically been found.
Based on what little evidence there is, most researchers belief that the tombs were largely forgotten about after the fourth century, and then finally rediscovered in 1900. Interestingly enough, the discovery of the tombs was purely accidental, and had it not been for the unlucky donkey that fell down one of the shafts, we might still not have known about them.
To date, archaeologists have only unearthed three sarcophagi, along with a number of human and animal remains which were placed in the area at a later time in history.
Visiting The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
Access to the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa is via a spiral stairway located in the center of the complex. Visitors are allowed to stroll around freely although only the top two levels are open to the public since the bottom level is typically underwater.
The first level is mostly dominated by a large funeral banquet hall where family and/or mourners would gather. The banquet hall also has a number of rock-carved chairs; couches and tables, which is one of the reasons why experts believe the tombs were originally made for one particular family.
Descending the stone stairway to the second level, one is greeted by an unusually eerie feeling, thanks to the many sculptures which still remain to this day. One could almost say the sculptures make it feel as though the tombs have never truly been evacuated.
You’ll also see three very large stone coffins which were made in such a way so that they cannot be opened. The question is: how did they manage to bury people in the coffins if they cannot be opened? Researchers believe that the bodies must have been dragged into the coffins from a tunnel which runs around the outside of the main funeral chamber.
Additionally, you will see several rock-carved niches, with each one being big enough to hold three mummies. If you choose to access the first level through a breech in the outer rotunda wall, you’ll also see the rather gruesome Hall of Caracalla. This hall was used as a mass burial site when countless people were massacred under the orders of Emperor Caracalla in 215 AD. When the hall was first rediscovered, a vast number of human and animal bones were recovered.
Learn more about the catacombs here.
Getting To The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
As with a number of other attractions in Alexandria, it can be very difficult to find parking space if you choose to drive to the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa yourself. A far better option would be to either take a taxi, or else take the public tram which stops just a short walk away from the entrance to the tomb.
If you would like to visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa when you’re in Egypt, please explore our tours. Our Egypt tour packages are high quality customizable tours that include quality accommodation, quality transportation, and professional Expert guides. If you can’t find the perfect tour on our site, our dedicated team of customer service representatives can tailor a tour to your needs.
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