2331-2331 Travel Guide

Alexandria's Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are a unique, mysterious ancient underground tomb—a large subterranean burial complex blending ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman styles, a superb witness to Alexandria's multicultural ancient civilization and a site full of history and mystery. The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa ("mound of shards") are a vast ancient underground necropolis, mainly built in the Roman period (around the 2nd century AD), an important family and public cemetery carved deep into rock (several levels, reached by a spiral staircase). Its uniqueness lies in vividly showing Alexandria as a "melting pot": here, three cultures—ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman—are wonderfully fused. Sculptures and reliefs combine Egyptian deities, customs and styles (Anubis, pharaoh-like forms, mummification) with Greek-Roman architecture, dress and art (Roman statues, Greek columns), forming a one-of-a-kind hybrid style that reflects Alexandria's intermingled civilizations. Visitors descend the spiral stair to the deep, mysterious catacombs, passing chambers, passages and halls, admiring the multicultural reliefs and feeling the unique charm of ancient Alexandria. Exploring these catacombs is a unique, fascinating Alexandria experience.