Historic Ruins & Heritage
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
📍 Karmouz, Alexandria, Egypt
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Introduction
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are Alexandria's largest Roman-era necropolis, cut into rock in the 2nd century AD, where Egyptian and Greco-Roman art mingle. A spiral stair and tiers of chambers lead underground, past reliefs of Anubis dressed as a Roman legionary—an unforgettable atmosphere.
✨ Highlights
1
The Spiral Stair
A round stone shaft winds deep underground, used for funeral processions since ancient times.
2
Fusion of Cultures
Reliefs of Anubis dressed as a Roman legionary embody Egypt and Rome meeting in stone.
3
Three Tiered Levels
The principal tomb and niche-packed galleries descend level by level on a rare scale.
4
Caracalla Hall
A chamber traditionally linked to Emperor Caracalla's persecutions, starkly grand in Roman fashion.
🛈 Practical Info
→Opening Hours：Generally open daily during daytime hours; check notices at the site.
→Tickets：An entry ticket is required; prices are set officially, so verify before visiting.
→Duration：About 1-2 hours
→Getting There：In the Karmouz district of Alexandria, reachable by taxi from the station or city centre.
💡 Tips
• The passages are narrow, cool and damp; wear non-slip shoes and pace yourself.
• Steps are steep and lighting dim—watch your footing and follow the marked route.
• Flash photography is prohibited to protect the carvings and reliefs.
• Note that the visit includes human remains, which some travellers find unsettling.
FAQ
Any practical tips for visiting Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa?
The passages are narrow, cool and damp; wear non-slip shoes and pace yourself. Steps are steep and lighting dim—watch your footing and follow the marked route.
Information on this page is compiled from public sources. Opening hours, ticket prices and other details may change — please verify with official sources before your visit.
