Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
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9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
An ancient circular staircase leads down into these tombs that were tunneled into the bedrock during the age of the Antonine emporers (2nd century AD).
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  • Shelley H
    Portland, Oregon12 contributions
    Worth a visit
    I recently visited the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa and found the experience to be both interesting and unique. The Catacombs are a series of underground tombs dating back to the 2nd century AD, and they provide a fascinating glimpse into the funerary customs of ancient Alexandria. Our guide did an excellent job of explaining the history and significance of the site. The Catacombs themselves are quite extensive, and there is a lot to see, including multiple levels of tombs, an underground cistern, and various statues and carvings. I was especially impressed with the skill and artistry that went into creating these underground tombs. One of the most interesting features of the Catacombs is the mix of Egyptian, Greek and Roman architectural styles, which is quite unique. The Catacombs also have a unique blend of Pharaonic, Hellenistic and early Christian motifs, which is quite fascinating to see. It's definitely worth a visit if you're interested in ancient history and architecture. The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are not only an important historical site but also a unique and interesting place to explore.
    Visited December 2022
    Written January 17, 2023
  • James V
    Brentwood, California448 contributions
    Catacombs of Kim El Shoqafa
    One of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages . Consists of a series of tombs , statues and objects of the pharaonic funeral cult . A circular staircase was used to transport deceased bodies down into the catacombs and tombs . The tombs were tunneled into bedrock during the 2nd century AD . Was discovered in 1900 when a donkey fell into the access shaft . There was even a funeral banquet hall where friends a family gathered at 5he time of the funeral or future visits to the loved ones. An interesting site to visit but lots of stairs leading down into the chambers . Worth the visit …
    Visited January 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written February 6, 2023
  • Helenjen
    Brisbane, Australia784 contributions
    My favourite of our tour of Alexandria!
    The catacombs are well worth a visit down the lengthy staircases....it was my favourite of our interesting tour with Reflections Travel. As other TA reviewers have said, the mix of Egyptian, Greek and Roman architectural styles, make it quite unique. It could have gone unnoticed, if not for the donkey falling down the shaft, and what a loss that would be!
    Visited February 2023
    Written April 10, 2023
  • aekrfk
    Newport Beach, California250 contributions
    Must see in Alexandria
    We took a long day trip from Cairo to Alexandria. The first stop were these catacombs which were really interesting. The carvings were incredible at several tombs. There are many empty tombs and the catacomb is huge. Walk around just to get a sense of the size. If you go to Alexandria this is a must see highlight
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 17, 2023
  • HappyHammer69
    Port Macquarie, Australia937 contributions
    Very interesting site
    The story of how these catacombs were found and the history of how they developed is fantastic. Many areas used to be underwater but a project to pump out the water means they are now completely dry and able to be explored. There are frescos and a maze of burial sites to explore.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 24, 2023
  • Martin B
    Surigao City, Philippines30 contributions
    Roman catacombs
    The necropolis is a collection of ancient tombs, statues, and objects from Pharaonic times, mixed with Greek and Roman influences. Some statues have an Egyptian look but wear Roman clothes and hairstyles. A spiral staircase leads down to the tombs carved into the rock, made during the time of the Antonine emperors in the 2nd century AD. From the 2nd to the 4th century, it was a burial place. In 1900, it was found again when a donkey fell into a hole. Inside, three coffins and other remains were discovered, like humans and animals. There's also a part called the Hall of Caracalla, which has horse bones. These tombs were made for the horses of Emperor Caracalla around 215 AD.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written August 5, 2023
  • Rajesh K K
    Bengaluru, India1,128 contributions
    Not too great
    With such a rich history, was expecting something more ... but was disappointed. This is located in a crowded area of Alexandria. You need to go through some really narrow streets to reach it! We reached around 11.30 am and the place was packed, full of tourists. The entrance (and exit) of the Catacombs is narrow and you need to walk down 2-3 flights of stairs. Below, because of the tourists, it was packed and claustrophobic. The site has limited parking. It boasts a free toilet, which is filthy.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written November 3, 2023
  • Razorfish
    Little Rock, Arkansas3,792 contributions
    Fascinating Catacombs of Kom el Shaqafa in Alexandria
    I visited the Catacombs of Kom el Shaqafa in Alexandria as part of a two week tour of Egypt. You enter by a spiral staircase that descends to burial vaults and ornately carved reliefs in a maze of tunnels. It was really fascinating to see how ancient cultures commemorated the funerals and burials of their loved ones, especially in going to the extent of digging these elaborate tunnels with their carvings and statues. It was one of the highlights of my visit to Alexandria.
    Visited January 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 17, 2023
  • Arthur M
    Hamilton, Canada1,038 contributions
    Pretty large catacombs! That donkey made an accidental discovery of its lifetime!
    The catacombs run pretty deep under the city of Alexandria, and turns out it was discovered by a donkey falling down. It featured several tombs and also some relics. The stairs to the bottom weren't bad. They seem pretty sturdy and the wood was new-ish. As for the catacombs themselves, I noticed that some sections look new. Turns out they were reinforced due to stability issues. So that is something to watch out for.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written November 23, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Ron W
Cedar City, UT172 contributions
Mar 2020
Alexandria Kom el Shoqafa catacombs (in Alexandria - founded by Alexander the Great) is a necropolis hewn into a cliff that consists of 3 levels, dating from the 2nd century AD. Archaeological objects of the Pharaonic funeral cult with Hellenistic and early Imperial Roman influences can be seen. The Roman triclinium – a banquet hall to honor the dead. The underground catacombs were a bit creepy (not near as creepy as the Catacombs in France), but did not contain any human bones – only some animal bones enclosed in a display case. More structures are outside.

Cost: EGP 80
Weather: The weather in February was perfect – not hot, but no jacket required.
Toilets: toilets are available – expect to tip EGP 10.00 (about 63 cents USD) at any public toilet in Egypt.
Caution: none
NOTE: Street vendors all accept U.S. Dollars. Be sure to haggle the price down before buying anything.
Written March 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

COGR
Colorado243 contributions
Nov 2019
You can really get up close and personal with these catacombs, and if you are claustrophobic you may want to forget it. They are well lit and well preserved but even so...There is beautiful artwork and carving right into the bedrock and it is hard to believe this was designed for one family! Lots of steps and you do go down a long way.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hassan M
Cape Town Central, South Africa13 contributions
Dec 2019
This was an amazing historical site to visit which was discovered accidentally in 1900 but was build in the second century CE. There are some tombs and old structures that can be seen as you enter the site. To see the catacombs, you need to descend a spiral staircase. The skeletal remains have been cleared so mainly a few statues and a labyrinth of corridors with empty holes in the walls are what can be seen.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RodHarris
Melbourne, Australia32 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The Catacombs present wonderful opportunity to learn about and understand the funerary practices of the ancient residents. Exploring the excavations system and the variety of graves and associated engravings was illumination. Not for the claustrophobic.
There is also an excellent collection of sarcophagus on site.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kazi Y
Dhaka City, Bangladesh131 contributions
Feb 2020
The catacombs of Kom El Shuqqafa , Alexandria is considered one of the Seven Wonders in the Middle Ages. It was the main burial site from the 2nd to the 4th centuries A.D. From ground leavle you will see nothing, but if you go down with spiral staircase you will see what wonders are waiting for you inside. The catacombs of Kom El Shuqqafa is a great historical archaeological site. There are all types of statues, objects, and tombs within the burial chamber. The catacombs consist of three levels cut through solid rock, the third level being now completely underwater. You can see a lot of 'burial art'. There is no information/ labeling available inside so it is better to take a guide.
Written April 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MILOUW
New York City, NY1,322 contributions
Jan 2020
This site was initially built for one family and overtime was expanded on various levels ending up with hundreds of sepultures.
You access the various locales through a spiral staircase.Some decorations remain.
Lighting is poor, photos with smart phones are free.

Above ground the Tigrane tomb has some paintings mixing roman and Egyptian themes.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jacob C
Dubai, United Arab Emirates34 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
Arriving at the catacombs is quite underwhelming. It is in the middle of what seems like a poorer neighbourhood of Alexandria, and there is nothing on the surface. Then you descend down this spiral staircase to the catacombs below. Carved out of the bedrock and housing so many amazing statues, sarcophagus and murals, it is an amazing experience. Something to see while in Alexandria.
Written March 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

James V
Brentwood, CA448 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
One of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages . Consists of a series of tombs , statues and objects of the pharaonic funeral cult . A circular staircase was used to transport deceased bodies down into the catacombs and tombs . The tombs were tunneled into bedrock during the 2nd century AD . Was discovered in 1900 when a donkey fell into the access shaft . There was even a funeral banquet hall where friends a family gathered at 5he time of the funeral or future visits to the loved ones. An interesting site to visit but lots of stairs leading down into the chambers . Worth the visit …
Written February 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sherry Bhatti
Jinja, Uganda114 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Amazing experience going down into the bowels of the earth and seeing the catacombs. The atmosphere is surprisingly dry but surreal. The mix of Egyptian, Roman and Greek designs in various paintings and carvings was unique.
Written January 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Shelley H
Portland, OR12 contributions
Dec 2022
I recently visited the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa and found the experience to be both interesting and unique. The Catacombs are a series of underground tombs dating back to the 2nd century AD, and they provide a fascinating glimpse into the funerary customs of ancient Alexandria.

Our guide did an excellent job of explaining the history and significance of the site. The Catacombs themselves are quite extensive, and there is a lot to see, including multiple levels of tombs, an underground cistern, and various statues and carvings. I was especially impressed with the skill and artistry that went into creating these underground tombs.

One of the most interesting features of the Catacombs is the mix of Egyptian, Greek and Roman architectural styles, which is quite unique. The Catacombs also have a unique blend of Pharaonic, Hellenistic and early Christian motifs, which is quite fascinating to see.

It's definitely worth a visit if you're interested in ancient history and architecture. The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are not only an important historical site but also a unique and interesting place to explore.
Written January 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Alexandria

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