Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

These are the largest known Roman burial site in Egypt and one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. They were found accidentally in 1900 when a donkey fell into the access shaft. Built in the 2nd century AD, they served as a family tomb before expanding to hold over 300 remains. The site features three levels carved into solid rock, with the lowest now flooded by groundwater. The art and architecture inside show a unique fusion of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman styles. Highlights include a central rotunda, a banquet hall for funeral feasts (the Triclinium), and the main burial chamber. They are a UNESCO World Heritage site and provide crucial insight into Alexandrian life and beliefs during the Roman period.

A fascinating blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman influence, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa offer a truly immersive experience. The journey begins by descending a narrow spiral staircase, which immediately gives a sense of entering an ancient and mysterious world. The tight, twisting passages heighten the anticipation as you gradually reach deeper levels of the site. Once you arrive at the lower chambers, the sense of scale is breathtaking. The spacious underground halls, intricate carvings, and beautifully preserved sarcophagi reveal the skill and artistry of ancient craftsmen. The combination of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman motifs makes every corner visually striking, and the quiet, dimly lit atmosphere adds to the awe-inspiring feeling of exploring a hidden world beneath Alexandria.

The Catacombs were a very interesting experience in a very unsuspecting place! They go quite deep under the streets of modern day Alexandria and a much larger than you would expect. You can see all the empty tombs where bodies were once laid to rest. The walls are adorned with Romanesque style Egyptian carving that showcase the influence the two cultures had on each other thousands of years ago. There’s tons of cats to watch and feed outside too if that is something that interests you!

An incredible and unforgettable historical site in Alexandria. The Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa are truly fascinating. It’s amazing to see the clever system designed to lower the bodies down through the central shaft — both impressive and a little mind-blowing. Walking through the underground tunnels and chambers gives you a strong sense of ancient burial traditions. The main burial chamber is especially striking, with clear evidence of Egyptian and Greco-Roman reliefs blended together, showing how different cultures influenced one another. Another powerful part of the visit is the room where family members gathered to eat, mourn, and honor their loved ones. Overall, it’s a unique mix of history, engineering, and cultural fusion. A must-visit for anyone interested in ancient civilizations and hidden underground wonders.

The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa in Alexandria are an absolute wonder and one of the most fascinating historical sites I’ve ever visited. Hidden beneath the bustling city, this ancient necropolis offers a mysterious and captivating journey into Egypt’s Greco-Roman past. As I descended the spiral staircase into the underground chambers, I immediately felt a sense of awe. The combination of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural styles is truly unique — intricate carvings of gods, sphinxes, and mythological figures blend together beautifully. The craftsmanship is incredible, especially considering the site dates back nearly two thousand years. The catacombs are surprisingly extensive, with multiple levels of burial chambers, statues, and wall reliefs. The central tomb, known as the Hall of Caracalla, is especially impressive and beautifully preserved. Although photography is limited in certain areas, just walking through the dimly lit passageways gives you a deep appreciation for the ancient world and how people once honored their dead. The site is well maintained and easy to navigate with guides available at the entrance. I highly recommend taking a guided tour to fully understand the symbolism and history behind the carvings. It’s cool underground, so it’s a great place to visit even on a hot day. The atmosphere is quiet, mysterious, and deeply moving — a true testament to Alexandria’s rich and layered history. If you’re in the city, the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are an absolute must-see attraction.

The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are genuinely fascinating. So much history. This moody underground mash-up of Roman and Egyptian afterlife energy is evident and interesting. They were trying to blend afterlife cultures. The carvings are stunning and the stonework is impressive. Our guide went over the different types of burials and most of the tombs throughout the catacombs. Fun fact: you know how they found these tombs and catacombs? A donkey fell through the ground for the discovery.

This Roman underground city for deceased was discovered by accident. It is accessible for tourists with recent proper circular stairs going down some 20m down. There's Roman gods and artwork displayed on a number of chambers. The central shafts that runs up to the surface provides some level of lighting for the floors below. Getting to this place by vehicle in the old part of the city is not easy because of narrow streets and traffic. Plenty to see. Lots of horse bones can be found in larger tombs. Romans used bury their favourite horse with them. Need tickets to get in. Not easy to find parking. Access is via stairs only. Some people likely to find this difficult.

Excellent architecture. This monument is a must see place. Better to buy tickets in advance as long que expected due to credit card only accepted. Due to poor Internet connectivity delay in vredit card payment