Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa: The Hidden Underground Wonder of Alexandria is not a run-of-the-mill historical site; rather it acts as a time machine etched into rocks under the fine modern city of Alexandria. With its immense necropolis, it was a conception where art, culture, and beliefs of three grand civilizations converged: those of ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.
Situated in the center of the city of Alexandria, the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are accounted as one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of Egypt. This subterranean burial site apparently belongs to around the 2nd century AD and thus stood as a perfect example of the cultural melting the city of Alexandria would have been throughout the Roman period.
Where Are the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa?
The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa lie in Karmouz, adjoining another very famous landmark — Pompey’s Pillar. “Kom el Shoqafa” means “Mound of Shards,” alluding to the breakable shards of pottery which carpeted the site. These shards were left by the ancient people who used to bring food and wine in clay vessels as offerings to the dead, and then break these vessels in the process as a ritual act.
Accidentally discovered in 1900, the entrance to the catacombs was revealed when a donkey fell through a hole in the ground.
A Blend of Civilizations
What makes these catacombs majestic is their architectural hybridism, uniting influences of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman design and building techniques. Within the tombs, one could find Egyptian gods carved wearing Roman military uniforms; alongside hieroglyphics stand classical Greco-Roman columns; even a Roman-style Medusa graces an Egyptian tomb.
This fantastic amalgamation gives an artistic expression to the formerly cosmopolitan Alexandria — a city where the East and West met, not only in trade but also in belief and ritual.
What You’ll Find Underground
Built at a depth of three levels, the catacombs are accessible only on two since the third one is flooded. That is what you will find when going underground:
The Spiral Staircase: A striking circular staircase that descends gently into chambers beneath.
The Rotunda and Vestibule: The main hall entrance where mourners would assemble.
The Central Tomb: Magnificently decorated with a fusion of Egyptian funerary and Roman architectural styles. Here, you shall behold carvings of Anubis as a Roman soldier.
The Triclinium: A banquet hall where the family would feast in honor of the dead.
Dozens of niches for burials and sarcophagi carved straight from the bedrock.
Every room has a story to tell, and in their carvings and sculptures, they reflected the spiritual beliefs and social customs of those days.
Tips for Visiting the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
If you plan to visit the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, here are some tips you’ll find useful:
Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm, usually.
Ticket Price: 80–100 EGP for foreigners and 20–30 EGP for Egyptians (may vary)
What to Bring: Flashlight (some chambers are dim), comfortable walking shoes, and water.
Best Time to Arrive: Early morning or late afternoon to stay away from heat and crowds.
Stress that photography is forbidden in some places, but do ask for permission from the staff as a thank you.
What Makes Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa Special?
The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa reflect not only the size and preservation of the site but also what they stand for: union through diversity. In a time of competing empires and expansion, these tombs halted for a moment, depicting the harmony of competing cultures coexisting in one sacred space.
But also, they remind us that death was not an end but a continuation of life, and that the ancient people associated with honoring the dead with an amazing spirit of creativity and reverence.
The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa: The Hidden Underground Wonder of Alexandria is more than a historical monument; it is a living memory of a time when Egypt stood at the crossroads of civilizations. It is with those mysterious tunnels, intricate carvings, and emotional history that this underground world continues to stir imagination.
Situated in Alexandria, if you ever get an opportunity, do not miss going underground — literally — to see this splendid ancient representation of multiculturalism and artisanship. The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa offer one of the rarest experiences of vivid time traveling.
