Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa 🇪🇬

Located in Alexandria, Egypt, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa offer you an extraordinary glimpse into one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. Rediscovered in 1900 when a donkey fell into an access shaft, this subterranean necropolis features three levels tunneled into bedrock between the second and fourth centuries CE. When you visit, you will marvel at a unique fusion of Egyptian, Greek, and Imperial Roman cultures.

Descend the circular staircase that was once used to lower deceased bodies down into the tombs. Inside, you can see carved figures in rigid Egyptian poses sporting classical Greek heads or Roman hairstyles. The principal tomb chamber displays a striking temple-like façade, carved Agathodaemon snakes, and three huge stone sarcophagi decorated with mythology gods and a relief of the jackal-headed god Anubis dressed in Roman soldier attire.

You can also explore the triclinium banquet hall, where ancient relatives dined on stone couches before intentionally breaking their clay wine jars, creating the historical Mound of Shards. Do not miss the Hall of Caracalla, which holds horse and human bones created in 215 CE. Exploring this underground site provides an unforgettable, hands-on look at ancient cultural blending.

What to see at Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

• Three rock-cut tomb levels accessed via a central circular staircase
• Principal tomb chamber featuring reliefs of Anubis in Roman soldier garb
• The triclinium, an ancient funeral banquet hall with stone couches
• Sculptures blending Pharaonic, Hellenistic, and Roman artistic styles
• The Hall of Caracalla holding ancient horse and human remains

Visiting tips

Prepare to descend underground via a circular staircase that leads deep into the bedrock tomb levels.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa is easy to reach on Alexandria’s public transport, and pairs naturally with El-Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Alexandria travel guide.