The Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqafa

An Underground Journey in Alexandria

Tucked away in the heart of Alexandria, the Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqafa are an underground necropolis, a layered tomb where Egyptian, Roman, and Greek influences blend into something bizarre and beautiful.

The name “Kom el-Shuqafa” means Mound of Shards in Arabic, a reference to the piles of broken pottery found in the area — once used to carry offerings to the dead.

A Brief History of Kom el-Shuqafa

Kom el-Shuqafa was built around the 2nd century CE, during the time when Alexandria was a melting pot of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures. The site was originally intended as a private family tomb for a wealthy individual or noble family. However, over time, the catacombs expanded into a much larger communal burial site.

Its design reflects the cultural fusion typical of the Greco-Roman period in Egypt. You’ll find Roman architecture adorned with Egyptian religious symbolism and Hellenistic artistic motifs, all coexisting in this surreal subterranean world.

The catacombs were lost to time for centuries and only rediscovered in 1900 — reportedly when a donkey fell through a hole in the ground, revealing the spiral staircase that led to the tombs below — now considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.

Today, the site is recognized as one of the most important and best-preserved examples of Roman funerary architecture in Egypt.

Highlights of the Catacombs

The Main Burial Chamber: Guarded by statues of bearded serpents and topped with winged sun disks, the central tomb features reliefs of the dead dressed in Roman fashion but flanked by Egyptian gods like Anubis and Horus. It’s eerie and fascinating all at once.

The Triclinium: A large dining room where families of the deceased would gather for ceremonial meals. The concept of dining with the dead might seem spooky now, but in ancient times it was a way to honor and remain close to loved ones.

The Hall of Caracalla: A grim and poignant space believed to hold the bones of young Christians massacred during Emperor Caracalla’s reign.

Sarcophagi and Niches: The chambers are filled with carved sarcophagi and loculi (shelf-like niches) where mummies were once placed. Although the remains are long gone, the artistry of the carvings remains.

Tips for Visiting

Bring a flashlight or make sure your phone is charged — the lighting is limited and it adds to the atmosphere, but it helps to see the carvings clearly.

It’s a good idea to go early or during off-peak hours to avoid crowds. The catacombs are popular but often missed by travelers focused only on Cairo or Luxor.

The site is close to other Alexandria attractions like Pompey’s Pillar and Kom el-Dikka, so you can easily combine them into a half-day itinerary.

Are you ready to start discovering Egypt?

During my trip to Egypt, I booked a couple of tours and had an incredible time! I’m sharing the links below in case you’re interested.

Are you ready to start discovering Egypt?

During my trip to Egypt, I booked a couple of tours and had an incredible time! I’m sharing the links below in case you’re interested.

The Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqafa

An Underground Journey in Alexandria

A Brief History of Kom el-Shuqafa

Highlights of the Catacombs

Tips for Visiting

Location

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Are you ready to start discovering Egypt?

Are you ready to start discovering Egypt?

More things to see in Egypt