Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa — Attraction in Alexandria

Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World still in existence and is under active restoration and USAID project at lowering water table in Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa to save this important historical site. Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa commenced operating in 2nd century AD and was used to intern the dead for next two centuries. During this period we had the confluence of 3 distinct cultures namely Egyptian that was thousands years old andGreeks who entered in 342BC with their own culture and finally the Romans who took control in 31BC had introduced their own traditions. As one enters the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa one comes across the Egyptian Shadow Clock with Latin engravings with Roman numerals showing the influence of Roman traditions along with Egyptian culture fusion at the entrance itself... The inscriptions reads SISCUT UMBRA DIES NOSTRI translating to Like a shadow Our days (past) Apt quote on a sun dial which had its origin in Egypt Alexandria the then capital of Egypt combined these 3 cultures and much has been dissipated but in the catacombs inside the depths this intellectual blending survives and we are favored by destiny to view in awe Today we enter the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa through a spiral staircase with windows in the shaft lighting the stairs.The shaft was used to bodies to be lowered into the depths of catacombs for interning As we proceed the main tomb at the middle level has sculpture which makes the place unique and in picture we see statues of male and female typically of Egyptian art .The male head is lifelike and is style identified with Greek art and the female form is endowed with Roman hair style. Either side of door are two serpents Agathodaimon head wearing Egyptian double crown carrying Greek sheilds depecting Medusa legendary monster Also the Agathodaimon carries a kerkion a winged staff a Roman insignia and also a Greek Thyrus a staff topped by pinecone. This unique mix of art culture Egyptian Greek and Roman is unique to Kom el Shoqafa and hence its impirtance The internment also shows the cultural influences of Egyptian Roman andGreek as we see sarcophagi for mummies as well as niches for Greek and Roman burial rituals..giving us as one writer put it visible evidence of three cultures three arts and three religions superimposed on Egyptian...

A Journey Through Time with an Unforgettable Guide at the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Visiting the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa in Alexandria was one of the most mesmerizing historical experiences we’ve ever had—and hiring a local guide made all the difference!

From the moment we descended into the depths of this ancient necropolis, we were transported back to the Greco-Roman era, where Egyptian, Greek, and Roman traditions intertwined in the most fascinating ways. Our guide, Tito, was an absolute treasure—knowledgeable, passionate, and full of incredible stories that brought the catacombs to life.

🔥 Why a Local Guide is a MUST: ✔ Deep Historical Insight – Our guide explained the unique blend of cultures seen in the carvings, statues, and burial chambers, pointing out details we would have missed on our own. ✔ Legends & Mysteries – We learned about the accidental discovery of the catacombs in 1900 and the eerie tales surrounding this underground world. ✔ Hidden Symbolism – The fusion of Anubis with Roman armor, the stunning Hall of Caracalla, and the hauntingly beautiful central tomb—all made more meaningful with expert narration. ✔ Engaging Storytelling – It wasn’t just facts; it was a dramatic, immersive journey through Alexandria’s past.

💀 The Catacombs Themselves? Absolutely Breathtaking! The spiral staircase leading down, the intricate carvings, and the sense of walking through an ancient burial site sent chills down our spines—in the best way possible. The main burial chamber with its mix of Pharaonic and Hellenistic art is something you have to see to believe.

🏆 Final Verdict: If you’re visiting Alexandria, do NOT miss the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, and definitely hire a guide! What could have been just an interesting archaeological site became an unforgettable adventure thanks to our guide’s expertise. 10/10 would...

Visited in September 2024 Took a day trip from Cairo and this was our first stop in Alexandria. This was a step into history that I wasn’t expecting. A combination of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian influences that is not seen anywhere else like this in Egypt. Worth the drive!

The catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa is a historical archaeological site located in Alexandria, Egypt, and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.

The necropolis consists of a series of Alexandrian tombs, statues and archaeological objects of the Pharaonic funerary cult with Hellenistic and early Imperial Roman influences. Due to the time period, many of the features of the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa merge Roman, Greek and Egyptian cultural points; some statues are Egyptian in style, yet bear Roman clothes and hair style whilst other features share a similar style. A circular staircase, which was often used to transport deceased bodies down the middle of it, leads down into the tombs that were tunneled into the bedrock during the age of the Antonine emperors (2nd century CE). The facility was then used as a burial chamber from the 2nd century to the 4th century, before being rediscovered in 1900 when a donkey accidentally fell into the access shaft. To date, three sarcophagi have been found, along with other human and animal remains which were added later. It is believed that the catacombs were only intended for a single family, but it is unclear why the site was expanded in order to house numerous other individuals.

Another feature of the catacombs is the Hall of Caracalla, which contains the bones of horses which were the tombs created for the horses of the emperor...