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Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

Monument

Alexandria's Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa form a multi‑level funerary complex blending Egyptian, Greek and Roman motifs; tourists come for burial chambers, carved reliefs and archaeological context.

Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Map data © OpenStreetMap contributorsAlexandriaBibliotheca AlexandrinaLighthouse of AlexandriaAbu al-Abbas al-Mursi MosquePompey's PillarEliyahu Hanavi SynagogueGraeco-Roman MuseumRas El Tin PalaceCathedral of the AnnunciationHeptastadionKom El DekaPalais d'AntoniadisCatacombs of Kom El ShoqafaCatacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
In this guide

Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa essentials

Address: Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Alexandria, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
Hours: Typically 9:00am-5:00pm (check local listings for changes and closures)
Admission: EGP 80-120 (approximate adult admission; variations for foreign visitors and concessions)
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About Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are a major multi-level burial complex in Alexandria dating to the 2nd century AD and noted for their fusion of Egyptian, Greek and Roman funerary art. The site includes a deep vertical shaft leading down to a circular rotunda from which burial chambers branch off.

The carved funerary reliefs, sculpted sarcophagi, and a banquet chamber used for commemorative rites; the architecture shows deliberate hybridisation of classical and Pharaonic motifs. The catacombs are compact but intricate, requiring stairs and low passageways to visit key chambers.

The complex was excavated at the turn of the 20th century and has since been an important source for studying Roman-period Alexandrian funerary practice. Many original finds from the site are conserved in local museums.

Geographically the catacombs lie within the Kom el Shoqafa neighbourhood of Alexandria, a short drive from the city centre and coastal waterfront.

  • Date and style: Constructed in the 2nd century AD and rediscovered by archaeologists in 1900, it displays a blend of Egyptian, Greek and Roman funerary motifs.
  • Practical visit note: Access involves steep steps and enclosed subterranean passages, and lighting inside is subdued to preserve wall surfaces and sculptures.

What to See#

  • Central rotunda: The central rotunda sits at the base of a deep shaft and is reached by a spiral staircase; it acts as the primary distribution space to the burial chambers below.
  • Burial chambers: Burial chambers and tomb niches arranged on multiple levels combine Egyptian funerary practice with Greco-Roman architectural details and funerary reliefs.
  • Banqueting hall: A funerary banquet hall with decorated benches and sculptural elements reflects the Roman-era practice of commemorative banquets for the dead.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

Best in cooler months (late autumn to early spring) to avoid heat when touring underground and around Alexandria.

Winter/Spring
November-March · 12-22°C
Cooler temperatures make city exploration easier; less oppressive than summer heat.
Autumn
September-October · 24-30°C
Generally warm but less hot than peak summer; crowds are moderate.

Weather & Climate near Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

Climate

Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 9°C to 31°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 92 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
45°
Warmest Month
5°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 9° - 19° 14° 50 mm partly cloudy 68% 4.0 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.2h
February Very Good 9° - 19° 14° 24 mm partly cloudy 66% 3.8 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.9h
March Excellent 11° - 21° 16° 13 mm some cloud 63% 3.6 m/s 1.3 high 11.9h
April Ideal 14° - 24° 19° 4 mm mostly sunny 60% 4.3 m/s 1.7 very high 12.8h
May Ideal 17° - 26° 22° 1 mm mostly sunny 58% 3.8 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.6h
June Ideal 20° - 29° 25° 0 mm clear 60% 3.6 m/s 2.4 extreme 14.0h
July Ideal 22° - 31° 26° 0 mm clear 62% 3.7 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.8h
August Ideal 23° - 31° 27° 0 mm clear 63% 3.4 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.1h
September Ideal 22° - 30° 26° 1 mm clear 62% 3.2 m/s 1.7 very high 12.2h
October Ideal 19° - 28° 23° 9 mm mostly sunny 64% 3.5 m/s 1.2 high 11.3h
November Excellent 14° - 24° 19° 30 mm some cloud 65% 3.8 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.4h
December Very Good 11° - 20° 15° 46 mm partly cloudy 68% 3.8 m/s 0.5 low 10.0h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

The catacombs are in Alexandria near the El Max area; from central Alexandria the site is reachable by taxi or local transit. Plan transport with time for city traffic.

Tips for Visiting Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

  • Hire a licensed guide to explain the syncretic symbolism - the site mixes Egyptian, Greek, and Roman motifs.
  • Descend the spiral staircase carefully - the catacombs are uneven and dimly lit in places.
  • Visit the museum above ground afterward to see artifacts recovered from the tombs and to place the catacombs in archaeological context.