Beneath the streets of Alexandria lies one of Egypt’s most fascinating burial sites — the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, one of the largest Roman-era necropolises in the country, and a genuinely unique blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic traditions found nowhere else.
A Surprising Discovery
The catacombs were discovered by accident in 1900, when a donkey reportedly fell through the ground into the site below. Excavations soon revealed a vast, multi-level burial complex carved directly into the bedrock, dating to the 2nd century AD.
Where Cultures Meet
What makes Kom El Shoqafa so remarkable is its striking fusion of styles — traditional Egyptian funerary imagery, like jackal-headed Anubis, carved in a distinctly Greco-Roman artistic style, alongside Roman burial niches and architectural elements. This blend reflects Alexandria’s identity at the time: a genuinely cosmopolitan city where Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures lived and were buried side by side.
What You’ll See
The site spans three levels carved into solid rock, the lowest now flooded and inaccessible. Visitors descend a spiral staircase to reach the main burial chamber, along with a separate hall believed to have hosted funerary banquets held by grieving families — a Roman tradition adapted into an Egyptian setting.
Visiting the Catacombs
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are one of Alexandria’s must-see sites, easily combined with nearby Pompey’s Pillar and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina as part of a full day exploring the city.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa?
One of the largest Roman-era burial sites in Egypt, located in Alexandria, notable for its unique blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic styles.
How were the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa discovered?
They were discovered by accident in 1900, after a donkey fell through the ground, revealing the underground burial complex below.
Can you visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa on a cruise stopover?
Yes — they’re commonly included in Alexandria shore excursions, alongside Pompey’s Pillar and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
