Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa

كاتاكومبات كوم الشقافة

An ancient underground burial site blending Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman artistic styles, showcasing Alexandria's multicultural heritage through intricate carvings and hieroglyphics. These atmospheric tombs provide a fascinating glimpse into Greco-Roman funerary practices.

Things to do

• Explore the Main Burial Chamber — Descend into the largest underground chamber featuring a central sarcophagus and elaborate wall carvings depicting Anubis and Osiris in Greco-Roman style.
• View the Triclinium (Banquet Hall) — Visit the rock-cut dining room where relatives gathered for funeral feasts, complete with carved stone benches and niches for oil lamps.
• Study Hybrid Artistic Elements — Observe the unique fusion of Egyptian hieroglyphics, Greek columns, and Roman architectural details throughout the tomb passages and chambers.
• Walk Through the Rotunda — Navigate the circular central hall with its distinctive dome opening to sky wells that once provided light and air circulation to the underground chambers.
• Examine Mummy Niches and Loculi — Observe the carved recesses in the walls where multiple bodies were placed, demonstrating how families used the catacombs for generations.
• Photograph Intricate Relief Carvings — Document the serpents, winged discs, and hieroglyphic inscriptions that showcase the multicultural artistic heritage of Greco-Roman Alexandria.

Food to try

• Koshari — A beloved Egyptian street food combining lentils, rice, pasta, and chickpeas topped with tomato sauce and vinegar, widely available in nearby Alexandria restaurants.
• Ful Medames — A traditional slow-cooked fava bean dish seasoned with garlic and lemon, often served for breakfast at local cafes near the archaeological site.
• Fresh Mediterranean Seafood — Alexandria's coastal location offers grilled fish, calamari, and shrimp prepared simply with olive oil and lemon at waterfront establishments.
• Basboosa — A sweet coconut and semolina cake topped with almonds and soaked in simple syrup, sold at local bakeries and pastry shops throughout Alexandria.
• Molokhia — A leafy green soup traditional to Egypt, seasoned with garlic and served over rice, representing authentic Alexandrian home cooking.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Photography Restrictions — Interior photography is typically prohibited without special permission to protect the delicate carvings and preserve the site's integrity.
• Dress Modestly and Comfortably — Wear cool, modest clothing as the underground chambers maintain cool temperatures year-round and cultural sensitivity is appreciated.
• Hire a Local Guide — An Egyptologist or knowledgeable local guide greatly enhances understanding of the Pharaonic-Greco-Roman hybrid symbolism and burial practices throughout the chambers.
• Visit Early Morning — Arrive before 10 AM to experience the catacombs with fewer crowds and better lighting conditions for appreciating the intricate carvings.