Summary

• The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa in Alexandria are a remarkable archaeological site that reflects the fusion of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures.
• Discovered in 1900, these underground tombs were initially created for wealthy families but expanded into a public burial ground.
• The catacombs feature intricate carvings, frescoes, and burial niches blending various cultural elements, offering a unique insight into Alexandria’s historical role as a crossroads of civilizations.
• With three levels, the catacombs showcase a blend of architectural and artistic influences, including Egyptian deities in Roman attire and Greek motifs, making them a captivating journey into the past.

The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are hidden beneath the vibrant streets of Alexandria, which is one of Egypt’s most captivating archaeological treasures and is known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. This ancient necropolis provides a rare glimpse into the confluence of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures that once thrived in this Mediterranean Sea region.

As it was carved into the bedrock over 1,800 years ago, the catacombs are a testament to Alexandria’s unique role as a cultural and commercial crossroads of the ancient world. With its intricate carvings, multi-level chambers, and mythological motifs, the site reflects the blend of artistic and spiritual traditions cherished by its creators.

From elaborate burial practices to artistic fusion, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa stand as a hauntingly beautiful relic of Alexandria’s storied past, inviting visitors to descend into history itself.

Discover Its Marvelous Location and How to Get It

The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are located in the Karmouz district of Alexandria, just west of the famous Pompey’s Pillar. This area, known as Kom El Shoqafa or “Mound of Shards,” is a prominent historical site and one of Egypt’s largest burial grounds from the Greco-Roman period.

The catacombs are about a 10-minute drive from Alexandria’s city center, making it accessible by taxi, rideshare services, or public buses from major areas within the city. Visitors often arrive from Alexandria’s main Corniche Road, leading inland to Pompey’s Pillar, then continuing west.

Alexandria is well-connected by train from Cairo, with multiple daily departures. From Cairo, you can also take a bus or hire a private car to reach Alexandria, which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by road. By booking with a travel agency, all your transportation will be handled with care and attention.

Learn about the Rich History of the Catacombs

The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa trace their origins back to the 2nd century AD, a time when Alexandria thrived under Roman rule yet remained heavily influenced by Greek and Egyptian traditions. These catacombs were initially constructed as private tombs for affluent families of Alexandria, intended to serve as resting places imbued with luxury, status, and cultural identity.

However, over time, the site evolved beyond its original purpose, expanding into a more public burial ground that ultimately housed many individuals from diverse backgrounds, reflecting Alexandria’s cosmopolitan society. The catacombs embody a blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic and architectural elements, capturing the essence of Alexandria’s multicultural spirit during the Ptolemaic and early Roman periods.

This fusion of styles is evident in the funerary motifs, statues, and relief carvings that juxtapose Egyptian deities with Roman attire and Hellenistic symbolism, providing a remarkable visual record of Alexandria’s role as a meeting point of the ancient world’s great civilizations.

The catacombs remained hidden from the modern world until 1900, when their accidental discovery came about due to a donkey falling through an opening in the ground. This unexpected event uncovered a treasure trove of historical significance, drawing in archaeologists and historians.

Since then, the site has been a focal point for studies on ancient Alexandria, revealing insights into the spiritual beliefs from the religion of ancient Egypt, expressions of ancient Egyptian art, and burial customs that were woven into the city’s Greco-Roman and Egyptian heritage.

Cast Your Eyes On the Blessed Layout and Architecture of the Catacombs

The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa span an impressive three subterranean levels, descending to a depth of approximately 35 meters (115 feet). Each level was intricately carved directly into Alexandria’s bedrock, showcasing the skill of ancient builders and their understanding of the structural demands for such a significant excavation. Unfortunately, the lowest level remains inaccessible due to water infiltration, leaving only the upper two levels open to visitors today.

Upon entering the catacombs, visitors descend through a spiral staircase that encircles a central shaft. This shaft served a vital function: it allowed bodies and offerings to be lowered respectfully into the tombs via ropes, preserving the integrity of the remains. Designed with rectangular slits in the walls, the shaft let natural light trickle down, illuminating the staircase and adding a mystical touch to the descent.

Once inside, visitors encounter the Rotunda, a central circular hall distinguished by a domed ceiling supported by six stately pillars. This hall is a point of orientation within the tomb complex and exemplifies the architectural blend of Egyptian and Greco-Roman design.

Adjoining the Rotunda is the Triclinium, a distinctively Roman feature resembling a dining area where family and friends could hold funeral banquets or observe commemorative gatherings. The benches in the Triclinium, carved from stone and shaped in a U-formation, reflect a reverence for the deceased, with ritual feasting playing a key role in honoring their memory.

Beyond these areas, the catacombs encompass a network of chambers, corridors, and Luculi (burial niches), each adorned with intricate carvings, frescoes, and symbolic imagery that bring together Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultural elements. The attention to detail in these areas highlights the significance of the afterlife in Alexandrian society and the desire to honor the dead with enduring symbols of their identity.

Explore the Colossal Tombs Within the Catacombs

Within the catacombs, several burial chambers stand out, particularly the main burial chamber, which is fronted by two grand composite columns. These columns are embellished with a fusion of Egyptian and Greco-Roman motifs, including winged sun disks, protective Medusa heads, and depictions of deities like Anubis. Anubis, often seen dressed in Roman armor in these depictions, embodies both Egyptian and Roman aspects, emphasizing the cultural blending that defined Alexandria.

The main burial chamber holds three stone sarcophagi, each designed with non-removable lids and adorned with elaborate carvings of mythological scenes, floral garlands, and figures representing gods from both the cultures of Greek and Egyptian lore. These sarcophagi reflect the wealth and reverence associated with the deceased, symbolizing the complex spiritual beliefs that were a hallmark of Alexandria’s Greco-Roman elite.

Additionally, nearby tombs such as the Tomb of Tigrane feature wall paintings that skillfully integrate Pharaonic funerary symbols with Hellenistic themes. This tomb, with its uniquely Alexandrian style, exemplifies the artistic innovation that occurred when these ancient cultures intersected.

Another nearby tomb, the Tomb of Wardian, is noteworthy for its small painted chapel, which originally housed a statue of the goddess Isis. These auxiliary tombs offer visitors a broader understanding of Alexandria’s artistic heritage and the city’s historical significance as a cultural center of the ancient world.

The Interesting Facts of the Catacombs of Alexandria

• The catacombs were serendipitously discovered in 1900 after a donkey fell into an opening, leading to the unearthing of this archaeological marvel.
• Extending about 35 meters underground, the catacombs encompass three levels, though only the top two are accessible due to flooding in the lowest chamber.
• The catacombs are a testament to Egyptian, Greek, and Roman influences, uniquely blending elements from each culture within the artwork and architectural design.
• Originally built for a single affluent family, the tombs eventually expanded into a public burial site with capacity for over 300 corpses.
• The lowest level remains underwater due to groundwater infiltration, though the second level was successfully reopened to the public following de-watering efforts in 1995.