Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

The basics

There’s a small charge to visit the catacombs, but you don’t generally need to buy tickets in advance. Most travelers either stay in Alexandria to see the catacombs—perhaps en route to the Western Desert—or visit as a day trip from Cairo. Exploring with a guide can really help put the site in context, including the banquet hall where bereaved family members would commemorate their loved one’s passing.

Although the impressive carvings are recent by Egyptian standards, dating back only to the 2nd century AD, the once-glorious colors have been almost entirely lost. But even without the rich decoration you’ll see in Luxor’s much older tombs, the structures impress.

Things to know before you go

• The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are a great choice for history buffs, lovers of sculpture, and anyone interested in ancient burial sites.

• Photography is not allowed within the catacombs to protect what remains of the paintings.

• During the summer, the catacombs, which are partially flooded, can get very humid. There’s no need to bring additional layers.

• Access to the catacombs is via a steep spiral staircase that’s not suitable for travelers with mobility issues. Parents of small children will want to bring back carriers or slings.

How to get there

The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are in downtown Alexandria, less than a 10-minute walk southwest of Pompey’s Pillar. The city’s public transit systems aren’t easy for outsiders to navigate, so your best bet is to take a taxi, rideshare with Uber or Careem, or join a tour.

When to get there

The catacombs are usually open daily from morning to mid-afternoon. As they’re not exposed, they can be a good choice during the midday heat if you’re visiting in the summer.

Discovering ancient Alexandria

Famed for its long-lost lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and its original library, one of the globe’s all-time centers of learning, Alexandria is a much newer city than Giza or Luxor. But there’s still plenty to see. The Alexandria National Museum showcases highlights from a sunken city discovered just offshore; Pompey’s Pillar marks the remains of a temple to the Greco-Egyptian deity Serapis; and the Roman Amphitheatre is one of Egypt’s most important Roman-era remains.