The catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are an important historical archeological site in Alexandria that is considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. Alexandria was called “The Paris of Antiquity” because of its great history and touristic attractions. The catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa were part of a Necropolis “The City of the Dead”. They were built on the western edge of the town. Kom El Shoqafa began as a tomb for a single, wealthy family, but was expanded into a larger burial site for unknown reasons. Discover all things about Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa:
The Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa
Kom El Shoqafa History
Kom El Shoqafa means “Mound of Shards”, a name which comes from heaps of broken pottery in the area. According to the historical records, a man called Monseir El-Sayed Aly Gibara informed the local Museum of the location of Kom El-Shokafa in 1900. This site resembles the largest burial destination that dates back to the Greco-Roman period. Alexandria was a great cultural city until 31 B.C when the Romans came and established their own cultural prominence leaving Alexandria in a great cultural mixture. The magnificent catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are deemed to be the most striking remnant of ancient Alexandria as it depicts the ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultural mixture.
The Catacombs of Alexandria History
The main tomb of the Alexandria catacombs dates back to the 1st and 2nd centuries A.D when the Roman emperors Domitian and Trajan ruled over Egypt as well as a large section of the expanding Roman Empire at this period of time. The statues in this section were modified to suit the Greco-Roman style in its decorations. The characteristics of the ancient Egyptian style just like the two crowns of Upper and Lower Egypt and the sun disk of the god Horus was mixed with the Greco-Roman symbols like the thyrsus of the Dionysian cult.
Above the two pillars on the second floor, there are scenes of the sun god Horus, who based on the ancient Egyptian belief, was protecting the tomb from any threats. The figure on the right of the tomb for a man and a woman on the left may represent a couple. There is a burial chamber with a central sarcophagus and two other sarcophagi with the central part of the second floor, which is likely belonged to a 2nd-century Roman woman in Egypt. Inside the door of the tomb, there is another figure “The God Anibus”, who is closely associated with the burial traditions in ancient Egypt.
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Description
These catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa were actually built as a tomb for only one family but it was extended to be a bigger burial site. They consist of three levels of solid rock and the third level now is completely underwater. Inside, there is a six-pillared central shaft, which opens off the vestibule. There is a shaft descending underground, which may have enabled the process of lowering the bodies inside the tomb. There is a triclinium on the left side of the tomb, which is a funeral banquet hall. In that location friends and family used to gather on stone couches covered with cushions.
There are two pillars in the lobby of the second level. They are crowned by the papyrus, lotus, acanthus leaves of great ancient Egypt. Moreover, there are two falcons flanking a winged sun decorate the frieze. There are some figures of a man and a woman carved on the walls of the tomb. There is a hallway that has walls with a depth of 91 in the central tomb chamber and each chamber provides a burial space for three mummies. Rotunda wall is so important for tourists to go through a breach to reach the first level. It leads to the Hall of Caracalla in which the bones of horses and humans were found.
Facts About the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
- It was the main burial site from the 2nd to the 4th centuries A.D.
- When you enter the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, you will find a circular staircase that takes you to a unique room where you will witness the real beautiful mix of the Roman and the Egyptian art.
- There is a room on the first floor called, the Hall of Caracalla, which contains human and horses bones.
- Three sarcophagi have been found inside the catacombs, which are big stone coffins.
- It reaches about 100 feet down into the ground.
- There were a lot of other catacombs found in the area but they weren’t in good shape just like the catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa.
- A donkey lost its footing On September 28, 1900, and discovered the access to the catacombs, which excavators tried to discover from 1892.
Best Tours to Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
The catacombs of Alexandria is considered one of the Seven Wonders in the Middle Ages. If you find your self in Cairo and You feel puzzled about which is the best attractions that you can visit from Cairo, so don’t hesitate for a moment to explore the landmarks of Alexandria which includes the catacomb of Kom El Shoqafa, plus the enchanting tourist places such as Qaitbay citadel, Alexandria library, and Pompey’s pillar through our day trip to Alexandria from Cairo.
Enjoy Cairo city tour to the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili & Old Cairo accompanied by a private Egypto...
Duration
1 Day
Tour Type
Historical Tour
Availability
Everyday
You May Also Like Our Egypt Tour Packages
Or if you are fond of Egypt history and hope to discover best attractions in the land of Pharaohs so you have the chance with our Egypt travel packages which provide you best tours around Egypt destinations such as Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, and Hurghada which include a day tour to visit the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa beside to discover the enchanting pyramids, the mysteries tombs and majestic temples of Pharaohs with enable to do a Nile cruise to discover the enchanting monuments of Upper Egypt, Don’t miss the chance and book us now:
Great vacation for 4 days in Cairo Egypt accompanied by an e...
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
Availability
Everyday
An Incredible 5 days Cairo & Alexandria tour package to expl...
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Availability
Everyday
Explore Egypt's ancient wonders on a 6 days vacation to Cair...
Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights
Availability
Everyday
Breathtaking 7 days Cairo, Luxor & Hurghada holiday to explo...
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Availability
Everyday
FAQ
What Should I Wear While Being in Egypt?
You should wear whatever you want. It is advised to wear something light from cotton or linen, comfortable and put on sunblock during your time in Egypt in the summer and wear comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the sandy terrain.
What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?
You should bring a brimmed hat and sunglasses if you not used to the Egyptian sun &pack everything you could ever need and put in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
Are All Nile Cruises Available at Any Time?
Yes, it is available all years. as the Nile from Aswan to Luxor takes three to four days of sailing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the total cost of 600$ and the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan take four to five days in Saturday, Monday and Thursday for the coast of 650$.
Why book Trips in Egypt?
We have experience in vacation planning for more than 10 years & our staff consists of the most professional operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort create the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time advisors to fit your every possible need during your time in egypt. we always keep in mind that your safety & comfort are our main priority until you return home.
Is it safe to travel to Egypt?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to egypt, You will feel secure in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is very peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt and construct an entire environment dedicated for ensuring the lives of all tourists.
What are Egypt's Visa Requirements?
They are very simples, If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries(check the link), have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD entry fee in cash. As for the E-Visa for 30 days, you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could be one of the countries eligible for a free visa for 90 days.
What is the Weather is Like?
The temperature of Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c, Summer in Egypt is somehow hot and winter is cool and mild but sometimes it becomes cold at night. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 23 ¡ÆC in the summertime and average high temperatures vary from 17 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 32 ¡ÆC in the summertime while the temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
What is the Best Time of Visit Egypt?
It is known the best time to travel to Egypt is in the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a bit tropical, a warm atmosphere with a winter breeze. You will also be notified a week before your trip if the weather is unsafe or if any changes have been made.
Should I Give Tips in Egypt?
It is totally up to you, but if you choose to you can tip the servers at your restaurant 5-10% by handing it to them directly and 5 Egyptian Pounds as a general tip of anyone.
Can I Enter the Pyramids?
Yes, you can enter the pyramids for the small fee of 20$.
How to Enjoy Egypt During Ramadan?
Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims that should be celebrated by non-Muslims and feel the essence of the Islamic culture. You can fast with the Muslim or just observe but you are always welcome to join the celebrations and festivals.
Show More
Show Less
Share Your Comment