Discovery Tours Egypt
AttractionAlexandria

Kom El Shoqafa Catacombs, Alexandria

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Kom El Shoqafa Entry Ticket is a 1-day admission covering the underground necropolis, burial chambers, and funerary monuments in Alexandria, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Archaeology & history
  • Cultural

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations
Alexandria

Best time to go

The most comfortable months are generally October to April, when Alexandria is milder and easier for sightseeing. Summer can still be manageable because the monument is underground, but visitors should arrive early to avoid crowds and check seasonal opening times. During Ramadan and major public holidays, opening hours and last admission may be reduced or adjusted.

02Overview

A first look

Kom El Shoqafa combines Egyptian, Greek and Roman funerary motifs in a multi‑level underground complex. Key features include the triclinium, spiral shaft and carved funerary statues dating from the late 2nd century AD.

Background

The facts

Kom El Shoqafa, also known as the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, is a Roman-period underground necropolis in Alexandria. The site dates mainly to the 2nd century CE and is important for its fusion of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman funerary art, which reflects Alexandria’s mixed cultural history in the Roman era. The monument was cut into bedrock and used for burials over time, with carved chambers, reliefs, and sarcophagi arranged below ground level.

An entry ticket typically grants access to the stepped shaft, descending passageways, and the main burial chambers carved into the rock. Visitors can see funerary reliefs and architectural details that combine Pharaonic imagery with Greco-Roman forms, including decoration associated with the triclinium, burial niches, and central chambers. The site is compact but involves stairs and uneven surfaces, so movement through the underground levels is slower than at a surface-level monument.

Opening hours and last admission can vary by season and local policy, so visitors should check the official site before arrival. Photography rules may also change, and some areas may have restrictions at the entrance. Tickets are delivered by email as a PDF after booking; if in doubt, print the ticket and bring it to the entrance gate.

Kom El Shoqafa is one of Alexandria’s best-known archaeological sites and is usually visited independently rather than as part of a large complex. It is located in the western part of the city and is accessible by local taxi or ride-hailing from central Alexandria. The site is often paired in travel planning with other nearby Alexandrian landmarks such as the Roman Amphitheatre and the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina area.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This entry ticket is suited to travelers who want self-guided access to one of Alexandria’s most important Roman-era monuments. It is a good fit for adults, students, and history-focused visitors who are comfortable with stairs, dimly lit underground spaces, and uneven ground.

What lingers

  • 01Entrance ticket included to Kom El Shoqafa Catacombs – subterranean Roman-period burial complex in Alexandria.
  • 02Three subterranean levels show Egyptian, Greek and Roman motifs; our guide explains the reliefs and inscriptions.
  • 03Located adjacent to the Roman Amphitheatre and near the Alexandria National Museum; combined visit possible.
  • 04Steep, narrow staircases and low chambers – not suitable for guests with limited mobility or claustrophobia.
  • 05Flash photography restricted in painted chambers to protect pigments – ask our guide for current rules.
  • 06Unlike coach-based shore excursions, our visits include a dedicated local Egyptologist, not headset-only commentary.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Kom El Shoqafa single-entry ticket, admission to the on-site chambers and monuments
  • PDF ticket sent by email after booking

Not included

  • Professional Egyptologist or guided tour, book separately if required
  • Transport to or from the site
  • Meals and personal expenses
  • Photography permit if required by the venue
  • Printed ticket requirement where enforced, print your PDF if in doubt

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01What are the opening hours for Kom El Shoqafa?
    Opening hours for Kom El Shoqafa vary by season and official schedules. Hours commonly fall between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, with occasional public-holiday or Ramadan adjustments. Check locally on the day of your visit or ask us to confirm before you travel.
  2. 02How long does a typical visit to Kom El Shoqafa take?
    A typical visit to Kom El Shoqafa lasts about 30–45 minutes. Our Egyptologists use that time to explain the main stair chamber, the banquet hall, and the central shaft. Allow extra time for the ticket desk, queues, and nearby sights such as Pompey's Pillar.
  3. 03Is Kom El Shoqafa wheelchair accessible?
    No – Kom El Shoqafa is not wheelchair accessible due to steep stone steps and narrow underground passages. Visitors must descend and climb uneven ancient stone steps and deal with low headroom in places. If mobility is limited, we can recommend alternative Alexandria sites that are easier to reach.
  4. 04Can I take photographs inside Kom El Shoqafa?
    Photography for personal use is generally permitted inside Kom El Shoqafa, but site rules can change. Flash photography, tripods, or professional equipment may be restricted, and guards sometimes limit access to sensitive reliefs. Ask at the ticket desk on arrival or let us check current restrictions for your visit.
  5. 05Are guided tours available at Kom El Shoqafa?
    Local guides are available at Kom El Shoqafa and many private tours include a guide. We recommend a guide because the hybrid Greco‑Roman–Egyptian iconography requires close explanation. Unlike rushed coach stops, we plan 30–45 minutes so a guide can cover the key reliefs properly.
  6. 06What should I wear and bring for Kom El Shoqafa?
    Wear comfortable, closed shoes and bring a light jacket; the catacombs are cool and have uneven steps. Watch your head in low-ceiling chambers and carry a small torch if you prefer extra light. Also bring sun protection and water if you will walk between Kom El Shoqafa and other Alexandria sites.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour

Product ID: TKT-ALX-512376

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