Kom El Shoqafa Catacombs, Alexandria

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

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

What lingers

• 01 Kom El Shoqafa catacombs in Alexandria: 2nd-century AD funerary complex combining Egyptian, Greek and Roman architectural motifs.
• 02 Three levels accessed via steep stone stairs and a central shaft; expect uneven surfaces and low ceilings.
• 03 Noted motifs include sphinxes, funerary reliefs and a Roman-style triclinium chamber used for burial banquets.
• 04 Visits typically last 30–45 minutes; small footprint, limited shade and early-afternoon heat can make interiors stifling.
• 05 We recommend an early-morning visit; most larger tours arrive after 10:00 and the catacombs grow busy.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01 What is Kom El Shoqafa?

   Kom El Shoqafa is a Roman-period necropolis in Alexandria dating to the 2nd century CE. It combines Egyptian, Greek and Roman architectural and decorative motifs. Key features include a circular central shaft, a spiral ramp and a funerary banquet chamber with carved reliefs and statues. The site illustrates Alexandria’s multicultural funerary art during the Roman imperial period.
2. 02 What are the opening hours for Kom El Shoqafa?

   Opening hours vary seasonally and with local holidays; the site is normally open during daytime. Times can change during Ramadan and national holidays, so confirm with the ticket office or your guide on the day. Morning visits reduce heat exposure and typically avoid the largest cruise-ship crowds.
3. 03 Is Kom El Shoqafa wheelchair accessible?

   Kom El Shoqafa is not wheelchair-accessible because access requires descending steep ancient steps. Visitors must negotiate uneven stone steps, low ceilings and narrow passages, so pushchairs are not practical below ground. If mobility is limited, you can view the entrance level and nearby surface remains; ask us for alternative Alexandria options.
4. 04 How long should I allow to visit Kom El Shoqafa?

   Allow 30–45 minutes to see the main chambers and inscriptions at Kom El Shoqafa. Specialists or those studying the reliefs may take longer. Unlike cruise-ship shore-excursions that often rush Alexandria, we advise a half-day if you also plan to visit Pompey’s Pillar or the Serapeum remains for fuller context.
5. 05 Do I need to buy tickets in advance for Kom El Shoqafa?

   An entrance ticket is required for Kom El Shoqafa; onsite purchase is usually possible. During peak cruise periods and public holidays queues can form, so pre-booking gives timetable certainty if you are on a tight schedule. Standard site fees and local rules apply unless we state otherwise on your booking.
6. 06 Can I take photographs inside Kom El Shoqafa?

   Photography is generally permitted inside Kom El Shoqafa, but flash and tripods are commonly restricted. Guards often ask visitors to avoid flash to protect pigments and fragile surfaces; large commercial equipment is usually prohibited. Check the signage or ask staff on arrival and be mindful of conservation rules.