World by City

Heritage & monuments

Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

Open in Maps
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

Overview

The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa is an ancient underground burial complex in Alexandria. The multi-level necropolis features rock-cut tombs, a central spiral staircase, and funerary architecture combining Roman, Greek, and ancient Egyptian artistic traditions. It holds major historical significance and was once listed among the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World.

Getting There

The site is located in the Karmouz neighborhood, just south of central Alexandria. From downtown areas such as Mansheya or Misr railway station, a taxi or ride-hailing service takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes depending on local traffic.

Time to Allow

Plan to spend roughly 1 to 1.5 hours on site to walk through the underground chambers, view the carved reliefs, and see the surface exhibits.

When to Visit

Arrive in the morning to avoid midday tour groups and crowds. The subterranean chambers are enclosed and can feel humid, making the cooler months of autumn, winter, and spring the most comfortable time of year to visit.

Nearby Attractions

You can combine your visit with other points of interest in the area:

  • Attarine Mosque (0.7km)
  • Kom El-Dikka (0.9km)
  • Moharam Bek (0.9km)
  • Ataren (1.1km)

Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa Nearby stays

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Pick your dates — we'll search Alexandria hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Itineraries including this place

Good to visit alongside

Attarine Mosque

Temples & religious sites

Attarine Mosque

A mosque in Alexandria, Egypt, built on the site of a former church, with the current structure rebuilt in the early 20th century. Traces of its long history remain, making it a good stop for exploring the city's religious heritage.

0.7 km away

Kom El-Dikka

Shopping & districts

Kom El-Dikka

An ancient site in Alexandria that once served as a city center complete with baths, a lecture hall, and a theater. Today it holds Alexandria's largest above-ground ruins, including Roman-era villas and mosaics that reveal daily life from that period.

0.9 km away

Moharam Bek

Shopping & districts

Moharam Bek

A neighborhood home to Alexandria Stadium, which comes alive whenever a football match is held there. It's a great place to soak up the local atmosphere while catching a game.

0.9 km away

Ataren

Shopping & districts

Ataren

This historic market district in Alexandria has long been known for its spice and perfume trade. Here you can experience the lively atmosphere of one of the world's notable spice markets.

1.1 km away

Alexandria Opera House

Culture & venues

Alexandria Opera House

This 1,200-seat Renaissance Revival-style opera house was built by architect Georges Parcq between 1918 and 1921. It opened as the Teatro Mohamed Aly with King Fuad I in attendance and took its current name after the 1952 revolution.

1.2 km away

Cathedral of Evangelismos

Temples & religious sites

Cathedral of Evangelismos

The Evangelismos Cathedral is a Greek Orthodox cathedral on Tahrir Square in Alexandria, built in the mid-19th century by the city's Greek community. Designed in Gothic Revival style, it also serves as the seat of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa.

1.2 km away