Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa

The old Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are an extremely well preserved and fascinating mix of different ages with Pharaonic and Roman dedications to the dead. Found purely by an accident with a donkey falling through a hole in the ground in 1900, these sets of rock cut burial chambers and tombs. 
 

Location:

 
3 hours from Cairo is the Port City of Roman Alexandria with many Roman sites dating back to the reign of Alexander the Great. Not far from the main Corniche ( seafront) is the site of the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. 
 

History:

 
The archaeological studies suggest that the Catacombs date back to around the 2nd century AD.and are located at around a depth of 100 feet underground. The chambers are a mix of tombs and also a feasting chamber where families of the deceased would sit and gather in respect of their lost ones and eat. The style and design of the tombs were a mix of Egyptian Pharaonic, Roman and Greek, celebrating all traditions for the dead.  Scholars named it the Hall of Caracalla after the Roman emperor who massacred Alexandria youths at a review in 215 AD. Relatives toasted the dead from stone couches in the Triclinium, where the first archaeologists to enter the chamber found wine jars and tableware.
In the Central Tomb downstairs whose vestibule is guarded by reliefs of bearded serpents with Medusa heads shields you will find muscle bound statues of Sobek and Anubis wearing Roan armour, dating from the second century AD when “the old faiths began to merge and melt” (Forster). Water has flooded the Goddess Nemesis Hall (still accessible) and submerged the lowest level, hastening the catacombs’ decay.
    Why Choose Us
    • Travel Experience Since 1955

      Memphis Tours is one of the pioneers which have great impact on travel industry for more than 55 years of experience.

    • Personalized Travel Services

      Whatever your travel dreams, together we can custom-design the perfect itinerary with highly personalized services just for you

    • We Speak Your Language

      A multilingual website offers content in 6 different languages English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian and German

    • Flexibility to Change

      We know how important it is for travellers to have the flexibility to change their itinerary due to some reasons or force majeure

    • Your Safety and Security

      A professional will accompany the guests to all of the places; they will never be left alone to fend for themselves

    • High Quality Service

      We do believe honestly that quality should come first and quantity would come later and our main objective focused on (Quality is our Top Priority)

    • Customer Service 24/7

      We offer Customer Support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone and email for questions about our tours and services

    • Support Sustainable Tourism

      We are attempting to make a low impact on the environment and local culture, while helping to generate future employment for local people

    • Secure Online Payment

      Our website is protected by the world′s most secure online payment system VeriSign Secure

    • Secure Website by MacAfee

      Memphis Tours website is a McAfee Secure site that helps keep you safe from identity theft, credit card fraud and spyware