Alexandria’s Catacombs of Kom El Shokafa are a fascinating sight.
As a result of its creation, the city of Alexandria has gained tremendous significance, and it is now regarded the cultural and commercial epicentre of the Mediterranean region. The Catacombs of Kom El Shokafa are a major tourist attraction in Alexandria, and they are one of the city’s most popular attractions.
It is situated on the street of “Bab El Melok” in the “Karmoz” district, on the right side of the street. The Catacombs of Alexandria are regarded to be one of the most important archaeological sites in the city. In their design, they combine elements of Greco-Roman architecture with elements of ancient Egyptian architecture.
The Catacombs Are Known By a Different Name
Because it incorporates the architecture of the Christian Catacombs in Rome, this location is referred to as “The Catacombs,” which translates as “the subway tunnel.” It is also referred to as “Kom El Shokafa,” which literally translates as “mountain of pieces,” since it was discovered to contain the remnants of shattered crockery. ‘Kom El Shokafa’ is a designation that originates in ancient Greek culture.
The Catacombs’ Origins and Discovery are described in detail.
It is believed that the Catacombs were constructed somewhere between the first and the beginning of the second centuries. It was originally thought to be a private tomb, but it was eventually extended and changed into a public cemetery for affluent Roman citizens. Quite by coincidence, it was found in 1892.
According to legend, a donkey fell into a 12-meter-deep hole excavated in the earth by a farmer. When the Catacombs were found, they had been submerged in water for a long time. In 1995, the bottom level of the Catacombs was drowned, and six wells with a depth of 40 metres were dug to rescue the Catacombs and keep them safe from further harm.
The Catacombs are being built at the moment.
The Catacombs were constructed on three levels and decorated with bas-reliefs that are thought to be a fusion of Egyptian and Greco-Roman art styles. A spiral staircase runs from the entryway to a depth of 20 metres, which is located behind the building. After entering the entryway, you will see two niches that lead to a circular area.
A traffic circle with pillars is located in the middle of the space, and a chamber with four pillars is located on the left side of the room. Another room with four columns may be seen on the second floor. For example, Greek decorations such as “Athena” (goddess of war, civilization, and wisdom in Greek mythology) and “Medusa” (female monster) can be found at the entrance to the main chamber, and its date has a solar disc with two snakes, one to the right and one left, who are carrying the crowns of Upper and Lower Egypt.
There are three niches dug in the rock inside this room, each of which contains a sarcophagus, within this chamber. The room is decorated with four columns and statues of ancient Egyptian gods, including Anubis (the jackal-headed deity) dressed as a Roman soldier and Sobek in military attire, among others.
Visit the Alexandria Attractions to learn more.
Alexandria is home to a variety of attractions, including the Library of Alexandria, which is world-renowned. For our Egypt holiday packages, don’t miss out on the chance to explore this essential site together with other major places such as Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. You may also take advantage of one of our Nile cruises to see some of the most significant sites on the planet.