Day Tour to Catacombs, Pompey’s Pillar & Roman Theatre from Alexandria: A Journey Through Ancient History
A Day Tour to the Catacombs, Pompey’s Pillar, and Roman Theatre from Alexandria is a captivating exploration of the city’s ancient Greco-Roman heritage. These three iconic sites—Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar, and the Roman Theatre—offer a deep dive into Alexandria’s rich history, showcasing its role as a cultural and architectural hub during the Greco-Roman era. Whether you’re marveling at underground tombs, towering monuments, or ancient performance venues, this day trip is an unforgettable adventure through time.
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: A Blend of Cultures
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are one of Alexandria’s most fascinating archaeological sites and a true highlight of this tour. This underground necropolis, discovered in 1900, is a stunning example of the cultural fusion that defined Alexandria during the Greco-Roman period. The Catacombs feature a unique blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural styles, with intricate carvings, statues, and burial chambers that reflect the city’s diverse heritage.
Historical Insight: Dating back to the 2nd century CE, the Catacombs were used as a burial site for wealthy families. The site’s design combines Egyptian motifs, such as Anubis and serpents, with Greco-Roman elements like Medusa and vine leaves. The Catacombs also include a central rotunda, a banquet hall for funeral feasts, and a spiral staircase leading to multiple levels of tombs. This site is a testament to Alexandria’s role as a cultural melting pot and a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Pompey’s Pillar: A Monument to Ancient Grandeur
Pompey’s Pillar is one of Alexandria’s most iconic landmarks and a key focus of this tour. This massive Roman column, standing at nearly 27 meters (88 feet) tall, is a striking reminder of the city’s ancient grandeur. Located in the Serapeum complex, Pompey’s Pillar is surrounded by the ruins of the temple dedicated to Serapis, the Greco-Egyptian god of healing and fertility. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into Alexandria’s religious and cultural history.
Historical Insight: Contrary to its name, Pompey’s Pillar was not built for the Roman general Pompey but was erected in 297 CE to honor the Roman Emperor Diocletian. The pillar is made of red Aswan granite and is one of the largest monolithic columns ever constructed. The Serapeum complex, where the pillar stands, was once a center of learning and worship, reflecting Alexandria’s importance as a hub of intellectual and spiritual life.
Roman Theatre: A Glimpse into Ancient Entertainment
The Roman Theatre is another highlight of this tour and a testament to Alexandria’s vibrant cultural life during the Roman era. Discovered in the 1960s, this well-preserved theatre features tiered seating, marble columns, and excellent acoustics, showcasing the engineering prowess of the Romans. The Roman Theatre once hosted musical performances, theatrical plays, and public gatherings, making it a central part of daily life in ancient Alexandria.
Historical Insight: Dating back to the 2nd century CE, the Roman Theatre is one of the few surviving examples of Roman entertainment architecture in Egypt. The site also includes a small garden and a collection of artifacts, such as statues and mosaics, that provide further insights into Alexandria’s artistic and cultural achievements. The Roman Theatre is a must-see for anyone interested in the performing arts and ancient urban life.
This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore three of Alexandria’s most iconic ancient sites: the Catacombs, Pompey’s Pillar, and the Roman Theatre. Each site provides a different perspective on the city’s Greco-Roman heritage, from its burial practices and religious life to its entertainment and cultural achievements. With a private guide, you’ll gain in-depth insights into the history and significance of these landmarks, making this a truly enriching experience.
A day tour to the Catacombs, Pompey’s Pillar, and Roman Theatre is a journey through Alexandria’s ancient past. From the mysterious underground tombs of the Catacombs to the towering grandeur of Pompey’s Pillar and the lively history of the Roman Theatre, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich heritage. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about ancient civilizations, this tour is an unforgettable adventure.
Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt and the largest city on the Mediterranean coast. It lies at the western edge of the Nile River delta. Founded in c. 331 BC by Alexander the Great,[9] Alexandria grew rapidly and became a major centre of Hellenic civilization, eventually replacing Memphis, in present-day Greater Cairo, as Egypt’s capital. Called the “Bride of the Mediterranean” internationally,[10] Alexandria is a popular tourist destination and an important industrial centre due to its natural gas and oil pipelines from
Ancient Egypt Tours representative pick you up from your hotel in Alexandria , start one of our Alexandria hotel , Transferred to discover The catacombs of kom El shofaqa also known as the hill of treasure, regarded as a huge necropolis and royal cemetery that dates back to the second century AD. The necropolis has a unique mixture of Roman, Hellenistic and pharaonic art elements reflected in the paintings on the wall, and the style of the statues, funeral objects and tombs. The archaeological site was one of the seven wonders in the middle ages.
Then Move to One of the remarkable structures that was built during the reign of (emperor Diocletian) in Egypt is Pompey’s pillar. The column is now standing in the heart of Alexandria on top of a temple ruin’s which was built during the Ptolemaic kingdom in 297 AD. The pillar’s base diameter is 2.71 Meter and was carved out of red granite brought from Aswan city. The net weight of the pillar is 285 ton and reaches 26 meter high with the base. The prime sight was built to commemorate the victory of Emperor Diocletian over an Alexandrian revolt.
Then Move to the Roman theatre we see today at Alexandria city is a typical form Roman theatre, consisting of audience section made of marble, granite columns, five compartments and based on thick limestone walls. The theatre used to host huge ceremonies and events with a capacity of 600 spectators. The audience section consisted of 13 rows made of white marble and the supported columns were made of granite exported from Aswan city south Egypt. The five compartments on the top of the audience section probably were used to host some royals or public figures during performances, and was covered by ceilings in the shape of domes supported by granite columns to protect the audience from the sun and rain. In the 6th century A.D, an earthquake hit Alexandria and destroyed most of these structures leaving only some ruins that still stands until today, reflecting the beautiful and magnificent architectural skills that Romans had.
Stanley Bridge the Stanley Bridge or the Stanley Bridge, as it is known in Egypt, is a bridge built to improve the flow of traffic on the Alexandria Corniche. unknown soldier The Monument to the Unknown Marine Soldier is located in the Mansheya area of Alexandria. It was built by the Italian community in Alexandria in 1933 AD to honor Khedive Ismail, and she made a statue for him in the middle of the top of the monument, then it was turned into the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in 1965 AD, and the statue of Khedive Ismail was removed from the monument. Back to Hotel
| Adults Numbers | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single | 90 $ |
| 2 -3 | 60 $ |
| 4 – 6 | 50 $ |
| 7 – 10 | 40 $ |
| 11 – 15 | 35 $ |
Tour price currency is set to USD but you can pay in Euro or British pound. The prices quoted per person per tour all-inclusive of tax and prices are always updated to ensure you receive the lowest price possible. Once your tour is confirmed we guarantee the price will not be changed.
0 – 05.99 free of Charge.
6 – 11.99 pay 50% of tour price.
12+ pay full tour price as per adult person.
Children policy is not applied on all kinds of transportation (Flight, train or bus) full ticket payment is required
We are offering a considerable down payment of just 25% to secure your spaces on the tour including domestic flight ticket, and other travel-related services. The remaining balance can be paid up to two days prior to your arrival date or in cash upon arrival at the destination. Therefore, making your booking a risk-free investment.
Ancient Egypt Tours does not charge a cancellation fee for tours and excursions canceled for ‘force measures reasons such as volcanoes, earthquakes, or reasons beyond control. If cancellation happens due to personal or business reasons and Ancient Egypt Tours has already incurred costs on your behalf, these costs will not be refunded to you.
To receive a full refund, travelers may cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time in the local time zone. No refunds will be given after that time period.
Flight & train tickets are nonrefundable
After your tour is confirmed, we will email final confirmation and voucher to print and bring with you. Details will include contact numbers of your tour operator and customer care and additional information for your convenience.
