Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom el-Shukafa 
Southwest of Pompey's Pillar, near the small El-Miri Mosque, is this entrance to the Catacombs of Kom el-Shukafa ("Hill of Potsherds"), hewn from the rock on the southern slopes of a hill, which probably date from the A.D. second century. They offer an admirable example of the characteristic Alexandrian fusion of the Egyptian and Graeco-Roman styles.
The catacombs, which may have been the burial place of a particular religious community, were discovered in 1900. Laid out on several levels, they have been made conveniently accessible by the provision of wooden gangways and electric light.
In the vicinity of the Kom el-Shukafa catacombs are other small and less important catacombs of the Graeco-Roman period.
The catacombs, which may have been the burial place of a particular religious community, were discovered in 1900. Laid out on several levels, they have been made conveniently accessible by the provision of wooden gangways and electric light.
In the vicinity of the Kom el-Shukafa catacombs are other small and less important catacombs of the Graeco-Roman period.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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Related Attractions
Catacombs of Kom el-Shukafa Sepulchral Chapel
From the rotunda a staircase continues down and then divides: from this point there is a view of the main burial chambers. At the foot of the stairs is the entrance to the Sepulchral Chapel, with three niches containing sarcophagi. In the central niche the mummy lies on a bier, surrounded by the three gods of the Underworld, Horus, Thoth and Anubis. Round the sepulchral chapel runs a gallery, entered from the vestibule to the chapel, containing 91 loculi, each large enough to accommodate at least three or four mummies.
Catacombs of Kom el-Shukafa Light Shaft
A spiral staircase with a large circular light shaft runs down two stories from the entrance, the lower of which is generally under water.
Catacombs of Kom el-Shukafa Rotunda
Off the upper level opens a rotunda with a domed roof, to the right of which are two smaller chambers with niches, sarcophagi and loculi (shelf tombs).
Catacombs of Kom el-Shukafa Sarcophagus Chamber
Near the top of the spiral staircase is a sarcophagus chamber of later construction.
Catacombs of Kom el-Shukafa Triclinium Funebre
To the left of the rotunda is a large room, the Triclinium funebre, used for banquets in honor of the dead.
