Pompey's Pillar is a 20-metre red Aswan granite column standing on the highest point of Karmouz, the last major standing monument of the ancient Serapeum, a temple complex once dedicated to the god Serapis. Despite the name, the column has no connection to the Roman general Pompey; it was erected around 297 AD in honour of Emperor Diocletian, and the misattribution to Pompey dates to medieval travellers. The site around the pillar includes the ruins of the underground galleries of the Serapeum, a pair of granite sphinxes flanking the column, and scattered temple foundation stones. Visitors typically walk the compact open-air site in 30 to 45 minutes, taking in the column, the sphinxes, and the view over the surrounding Karmouz rooftops from the raised platform. Late afternoon light brings out the warm red tone of the granite and makes for the best photographs of the column against the sky. The site is small and can be walked at any time of day, but visiting outside the midday heat of summer is more comfortable since there is little shade. It draws a steady but modest stream of visitors compared to Alexandria's larger sites, so long queues are uncommon. Pompey's Pillar is a five-minute walk from the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, and the two sites are almost always visited together.
| Admission | Adult EGP 100 (~$1.92) foreign visitors; EGP 20 (~$0.38) Egyptian/Arab nationals · Child Half price for students with valid ID |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 9:00AM-5:00PM |
| Typical visit | 30-45 minutes |
| Best time | Late afternoon for the warm light on the granite column |
| Getting there | 5-minute walk from the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa |
| Address | Al-Amoud Al-Sawari Street, Karmouz, Alexandria, Egypt |
Location
Al-Amoud Al-Sawari Street, Karmouz, Alexandria, Egypt
31.1802, 29.8869 View on map
Highlights
- 20-metre red granite column, the largest ancient monument still standing in Alexandria
- Underground galleries of the former Serapeum temple complex
- Pair of granite sphinxes flanking the column
- Elevated site with views over the Karmouz district
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the late afternoon for warmer light on the red granite
- Bring water and sun protection since the site has little shade
- Combine with the nearby Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, a five-minute walk away
- The site is compact, so 30-45 minutes is enough for most visitors
- Foreign visitors pay a higher entrance fee than Egyptian or Arab nationals
When to visit
Late afternoon offers warmer light on the granite column and fewer crowds than midday.
Accessibility
The site has some uneven paved paths and a raised platform around the column with a few steps, which may be difficult for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Pompey's Pillar take?
Most visitors spend 30 to 45 minutes walking the column, sphinxes, and underground galleries.
Is photography allowed at Pompey's Pillar?
Yes, photography is allowed throughout the open-air site, and late afternoon light is best for the granite column.
Is Pompey's Pillar worth visiting with kids?
The site is small and open-air, which makes it manageable for children, though there is limited shade or seating.