Pompey's Pillar
A colossal Roman column in Egypt and a historic marker of the Lewis & Clark Expedition in Montana.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Pompey's Pillar
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal Roman column in Egypt and a historic marker of the Lewis & Clark Expedition in Montana.
"Pompey's Pillar offers a humbling glimpse into ancient grandeur and pivotal moments in exploration."
🎯 Alexandria: Hire a Guide
Enhance your visit to the Serapeum; signage is limited. Guides explain the rich history.
👟 Montana: Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven terrain to see Clark's signature.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pompey's Pillar (Alexandria)
Alexandria, Egypt
A colossal Roman triumphal column, a striking remnant of the ancient Serapeum temple.
William Clark's Signature
Pompey's Pillar National Monument, Montana
The only surviving on-site physical evidence of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, etched in 1806.
Underground Galleries & Ruins
Serapeum of Alexandria, Egypt
Explore the subterranean chambers and remnants of the ancient temple of Serapis.
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Planning Your Visit
Two Pompey's Pillars?
Alexandria's Pillar: History & Heat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Alexandria: Hire a Guide
Enhance your visit to the Serapeum; signage is limited. Guides explain the rich history.
👟 Montana: Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven terrain to see Clark's signature.
💧 Alexandria: Stay Hydrated
The Egyptian sun can be intense. Bring plenty of water.
📸 Alexandria: Capture the Scale
The sheer size of Pompey's Pillar is impressive. Get shots from different angles.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Alexandria: Hire a Guide
Enhance your visit to the Serapeum; signage is limited. Guides explain the rich history.
👟 Montana: Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven terrain to see Clark's signature.
💧 Alexandria: Stay Hydrated
The Egyptian sun can be intense. Bring plenty of water.
📸 Alexandria: Capture the Scale
The sheer size of Pompey's Pillar is impressive. Get shots from different angles.
🗺️ Montana: Check Visitor Center
Learn about the Lewis & Clark Expedition before exploring the site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria impressive for its colossal Roman column and historical significance as part of the ancient Serapeum. However, some note a lack of clear signage and ongoing construction, making guides or prior research valuable. The Montana site is praised for its unique connection to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, offering a tangible piece of American history.
"🌟 Serapeum of Alexandria – A Sacred Space Echoing Through Time
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We visited the Serapeum of Alexandria and were completely moved by its quiet, ancient energy. Though the original temple no longer stands, the site is incredibly powerful—a must-see for any history lover visiting Alexandria.
The standout feature is Pompey’s Pillar—a towering red granite column that dominates the landscape and gives you a sense of the temple’s former grandeur. Around it, you can explore ruins, underground chambers, statues, and remnants of what was once a major center of learning and worship.
🧱 Why It’s Worth a Visit:
• Walk through the underground galleries and ruins that once belonged to the temple of Serapis.
• Learn about the fascinating history of the Serapeum as a spiritual and cultural crossroads blending Greek and Egyptian traditions.
• The site also once held part of the Library of Alexandria’s “daughter collection.”
📸 Don’t miss your chance to stand beside Pompey’s Pillar and reflect on what once stood here—it’s a humbling and beautiful moment.
📍 Tip: Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and arrive early to avoid the afternoon sun. If possible, hire a guide or do a little research ahead of time—there’s so much layered history here that signage doesn’t fully explain.
For us, this was a peaceful and deeply moving part of our Alexandria journey—highly recommended.
— Local Guide, ancient-site wanderer, and lover of forgotten corners"
Heather Dudney Stone
"Definitely need signage. Not worth the entry price column and sphinx look like they’ve had a lot of work and not too authentic. No signs anywhere. Catacombs is worth more of a visit"
Danny G.
"Pompey’s Pillar , One time for the one time. 20 meters high, on top of old ruins. Built during Greek period. Nothing too crazy to see but if you’re with a tour group and it’s with your itinerary why not. Bunch of cats here for cat lover’s."
Jonathan Mantilla
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pompey's Pillar National Monument is located about 25 miles east of Billings, Montana. You can drive there via I-90 E and then take the Pompeys Pillar exit. It's a straightforward drive, often recommended as a day trip from Billings. +1
Pompey's Pillar is located in Alexandria, Egypt. Taxis or ride-sharing services are the most convenient ways to get there from within the city. It's a well-known landmark, so drivers will know the way.
Public transport options to Pompey's Pillar National Monument are limited. It's best accessed by car. If you're relying on public transport in Billings, you might need to arrange a private tour or taxi.
Yes, you can visit both! They are in different countries and offer distinct historical experiences. One is a natural monument tied to American exploration, the other a Roman architectural marvel.
Pompey's Pillar is situated on the eastern side of Alexandria, Egypt. Depending on traffic, it's typically a 15-30 minute drive from the city center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Pompey's Pillar National Monument. The fee is per vehicle and covers access to the site and visitor center. Check the official NPS website for current pricing.
Pompey's Pillar National Monument typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. Hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check the official National Park Service website before your visit.
Yes, there is an entrance fee to visit the Serapeum site, which includes Pompey's Pillar. The cost is generally reasonable for tourists.
Discounts may be available for students or certain nationalities, but it's best to inquire at the ticket counter upon arrival.
Generally, national monuments and historical sites like Pompey's Pillar have set operating hours and are not open at night for safety and preservation reasons.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is William Clark's signature from 1806, the only surviving on-site evidence of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. There's also a visitor center with exhibits and the butte itself offers scenic views. 
You'll see the massive Roman triumphal column, remnants of the ancient Serapeum temple, sphinxes, and underground catacombs. It's a historical site with significant ruins.
Yes, it can be interesting for children, especially if they are learning about Lewis and Clark. The short walk to the signature is manageable. The visitor center provides context.
While official guided tours might not always be readily available, hiring a local guide or doing prior research is highly recommended to understand the site's history.
The area around the pillar is relatively flat, but there's a short, paved path to view the signature. The surrounding landscape is typical Montana prairie.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food concessions or restaurants directly at Pompey's Pillar National Monument. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks or plan to eat in Billings before or after your visit.
There are no dining facilities within the Serapeum site. You'll need to find restaurants in Alexandria city for meals.
Billings, Montana, offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to steakhouses, serving American cuisine.
Yes, Alexandria has many cafes and restaurants, especially closer to the Corniche and city center, offering local Egyptian and international dishes.
Picnicking is generally allowed in designated areas at national monuments, but check specific park regulations. Bringing your own food is a good idea.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic shot is of William Clark's signature carved into the rock. The butte itself against the Montana sky also makes for great landscape photos.
The towering Roman column is the main subject. Capture it from ground level to emphasize its height, and also include the surrounding ruins and sphinxes for context.
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed at Pompey's Pillar National Monument. Be mindful of any specific restrictions in the visitor center.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites and in urban areas in Egypt. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer harsh shadows, making for more dramatic and appealing photographs of the column and ruins.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
In Alexandria, Egypt, the Serapeum site with its large column and underground chambers might spark curiosity. However, the historical context might be more complex for younger children. Ensure they have comfortable shoes and plenty of water, and consider a guide to make the history more accessible and engaging.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
Alexandria's Pompey's Pillar and the Serapeum site offer a deep dive into Greco-Roman and Egyptian history. The scale of the Roman column and the remnants of the ancient temple provide a powerful sense of antiquity. Researching the Serapeum's role as a center of learning and worship will greatly enhance the visit.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
In Alexandria, Egypt, solo travelers might benefit most from hiring a local guide at the Serapeum site to gain deeper insights into the history and context of Pompey's Pillar and the surrounding ruins, as signage is limited.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lewis & Clark Connection in Montana
+1The monument preserves not only Clark's signature but also the natural landscape that the explorers traversed. The visitor center provides excellent context, detailing the expedition's challenges and discoveries, making the signature more than just a carving – it's a story etched in stone. For history buffs and anyone interested in the westward expansion of the United States, this site is a must-visit.
Traveler Tip: While the signature is the main draw, take time to appreciate the surrounding geological formations and the panoramic views. It’s a chance to stand where history was made and imagine the vastness Clark and his team encountered.
Alexandria's Roman Grandeur: Pompey's Pillar
+1The pillar is situated within the ruins of the ancient Serapeum, a temple dedicated to Serapis, a Greco-Egyptian deity. Exploring the site allows visitors to wander through underground galleries and see remnants of the temple's former glory, including sphinxes and other architectural fragments. The Serapeum was once a significant center of learning and worship, even housing a 'daughter collection' of the famous Library of Alexandria.
Community Insight: Many visitors note that while the pillar itself is impressive, the surrounding site's signage can be lacking. Hiring a local guide or doing some research beforehand is highly recommended to fully appreciate the historical depth of the Serapeum and its connection to the pillar.
Navigating the Sites: Practicalities
In Alexandria, Egypt, the Serapeum site, including Pompey's Pillar, can get very hot. Visitors are strongly advised to wear light clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and carry plenty of water. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for navigating the ruins and underground chambers.
Key Takeaway: Both locations offer a glimpse into significant historical events but require different preparations. The Montana site is about a specific historical marker, while the Egyptian site is an archaeological exploration.
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