
Pompey's Pillar Alexandria
A colossal Roman column honoring Emperor Diocletian, standing as a testament to ancient engineering amidst the ruins of Alexandria's Serapeum.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds and heat

Pompey's Pillar Alexandria
Best Time
Avoid crowds and heat

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal Roman column honoring Emperor Diocletian, standing as a testament to ancient engineering amidst the ruins of Alexandria's Serapeum.
"Standing tall through centuries of history, Pompey’s Pillar is a symbol of Alexandria’s timeless grandeur and ancient legacy."

Wear Comfortable Shoes
The site has uneven terrain and ruins, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are limited facilities on-site. :droplet:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Colossal Column
Center of the site
A towering Roman Corinthian column, nearly 27 meters high, standing as a testament to ancient engineering.

Ruins of the Serapeum
Surrounding the pillar
Explore the remnants of the ancient Serapeum temple, once a magnificent sanctuary dedicated to Serapis.

Panoramic Views
Top of the site
Enjoy sweeping views of Alexandria from the elevated position of the pillar, especially beautiful during sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Pompey's Pillar
Understanding the Name and History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The site has uneven terrain and ruins, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are limited facilities on-site. :droplet:
Capture the Grandeur
The sheer scale of the pillar is impressive. Get wide shots to show its magnitude. :camerawithflash:
Combine with Other Sites
Many visitors pair a trip to Pompey's Pillar with the Catacombs and the Library of Alexandria. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The site has uneven terrain and ruins, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are limited facilities on-site. :droplet:
Capture the Grandeur
The sheer scale of the pillar is impressive. Get wide shots to show its magnitude. :camerawithflash:
Combine with Other Sites
Many visitors pair a trip to Pompey's Pillar with the Catacombs and the Library of Alexandria. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the sheer scale and historical significance of Pompey's Pillar, marveling at the engineering feat of the Roman column. While some note the limited on-site amenities and the historical inaccuracy of its name, most find it a worthwhile and awe-inspiring stop in Alexandria.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pompey's Pillar is accessible by taxi or ride-sharing services from most parts of Alexandria. It's located in the downtown area, making it relatively easy to find. Many visitors combine it with other nearby attractions like the Catacombs.
Yes, Pompey's Pillar is a well-known landmark in Alexandria and is clearly signposted. It's situated on the eastern side of the ancient Serapeum's temenos.
While they are in the same city, walking between Pompey's Pillar and the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a significant distance. It's recommended to use a taxi or public transport for convenience.
Taxis and ride-sharing apps are popular and convenient for navigating Alexandria. For a more local experience, you can also explore public buses, though they can be crowded.
Pompey's Pillar is located in the central part of Alexandria, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city's historical sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Pompey's Pillar typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's advisable to check the most current hours before your visit, as they can vary seasonally.
There is usually a small entrance fee to access the Pompey's Pillar site. Prices can change, so it's best to confirm the current admission cost upon arrival or check official tourism websites.
Advance booking is generally not required for Pompey's Pillar, as it's a historical site rather than a ticketed event with timed entry. You can usually purchase tickets at the entrance.
Discounts may be available for students and seniors, but this varies. It's recommended to inquire at the ticket counter or check the official Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities website for details.
Your ticket grants you access to the grounds surrounding Pompey's Pillar and the ruins of the Serapeum. It allows you to walk around and admire the ancient structures.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the massive Roman column itself, a remnant of the Serapeum temple. You can also explore the surrounding ruins and imagine the grandeur of the ancient site.
A visit to Pompey's Pillar typically takes about 30-60 minutes. It's a relatively compact site, but you'll want time to appreciate the scale and history.
Yes, children can enjoy Pompey's Pillar, especially if they have an interest in history. The sheer size of the column can be awe-inspiring for younger visitors.
While official guided tours might not always be readily available, you can often hire local guides at the entrance or rely on information from guidebooks and online resources to enhance your visit.
It's a Roman triumphal column erected between 298-303 AD to honor Emperor Diocletian, standing on the site of the ancient Serapeum, a major temple complex.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo spots are from the base of the pillar looking up to capture its height, and from a distance to include the surrounding ruins. The late afternoon light offers beautiful golden hour shots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Pompey's Pillar. You can capture the column and the surrounding archaeological site.
Early morning or late afternoon provides the best lighting for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and offering a softer, more atmospheric look.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical and archaeological sites in Egypt for preservation and security reasons. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
Wide-angle shots to show the scale of the column against the sky or ruins, and detail shots of the Corinthian capitals or inscriptions can be very effective.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep the visit engaging by turning it into a scavenger hunt for interesting shapes in the ruins or by telling stories about Roman emperors. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited. Comfortable shoes are essential for little explorers navigating the uneven ground.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Consider hiring a local guide or doing some pre-reading to fully appreciate the archaeological context. Look for inscriptions, architectural details, and the remnants of the temple's foundations to piece together the site's past glory. The scale of the column itself is a testament to Roman ambition and engineering.
📸 Photographers
Consider the interplay of light and shadow on the granite column and the weathered stones of the Serapeum. The site offers a blend of monumental architecture and historical decay, providing a rich palette for creative photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Misnomer: Pompey's Pillar
The column originally supported a colossal porphyry statue of Diocletian in armor. Its immense size and impressive construction are a testament to Roman engineering prowess during that era. The site offers a tangible link to the city's Hellenistic and Roman past, a period of significant cultural and architectural development.
Visitors can still see the remnants of the Serapeum around the pillar, providing context for its original grandeur. Exploring these ruins allows for a deeper appreciation of the scale and importance of this ancient sanctuary.
Architectural Marvel: The Roman Column
The sheer height and the precision of its construction are awe-inspiring. Imagine the effort involved in quarrying, transporting, and erecting such a monumental structure without modern machinery. The column's enduring presence for over 1700 years speaks volumes about the quality of its construction and its symbolic importance.
While the statue that once topped the pillar is long gone, the column itself remains a powerful symbol of Alexandria's historical significance and its role as a major center of the Roman Empire. It's a must-see for anyone interested in ancient architecture and engineering.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit