Pompey's Pillar - Alexandria - Egypt
1 / 10

Pompey's Pillar Alexandria

4.6
·491k reviews·, Egypt

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Avoid crowds and heat

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Pompey's Pillar - Alexandria - Egypt

Pompey's Pillar Alexandria

Best Time

Early mornings

Avoid crowds and heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Standing tall through centuries of history, Pompey’s Pillar is a symbol of Alexandria’s timeless grandeur and ancient legacy."

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Colossal Column

The Colossal Column

Center of the site

A towering Roman Corinthian column, nearly 27 meters high, standing as a testament to ancient engineering.

Instagram
Ruins of the Serapeum

Ruins of the Serapeum

Surrounding the pillar

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

Instagram+1
Panoramic Views

Panoramic Views

Top of the site

Enjoy sweeping views of Alexandria from the elevated position of the pillar, especially beautiful during sunset.

Instagram
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Pompey's Pillar

Beat the heat and crowds by visiting Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria during the cooler morning hours or late afternoon. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, offering a more serene experience amidst the ancient ruins. Instagram

Understanding the Name and History

Despite its name, Pompey's Pillar was not built for Pompey the Great but rather honors Emperor Diocletian. This massive Roman column is a remnant of the Serapeum temple complex, offering a glimpse into Alexandria's rich past. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Avoid crowds and heat
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter
Why
Pleasant weather
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

From Pompey’s Pillar sightseeing in Alexandria… Did you try Alexandria in winter time? 😊
cgt_egypt
822 likes • 26.4K views

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:

Day 1 in Egypt, in Alexandria. Among ruins, I found stillness. 🦁✨ 📍 เสาปอมเปย์ (Pompey’s Pillar) • สูงกว่า 26 เมตร แกะจากหินก้อนเดียว — ไม่มีเครื่องจักรในยุคนั้น!
tavee_ruechanok
0 likes • 1.1K views
Pompey's Pillar (عمود السواري) is the name given to a Roman column in Alexandria, Egypt that was erected between 298-303 AD to honor Emperor Diocletian.
teamleip
12 likes • 117 views

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:

📍 Pompey's Pillar – Alexandria, Egypt Standing tall through centuries of history, this majestic Roman column is one of the most iconic landmarks in Alexandria. Built in honor of Emperor Diocletian, it rises nearly 27 meters above the ruins of the ancient Serapeum temple. A must-visit for history lovers and curious travelers! 🇪🇬✨ 🗿 Echoes of the past, carved in stone. #PompeysPillar #AlexandriaEg...
mohamed_elsayedofficial
0 likes • 1.5K views

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

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. Instagram+1

What People Like

Impressive Roman column
Historical significance
Ancient ruins

What People Dislike

Misleading name
Limited amenities

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Pompey's Pillar is located in the central part of Alexandria, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city's historical sites. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ 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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

📸 📸 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. Instagram

Yes, photography is generally allowed at Pompey's Pillar. You can capture the column and the surrounding archaeological site. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon provides the best lighting for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and offering a softer, more atmospheric look. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Pompey's Pillar offers a fantastic opportunity for families to introduce children to ancient history in a tangible way. The sheer size of the column can spark imagination, making it feel like a scene from an adventure movie. Encourage kids to guess how it was built or what it might have looked like in its prime. Instagram

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. Instagram

🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by ancient civilizations, Pompey's Pillar is a cornerstone of understanding Alexandria's Roman period. Delve into the history of the Serapeum, a once-magnificent temple complex, and the significance of Emperor Diocletian's reign. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

📸 Photographers

Pompey's Pillar provides dramatic photographic opportunities. The towering column against the sky, especially during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset, creates stunning visuals. Experiment with different angles – from looking straight up to capture its height, to wide shots that include the surrounding ruins for context. Instagram

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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Misnomer: Pompey's Pillar

The name 'Pompey's Pillar' is a historical misnomer. While the Roman general Pompey the Great did have a connection to Alexandria, this colossal column was actually erected between 298 and 303 AD to honor Emperor Diocletian. It was part of the grand Serapeum temple complex, one of the most important religious sites in ancient Alexandria. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

Architectural Marvel: The Roman Column

Pompey's Pillar is a prime example of a Roman triumphal column, characterized by its massive scale and intricate Corinthian capitals. Standing at nearly 27 meters (about 88 feet) tall, it is one of the largest monolithic columns ever erected by the Romans. The column is made from a single piece of red granite, quarried and transported from Aswan, highlighting the logistical capabilities of the ancient world. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

You may also like