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Alexandria Tourist Attractions
20 August 2025
3 min read
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What Is Pompey’s Pillar?
Pompeys Pillar in Alexandria is the tallest ancient column in Egypt. It was built around 300 AD for Emperor Diocletian to honor his victory and to thank him for helping the people of Alexandria during a big famine. The name Pompeys Pillar came later in the Middle Ages when visitors thought it was the grave of Pompey the Great.
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Where Is Pompey’s Pillar Located?
The monument is located in Alexandria’s Karmouz district, on the historic Serapeum of Alexandria location. It’s just a short distance from the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa and is easy to reach from the city center. Many visitors coming from Cairo often include the column in a day trip, whether by train, private car, or with a guided tour.
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Why Was Pompey’s Pillar Built?
The column was built between 284 and 305 AD to honor Emperor Diocletian. The people of Alexandria wanted to thank him for ending a local revolt and for helping them during a time when food was very scarce. Long ago a large statue of the emperor stood on top of the column which made the monument look even more impressive.
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What Was the Serapeum of Alexandria?
The column stands on the site of the Serapeum of Alexandria, which was the most important temple in the city and dedicated to Serapis, the city’s patron god and this temple was beautifully decorated with marble and gold and might have housed a branch of the famous Library of Alexandria in 391 AD the temple was destroyed during religious conflicts and only a few parts survived
Today the pompey's pillar alexandria serapeum of alexandria egypt is the last major piece still standing in its original place
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What Can You See at the Site Today?
When you explore the site, you will find much more than just the famous column.
Hidden around the area are underground passages and chambers that once belonged to the Serapeum of Alexandria. These remains give us an idea of how skilled the Serapeum of Alexandria architect and builders were in creating such a complex structure.
Other highlights include a Nilometer which was used in ancient times to track the Nile’s flood levels a number of sphinxes that were brought here from Heliopolis and scattered artifacts such as statues and foundation plaques that give a glimpse into the site’s long history.
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What Makes the Column’s Construction Unique?
The granite column is about 20 meters tall and with its base and top it reaches almost 27 meters. It was made from one huge block of red Aswan granite that weighed around 285 tons. This is the only single piece triumphal column from Roman Egypt. On the base there is an inscription that shows it was dedicated to Emperor Diocletian. Long ago it was likely part of a bigger monument with more columns and statues around it.
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What Are theFacts About Pompey’s Pillar?
- Built between 297 and 303 AD.
- Its name came by mistake, as people thought it was linked to Pompey the Great.
- Tallest ancient column of its kind still standing in Egypt.
- Once topped with a statue of Emperor Diocletian about seven meters high.
- Constructed on the site of the Serapeum of Alexandria, where it still stands today.
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Why Should You Visit Pompey’s Pillar?
Visiting Pompeys Pillar is not only about looking at a column. It is also a walk through the last remains of an important temple in ancient Alexandria. The place shows how Roman power grew and later declined and how religion and politics shaped the citys history. When you stand under the column you can feel the great skill and effort that was needed to build it. If you are preparing your trip, looking up Serapeum of Alexandria tickets is a good step so you know entry details before you arrive.
Ready to explore Alexandria’s ancient treasures? Book your trip now with STEP TO EGYPT and discover Pompey’s Pillar and the Serapeum of Alexandria up close!
Pompey's Pillar Serapeum of Alexandria Egypt is a massive red granite column that stands nearly 27 meters high and was carved from one single block of stone brought from Aswan which was built during the time of the Roman emperor Diocletian and not connected to Pompey the Great like many people think.
The column rises on the grounds of the Serapeum of Alexandria which was once a great temple complex filled with underground tunnels statues and even a small library, This makes it a perfect place for anyone who loves ancient architecture and wants to explore the real history of Alexandria’s Serapeum
