Pompey's Pillar

Pompey's Pillar is the largest ancient column in Egypt, standing alone in a park amid ruins of the Serapeum temple complex. Despite its name, it was built to honor Emperor Diocletian after he suppressed a revolt in Alexandria. The column is a single piece of red granite quarried in Aswan, weighing about 285 tons. Visitors can walk around the base, where two sphinxes from the Ptolemaic period guard the site. The surrounding area includes subterranean galleries and remnants of the temple library, offering a glimpse into Roman Alexandria’s civic pride.

Don't miss

• The colossal monolithic granite shaft, over 20 meters tall, with its Corinthian capital
• The two sphinxes at the base, originally from a Ptolemaic temple
• The underground chambers of the Serapeum, once part of the great library complex

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Pompey's Pillar

Cheapest way inAlexandria Full Day Trip4.7★ · 271 travelers7-8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$29 per personSee dates →Best full dayShore Excursion: Alexandria City Tour from Alexandria Port4.2★ · 21 travelers~7 hoursFree cancellationFrom$70 per personSee dates →Private & flexiblePrivate Alexandria Tour with Local Guide5★ · 13 travelers~6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$45 per personSee dates →

Getting there