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Monument · Alexandria, Alexandria
Pompey's Pillar
A red granite column about 27 meters tall, raised in the 3rd century in honor of Emperor Diocletian, on the site of the Serapeum temple.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Pompey's Pillar
Pompey’s Pillar stands on the Serapeum hill in western Alexandria. It is a Roman column of Aswan red granite, approximately 27 meters high, erected around 297 in honor of Emperor Diocletian; the name Pompey comes from a medieval tradition.
The hill was the site of the Serapeum, the great temple of Serapis, the city’s Greco-Egyptian god, which housed part of the ancient library. Subterranean galleries, two granite sphinxes and foundations remain.
The column is one of the few ancient monuments still standing in the city.
The site is small and surrounded by gardens in a residential neighborhood, and it usually has few visitors.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About half an hour to an hour.
Best time
In the morning, together with Kom el-Shoqafa.
How to get there
A few minutes’ walk from the Kom el-Shoqafa catacombs.
Tip
Go down to the Serapeum’s underground galleries next to the column.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Pompey's Pillar
Why is it called Pompey's Column?
By a medieval tradition; it was erected in honor of Emperor Diocletian around 297.
How tall is Pompey's Column?
About 27 meters.
What was the Serapeum of Alexandria?
The great temple of Serapis that stood on the hill of the column and housed part of the ancient library's collection.