Serapeum of Alexandria Travel Guide: Top Sights in Egypt, Tours &

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Serapeum of Alexandria- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; Egypt; 8 Reviews

Suggested Duration: 2 hours

The Serapeum of Alexandria was a grand Greek temple built by Ptolemy III Euergetes in the 3rd century BC, dedicated to the god Serapis. It was part of a larger religious and intellectual complex that also housed an offshoot of the Library of Alexandria. The temple, located on a rocky plateau, was the most impressive in Alexandria's Greek quarter and served as a sanctuary for both religious and intellectual pursuits. The Serapeum was destroyed by Roman soldiers in 391 AD during a period of religious conflict, marking the decline of paganism in the city. Today, little remains of the structure except for Pompey's Pillar, which marks the site of the temple's acropolis. Excavations have uncovered various statues and artifacts, shedding light on the temple's rich cultural and historical significance.

Operators offering tours in Egypt

Attractions in Alexandria

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

3.8

Citadel of Qaitbay

Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

4.8

Montaza Palace

Alexandria Corniche

4.8

Alexandria National Museum

3.8

Attarine Mosque

Greco-Roman Museum

Reviews of Serapeum of Alexandria

Russell Stokes

2
Reviewed: 2024-08-17

It's mostly closed, or under renovation best avoid. Card payment only EGP 150
Russell Stokes

2
Reviewed: 2024-08-17

It's mostly closed, or under renovation best avoid. Card payment only EGP 150
Charley Shillabeer

3
Reviewed: 2024-07-09

I didn't take a lot from the site. I wouldn't say it is very important to see this site. The catacombs are much better and are much more worth your time and money.
Charley Shillabeer

3
Reviewed: 2024-07-09

I didn't take a lot from the site. I wouldn't say it is very important to see this site. The catacombs are much better and are much more worth your time and money.
Riva Gwen Palomar

5
Reviewed: 2024-06-02

Our visit to Pompey’s Pillar in Alexandria was a fascinating experience. The site is steeped in rich history, and seeing the massive column up close was awe-inspiring. The area around the pillar is well-preserved, and there is plenty of information available to help visitors understand its historical significance. Walking around the site and taking in the ancient architecture was truly memorable. Overall, Pompey’s Pillar is a must-see for history enthusiasts and anyone visiting Alexandria. Highly recommended!
Riva Gwen Palomar

5
Reviewed: 2024-06-02

Our visit to Pompey’s Pillar in Alexandria was a fascinating experience. The site is steeped in rich history, and seeing the massive column up close was awe-inspiring. The area around the pillar is well-preserved, and there is plenty of information available to help visitors understand its historical significance. Walking around the site and taking in the ancient architecture was truly memorable. Overall, Pompey’s Pillar is a must-see for history enthusiasts and anyone visiting Alexandria. Highly recommended!
Samiul Islam

4
Reviewed: 2024-05-31

Pompey's Pillar (Arabic: عمود السواري, romanized: 'Amud El-Sawari) is the name given to a Roman triumphal column in Alexandria, Egypt. Set up in honour of the Roman emperor Diocletian between 298–302 AD, the giant Corinthian column originally supported a colossal porphyry statue of the emperor in armour.[1] It stands at the eastern side of the temenos of the Serapeum of Alexandria, beside the ruins of the temple of Serapis itself.
Samiul Islam

4
Reviewed: 2024-05-31

Pompey's Pillar (Arabic: عمود السواري, romanized: 'Amud El-Sawari) is the name given to a Roman triumphal column in Alexandria, Egypt. Set up in honour of the Roman emperor Diocletian between 298–302 AD, the giant Corinthian column originally supported a colossal porphyry statue of the emperor in armour.[1] It stands at the eastern side of the temenos of the Serapeum of Alexandria, beside the ruins of the temple of Serapis itself.