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Pompey's Pillar

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Historical site
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Pompey's Pillar (Egypt)

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Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria is a Roman triumphal column erected in 297 AD to commemorate the victory of Emperor Diocletian over a local rebellion. Despite its popular name, the column has no connection to the Roman general Pompey; the misnomer originated from Crusaders who mistakenly believed Pompey was buried at the site. The monument is carved from a single block of red Aswan granite and stands at a total height of 26.85 meters, including its Corinthian capital and massive pedestal. It remains the largest free-standing column of its kind built outside the imperial capitals of Rome and Constantinople. The pillar is located on the site of the ancient Serapeum, once a magnificent temple complex dedicated to the god Serapis. Today, it serves as one of the few surviving ancient structures in modern Alexandria, providing a link to the city's significant role during the late Roman Imperial period.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C141517192326282827242016
Rain mm23169141110071320

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Pompey's Pillar is a free-standing monument on a small hill, visible from outside at any time. Access to the immediate site and its small museum requires a paid ticket.
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Typical hours
The site is typically open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM. Access may be limited on religious holidays.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site, including tripods for striking shots of the column. Flash is not allowed in the museum to protect the artifacts.
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Time needed
Viewing the pillar itself takes just about 10-15 minutes. If you also visit the small museum and surrounding ruins, allow 30-45 minutes.
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Combine with
Pompey's Pillar is close to the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (about 2 km) and the Roman Amphitheatre. Combining these three sights makes a convenient half-day tour.
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Getting there
The pillar is easily reached by taxi from central Alexandria; the trip takes about 10 minutes. You can also take bus line 1 toward Karmouz and get off at Pompey's Pillar stop.
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Insider tip
Visit the pillar in the late afternoon when the light is best for photography and the column casts a long shadow across the plaza. Be sure to combine this visit with the nearby catacombs.

Geography

Coordinates
31.18200, 29.89600

Facts

  • The total height of the monument is exactly 26.85 meters.
  • The shaft is made from a single block of red Aswan granite.
  • It was erected in 297 AD to honor Emperor Diocletian.
  • The diameter at the base of the pillar is 2.71 meters.
  • The estimated weight of the granite shaft is 285 tons.
  • It is situated on the ruins of the ancient Temple of Serapis.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Catacombs of Kom El ShoqafaCatacombs of Kom El Shoqafa<1 km · SExplore →
Alexandria Roman AmphitheatreAlexandria Roman Amphitheatre1 km · NEExplore →
Port of AlexandriaPort of Alexandria3 km · NWExplore →
Alexandria Petroleum RefineryAlexandria Petroleum Refinery3 km · SExplore →
Bibliotheca AlexandrinaBibliotheca Alexandrina3 km · NEExplore →
Citadel of QaitbayCitadel of Qaitbay4 km · NExplore →
Giza City ParkGiza City Park6 km · SEExplore →
Stanley BridgeStanley Bridge8 km · NEExplore →

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Sights in the town Pompey's Pillar (1)

Pompei's Pillar🏺 historical

Pompey's Pillar is a massive Roman triumphal column carved from red Aswan granite.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How high is the pillar?
About 27 meters including the base.
What is it made of?
From red Aswan granite.
Did it really belong to Pompey?
No, it was erected for Diocletian.
What else can be seen there?
Ruins of the Serapeum and two sphinxes.
How long does a visit take?
About 30 minutes is enough.
Pompey's Pillar: where is it located?
Pompey's Pillar is located in Egypt.
Pompey's Pillar: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.
Pompey's Pillar: why is it worth visiting?
Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria is a Roman triumphal column erected in 297 AD to commemorate the victory of Emperor Diocletian over a local rebellion.
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History & landmarks

Graeco-Roman Museum — Pompey's Pillar (Egypt)
Graeco-Roman Museum
A prominent museum in Alexandria showcasing artifacts from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods of Egyptian history.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina — Pompey's Pillar (Egypt)
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
A major library and cultural center located on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea in Alexandria.
Ras El Tin Palace — Pompey's Pillar (Egypt)
Ras El Tin Palace
A historic royal palace on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in Alexandria, one of the official residences of the President.
Stanley Bridge — Pompey's Pillar (Egypt)
Stanley Bridge
A 400-meter-long bridge in Alexandria spanning the Mediterranean Sea, known for its elegant design and night lighting.
Borg El Arab Stadium — Pompey's Pillar (Egypt)
Borg El Arab Stadium
The largest stadium in Egypt and one of the largest in Africa, located near the Mediterranean resort city of Alexandria.
Montaza Palace — Pompey's Pillar (Egypt)
Montaza Palace
A grand palace and extensive gardens in the Montaza district of Alexandria, overlooking a beach on the Mediterranean Sea.

Nature

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Lake Mariut
A lake south of Alexandria.

More places

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Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
A historical archaeological site located in Alexandria and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.
Alexandria Roman Amphitheatre — Pompey's Pillar (Egypt)
Alexandria Roman Amphitheatre
A well-preserved ancient Roman theater located in the heart of the modern city of Alexandria.
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Alexandria Zoo
Popular zoo on the Mediterranean coast.
Port of Alexandria — Pompey's Pillar (Egypt)
Port of Alexandria
Egypt's main seaport on the Mediterranean Sea.
Alexandria Petroleum Refinery — Pompey's Pillar (Egypt)
Alexandria Petroleum Refinery
One of the largest petroleum refineries in Egypt.
Citadel of Qaitbay — Pompey's Pillar (Egypt)
Citadel of Qaitbay
A 15th-century defensive fortress located on the Mediterranean sea coast in Alexandria.
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El-Dakheila Port
A natural extension of the Port of Alexandria with deep water.
Al-Amiriya Petroleum Refinery — Pompey's Pillar (Egypt)
Al-Amiriya Petroleum Refinery
Another major refinery in the Alexandria region.