Pompey’s Pillar

Some of the most iconic places to visit on Alexandria day tours include Pompey’s Pillar. This towering Roman column is among the last remaining fragments from the Serapeum temple, which was once a focal point of learning and worship in ancient Alexandria. The towering column stands nearly 28 meters tall and is made of red Aswan granite, making it historically and aesthetically important. Quiet spots for contemplation can be found near the Pillar as part of your Alexandria sightseeing, and it serves as an introduction to the Greco-Roman history of the city.

Of all the Egypt Landmarks, Pompey’s Pillar enjoys a unique standing because of the Roman element and its location in one of Egypt's culturally rich cities. Unlike the temples of Luxor or the tombs of Aswan excursions, this monument mirrors a different period of Egyptian history — the Roman period. Situated in Alexandria, it is easy to access on day tours from Alexandria. This monument surprises many first-time visitors with its grandeur and age. Since fewer tourists visit, it makes this landmark more peaceful to be at.

Are you looking for History-related activities in Alexandria? Pompey’s Pillar is definitely more than a great photo opportunity. It is a place where one can stroll through the ruins of the past, look at the original Roman artifacts, and envision what Alexandria might have been like almost 2000 years ago. Being near to the famous Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa provides the opportunity to combine visits to both in one itinerary. The majority of Alexandria's day tours include this alongside other pertinent places in their rich itinerary that combine history, architecture, and local culture.

Most guided Alexandria excursions include Pompey’s Pillar due to its symbolic value and important nearby sites. Whether on private or group tours, your guide is apt to offer lots of colorful insights into the history of the pillar, the Serapeum, and Roman Alexandria. Being amongst the oldest standing constructions in the city, the pillar brings together the layered heritage of Alexandria, from Pharaonic to Hellenistic to Roman.

If you find yourself running short of time but want to really be immersed in cultural affairs, then day tours from Alexandria come in handy for you. Many packages will offer a half-day stop at Pompey’s Pillar, followed by other sites like Bibliotheca Alexandrina or Qaitbay Citadel, allowing you to tick off varying eras of Egyptian history in one short but fun-filled day. The accessibility of the pillar and the central location allow for quick visits without compromising on quality.

With Pompey’s Pillar and other areas of Alexandria already explored, extending your trip south with Aswan day tours and tours in Aswan or even Luxor day tours is very possible. While Pompey’s Pillar offers a hint of Roman presence in Egypt, going to Aswan and Luxor leads to revelations about the huge temples and tombs of the influence of the Nile on civilization. These complement the sights in Alexandria for a complete representation of Egypt's vast and varied history.

ET

Egypt Day Trips Team

Egyptologists, travel designers and trip coordinators

Last reviewed 30 July 2026 · first published 24 June 2025

The in-house team at Egypt Day Trips — licensed Egyptologist guides, travel designers and on-the-ground coordinators who plan and lead every journey themselves from our Cairo office.

• Ministry of Tourism licence No. 1538
• Official IATA member
• Operating from Cairo since 2007

View all guides by Egypt Day Trips Team