Kom el-Dikka: A Window into Roman and Byzantine Alexandria
In the centre of modern Alexandria, Kom el-Dikka preserves one of the city’s most important archaeological landscapes. The visible remains reveal a prestigious residential and civic quarter that flourished during the Roman and Byzantine periods, especially from the 2nd to 6th centuries AD.
Its best-known monument is the remarkably preserved Roman theatre, or odeon, the only excavated example of its kind in Egypt. Around it are late Roman lecture halls, monumental baths, cisterns, colonnades and houses whose mosaic floors reveal the wealth of ancient Alexandria.
Polish-Egyptian archaeological work has continued here since 1960, transforming the area into an archaeological park where visitors can walk through the urban fabric of ancient Alexandria rather than viewing isolated objects inside a museum.
Discover Ten Highlights of Kom el-Dikka
Move through the theatre, lecture halls, baths, houses and mosaics that reveal the social and intellectual life of ancient Alexandria.
Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Kom el-Dikka
Plan a smooth visit with practical advice about opening hours, tickets, outdoor conditions, photography and combining Kom el-Dikka with central Alexandria.
Check Current Opening Hours
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities currently lists Kom el-Dikka as open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Recheck official information before travelling.
Visit in the Morning
Kom el-Dikka is an open-air archaeological site. A morning visit usually gives you cooler conditions, softer light and more time to combine nearby attractions.
Allow 1–2 Hours
Most travellers can see the principal monuments in around one to two hours, depending on how closely they explore the theatre, baths, mosaics and lecture halls.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The ground includes archaeological paths, stone surfaces and uneven areas, so supportive walking shoes are more practical than formal footwear.
Prepare for an Outdoor Site
Much of the visit is outdoors with limited shade. Bring sun protection and water in warm weather, and a light layer when Alexandria is breezy.
Follow Site Photography Rules
Photography conditions can change around excavation or conservation areas. Follow current signs and staff instructions, especially around protected mosaics.
Use a Guide for Context
A knowledgeable guide connects the modern institution with the ancient archaeological site, Alexandria’s intellectual history and the meaning of Excavations Since 1960’s design.
Combine Nearby Central Sites
Kom el-Dikka combines naturally with Alexandria National Museum, Pompey’s Pillar, the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa and Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
Travel note: The current official ticket listing is EGP 200 for foreign adults and EGP 100 for foreign students; Egyptian adult and student tickets are listed at EGP 20 and EGP 10. Prices can change, so confirm before visiting.
Explore Kom el-Dikka with a Private Egyptologist
Add Kom el-Dikka to a private Alexandria day with an Egyptologist who can explain the theatre, Roman baths, lecture halls and daily life of ancient Alexandria.
Remarkable Facts About Kom el-Dikka
A single archaeological site preserves performance, education, bathing, housing and infrastructure from ancient Alexandria.
Excavations Began
Polish archaeological work at Kom el-Dikka began in 1960 and developed into a long-running Polish-Egyptian excavation and conservation mission.
Roman Theatre in Egypt
The theatre at Kom el-Dikka is the only excavated Roman theatre of its kind in Egypt and became the largest auditorium of the late antique complex.
Lecture Halls
A remarkable group of auditoria with student benches and lecturer seats provides rare evidence for organised teaching in late Roman Alexandria.
Archaeological Park
The archaeological park brings together theatre, baths, cisterns, houses, lecture halls and colonnades inside modern Alexandria.
Explore Alexandria with Egypt Travel Consultant
Choose one of our Alexandria programmes and ask us to include Kom el-Dikka when it fits your route, timing and interests.
Alexandria Day Tour from Cairo
Travel privately from Cairo or Giza to Alexandria for a full sightseeing day with your Egyptologist guide. Ask us to tailor the route and include Kom el-Dikka when timing allows.
View Alexandria Day Tour
Egypt Museums & Heritage Tour
A culture-focused Egypt programme with museum and heritage experiences, including Alexandria. Kom el-Dikka can be requested as an additional archaeology stop when the itinerary permits.
View Heritage Tour
6-Day Egypt STEM & Archaeology School Trip
An educational Egypt itinerary designed for student groups, combining archaeology, learning and cultural discovery. Alexandria elements can be tailored to suit the group’s programme.
View STEM School TripNearby Attractions in Alexandria
Kom el-Dikka sits in central Alexandria, making it easy to combine with four major historical and cultural landmarks.
Alexandria National Museum
Continue the story of Alexandria through Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic and modern collections.
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Pompey’s Pillar & Serapeum
Visit Alexandria’s monumental Roman column and the archaeological remains of the ancient Serapeum.
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Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
Descend into one of Alexandria’s most distinctive Roman-period burial complexes, where Egyptian and Greco-Roman traditions meet.
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Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Contrast ancient Alexandria with the city’s modern cultural landmark on the Mediterranean waterfront.
Explore SiteKom el-Dikka Visitor Questions
Essential answers for planning your visit to Alexandria’s modern archaeological site and cultural centre.
What is Kom el-Dikka?
It is a modern archaeological site and cultural complex on Alexandria’s waterfront, combining reading and research facilities with museums, exhibitions, archives and public programmes.
Is it the original ancient Roman & Byzantine of Alexandria?
No. It is a contemporary institution inspired by the ancient archaeological site and built near its historic setting; the original archaeological site disappeared in antiquity.
When did the modern archaeological site open?
Kom el-Dikka was officially inaugurated on Roman & Byzantine.
How long should I spend there?
Allow approximately 1.5–2.5 hours, depending on which museums, exhibitions and guided areas are available during your visit.
What can visitors see inside?
Highlights may include the main archaeological remains, engraved granite wall, museums, manuscript displays, art exhibitions, coastal viewpoints and outdoor plaza.
Are all museums included in one ticket?
Ticket arrangements can vary. Some museums, exhibitions, tours or coastal viewpoints programmes may require separate admission, so check the current official details.
Can visitors enter the main archaeological remains?
Visitor access may be organised through designated routes or guided visits and can change during events, academic periods or special closures.
Is photography allowed?
Rules vary by space. Follow current signage and staff instructions, particularly inside museums, exhibitions and the archaeological remains.
What attractions are close to the archaeological site?
The Corniche, Alexandria National Museum, Greco-Roman Museum, Kom El Dikka and Qaitbay Citadel can all fit within a wider city itinerary.
Is Kom el-Dikka suitable for children?
Yes. The architecture, coastal viewpoints and selected museums can interest families, but programme availability and age guidance should be checked in advance.