Kom ash-Shuqqafa Catacombs

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Grand Egyptian Adventure This tour starts with visits to the Pyramids & Sphinx in Gisa. In Aswan, enjoy a peaceful felucca sailboat or luxury Nile cruise to Luxor, where we tour the temples & tombs on both sides of the river. Finish with time by the beach in Dahab. 15 days, from £430 (Group tour). Egypt Uncovered »

When a donkey accidentally fell through the ground with his cart, no one expected the discovery that was about to be made. These ancient catacombs date back to 2AD and are underground burial crypts of upper class Romans. The details of this subterranean zone defy comprehensible description- the walls are all engraved and designed with intricate patterns and the tunnels are complex and well laid out- it is said they have as much technological expertise as that of our modern day subway systems but are far more detailed and aesthetically pleasing.

There are two main burial chambers, spiral staircases, statues, rotundas and even a banqueting hall where relatives visiting the tombs would dine. The Catacombs have been opened up to the public since 1995, but you won't be able to bring your camera inside.

1 / 5 Review by contributing editor Mary Kate Alfieri

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