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Old Dongola Cathedral Ruins
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The ruins of the Cathedral of Old Dongola are an impressive testimony to the Christian era in Nubia and the former capital of the Kingdom of Makuria. The structure, built in the 7th century AD, was once one of the largest churches in Africa and the spiritual center of the region. Particularly striking are the remaining granite columns that once supported the extensive nave. In the 14th century, after the Islamization of the region, the building was converted into a mosque, which contributed to its partial preservation. The cathedral was famous for its magnificent wall paintings, of which some fragments in museums and on-site attest to the high artistic quality of Nubian painting. Old Dongola itself was a thriving metropolis on the Nile, whose ruins today include palaces and residential quarters alongside the cathedral. Archaeological excavations, intensively carried out since the 1960s, have established this site as one of the most important historical places of medieval Sudan.
- Location: Sudan
- Top sights: Dongola Cathedrals · Monastery of St Anthony the Great (Kom H)
- Nearby: Ad-Dabba (27 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 18 | 21 | 25 | 29 | 33 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 34 | 30 | 24 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Old Dongola Cathedral ruins in Sudan are an open archaeological site. Visitors can freely explore the remains of the church and surrounding monastery complex. Please respect the historical fabric and do not enter cordoned-off areas.
Typical hours
The site is typically accessible during daylight hours as there are no fixed opening times. It is recommended to come during the cooler morning hours. A permit from the antiquities service may be required.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site without restrictions. The massive stone walls and vast desert landscape offer impressive panoramas. Drones are only allowed with special permission.
Time needed
Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for a walk around the site. If you are interested in the Christian history of Nubia, you may allocate up to two hours.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby necropolis of El-Kurru and the pyramids of Nuri. The town of Karima with Jebel Barkal is also worth a day trip.
Getting there
The ruins are about 2 km south of the modern village of Old Dongola. Reachable by 4x4 vehicle or taxi from Karima. The road is sandy and unpaved.
Insider tip
Obtain a permit in advance from the National Corporation for Antiquities in Khartoum. Bring plenty of water as there are no supplies on site.
Geography
Facts
- The cathedral featured 16 massive granite columns with Corinthian capitals.
- The conversion into a mosque took place in 1317 AD.
- Old Dongola was the capital of Makuria from the 6th to the 14th century.
- The ruins of a monumental throne hall are located nearby.
- The wall paintings depict biblical scenes and Nubian dignitaries.
- Polish archaeologists have been leading the excavations on-site for decades.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Old Dongola Cathedral Ruins (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What was this place formerly?
Old Dongola was the capital of the Christian kingdom of Makuria.
Is the cathedral still preserved?
Only the ruins and some wall paintings can be seen.
What is the best way to travel there?
Via the desert road from Khartoum or Dongola.
Are there accommodations nearby?
Accommodations are rare; camping or the town of Dongola are options.
Is the place well signposted?
No, a GPS or guide is strongly advised for the journey.
Old Dongola Cathedral Ruins: where is it located?
Old Dongola Cathedral Ruins is located in Sudan.
Old Dongola Cathedral Ruins: what is there to see?
Highlights include Dongola Cathedrals, Monastery of St Anthony the Great (Kom H).
Old Dongola Cathedral Ruins: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.
Old Dongola Cathedral Ruins: why is it worth visiting?
The ruins of the Cathedral of Old Dongola are an impressive testimony to the Christian era in Nubia and the former capital of the Kingdom of Makuria.
Explore with Plizio
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Nearby cities
Dongola
Dongola is the capital of the Region NO state in Sudan.
Karima
Karima is an important settlement in the Sudanese state of Region NO.
Wadi Halfa
Wadi Halfa is an important settlement in the Sudanese state of Region NO.
Ad-Dabba
Ad-Dabba is an important settlement in the Sudanese state of Region NO.
Merowe
Merowe is an important settlement in the Sudanese state of Region NO.
Argo
Argo is an important settlement in the Sudanese state of Region NO.
History & landmarks
El-Kurru Necropolis
One of the oldest burial sites of the Nubian kings, where pharaohs of the 25th Egyptian Dynasty, including King Piye, were laid to rest.
Amun Temple of Jebel Barkal
A massive temple complex at the foot of the sacred Jebel Barkal mountain, serving as the spiritual center of the ancient Kingdom of Kush.
Nuri Pyramids
A significant cemetery featuring the largest pyramids in Nubia, serving as the final resting place for King Taharqa and his successors.
Western Deffufa of Kerma
A massive and mysterious mud-brick structure that served as the main temple of the ancient Kerma civilization.
Sesibi Temple
The remains of an ancient Egyptian temple complex, originally founded by Akhenaten for the solar cult of Aten.
Soleb Temple
One of the best-preserved Egyptian temples in Sudan, built by Amenhotep III and dedicated to the god Amun-Re.
More places
Old Dongola
The capital of the medieval Christian Nubian kingdom of Makuria.
Banganarti
A major archaeological site featuring the remains of an important medieval pilgrimage church.
Kawa
An ancient city on the Nile with temples dedicated to the Egyptian god Amun.
El Kurru
A royal cemetery of the Kushite rulers with pyramids and painted underground burial chambers.
Ghazali Monastery
A highly well-preserved medieval Christian monastery in the Wadi Abu Dom region.
Pyramids of Nuri
An ancient necropolis with steep pyramids, where many Nubian kings were buried.
Western Deffufa
The massive center of the ancient city of Kerma, consisting of mud bricks and temple structures.
Kerma
One of the oldest and largest archaeological centers in Nubia, known for the Deffufa structures.