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Old Dongola
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Historical site
Old Dongola served as the flourishing capital of the Christian Kingdom of Makuria for over seven centuries, standing as a major cultural and political hub along the Nile. Located on the river's eastern bank in present-day northern Sudan, the site features monumental ruins of churches, monasteries, and a massive fortress. A standout structure is the Throne Hall of the Makurian kings, a two-story 9th-century building that was later converted into a mosque and remains remarkably intact today. The city was the setting for pivotal historical events, most notably the signing of the Baqt treaty with Arab forces, which secured centuries of peace and autonomy for the kingdom. Since the 1960s, Polish archaeological missions have uncovered magnificent murals within the monasteries, showcasing the exceptional artistic skill of the Christian-Nubian civilization. By the 14th century, the city declined in importance and was eventually abandoned, leaving behind a rich legacy of medieval sacral architecture.
- Location: Sudan
- Top sights: Old Dongola Citadel · Kubbas and islamic cemetery · Throne Hall
- 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 ruins of Old Dongola are freely accessible and lie in an open, sandy landscape. Visitors can wander without fixed paths among church and palace remains, which requires sure-footedness.
Typical hours
The site has no fixed opening hours and is typically accessible during daylight hours. A visit early morning or late afternoon is recommended to avoid the intense heat.
Photography
Photography is generally allowed throughout the site without restrictions. However, using flash in partially covered areas is not recommended.
Time needed
A typical visit lasts between one and two hours, depending on your interest in history. Those who want to explore every corner should allocate extra time.
Combine with
Nearby are other Nubian ruins that can be easily combined. The town of Karima also has other archaeological sites worth visiting.
Getting there
The site is reachable by car from Khartoum, but the last stretch requires a 4x4 vehicle. It is recommended to hire a local driver.
Insider tip
Bring plenty of water and sun protection as there is little shade on site. A local guide can greatly enhance your understanding of the ruins.
Geography
Facts
- Capital of the Kingdom of Makuria from the 6th to the 14th century.
- The 9th-century Throne Hall is one of the site's best-preserved structures.
- Home to exquisite examples of Christian-Nubian wall paintings.
- Site of the Baqt treaty signing between Makuria and Arab rulers in 651 AD.
- Extensively excavated by Polish archaeological missions since the 1960s.
- Features the remains of the 'Church of the Granite Columns'.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Old Dongola (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How much time should I spend at Old Dongola?
About 2 to 3 hours are sufficient to explore the ruins and the surrounding area.
Best time of year to visit?
The cooler period between November and February is good.
Is the site family-friendly?
It is a historical site with minimal infrastructure; less suitable for very young children.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, usually a small contribution is required on-site.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography for personal use is permitted without restrictions.
Old Dongola: where is it located?
Old Dongola is located in Sudan.
Old Dongola: what is there to see?
Highlights include Old Dongola Citadel, Kubbas and islamic cemetery, Throne Hall.
Old Dongola: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.
Old Dongola: why is it worth visiting?
Old Dongola served as the flourishing capital of the Christian Kingdom of Makuria for over seven centuries, standing as a major cultural and political hub along the Nile.
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Dongola is the capital of the Region NO state in Sudan.
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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
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History & landmarks
Old Dongola Cathedral Ruins
The impressive ruins of ancient churches and monasteries in the capital of the medieval Christian Kingdom of Makuria.
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
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.
Tombos
An ancient quarry at the Third Cataract of the Nile with inscriptions and an unfinished statue.