Dongola Old Town (Old Dongola)
Ash Shamālīyah
Old Dongola is a deserted Nubian town located on the east bank of the Nile in Northern Sudan. Founded in the 5th century as a fortress, it became the capital of the Makurian state and flourished from the 4th to the 14th century. The site covers approximately 200 hectares, including a citadel with royal palaces, public buildings, and several churches, such as the Church of the Granite Columns adorned with 16 granite columns. Old Dongola was a significant Christian center with numerous churches and monasteries, including the Great Monastery of St Anthony, featuring unique 11th to 13th-century wall paintings. The monumental Throne Hall, built in the 9th century, later converted into a mosque in 1317, reflects the town's transition to Islamic influence. Archaeological excavations by a Polish team since 1964 have uncovered rich architectural and cultural remains, illustrating Old Dongola's role as a commercial hub and religious center in medieval Nubia. Today, it offers a rare glimpse into the region's Christian and Islamic past before the urban population moved downstream to modern Dongola in the 19th century.
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Astuce: Visitors should plan to visit during cooler months to avoid intense heat common in Northern Sudan. Booking guided tours or archaeological site visits in advance is recommended due to the remote location. While there are no specific ticket prices widely published, travelers may find discounts for groups or students through local tour operators. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, as the site is extensive and involves outdoor exploration.
Faits intéressants
- •Old Dongola was the capital of the medieval Nubian kingdom of Makuria from the 4th to the 14th century.
- •The Throne Hall, built in the 9th century, was converted into a mosque in 1317 and used until 1969.
- •The Great Monastery of St Anthony contains unique 11th to 13th-century Christian wall paintings depicting biblical scenes and dignitaries.
- •Archaeological excavations at Old Dongola have been ongoing since 1964, led by a Polish team.
- •Old Dongola served as a key caravan departure point westward to Darfur and Kordofan during medieval times.
Histoire
Old Dongola was established in the 5th century as a fortified settlement and became the capital of the Christian kingdom of Makuria by the mid-6th century.
It expanded beyond its original fortress walls with the construction of several churches and palaces.
The city endured conflicts such as the First and Second Battles of Dongola in the 7th century, which led to destruction and rebuilding efforts.
The 9th to 11th centuries marked the city's peak, with extensive religious and royal architecture.
In 1317, the Throne Hall was converted into a mosque, symbolizing the gradual Islamization of the area.
By the 19th century, the population relocated downstream, leading to the abandonment of Old Dongola as an urban center.
Guide du lieu
Citadel and Royal Palaces5th century onward
The citadel served as the royal residence and administrative center, containing palaces and public buildings central to Makurian governance.
Church of the Granite ColumnsLate 7th century
This 7th-century church, possibly the cathedral of Old Dongola, is notable for its 16 granite columns with richly decorated capitals, built over an earlier church.
Great Monastery of St Anthony11th–13th centuries
Located northeast of the citadel, this monastery is one of the earliest Christian buildings in Old Dongola, featuring crypts with inscriptions and unique wall paintings from the 11th to 13th centuries.
Throne Hall9th century
A monumental 9th-century two-story building interpreted as the royal throne hall, later converted into a mosque in 1317, reflecting the town's religious transition.