Old Dongola

Old Dongola is an archaeological site on the east bank of the Nile in Sudan’s Northern State that was the capital of the medieval Nubian kingdom of Makuria. The site preserves large ruins of churches, a citadel, defensive walls and later Islamic-period buildings.

Excavations have revealed substantial Christian-period architecture, including church plans and decorated masonry, as well as later adaptations and constructions after the area’s conversion to Islam. The layered remains document a transition from an African Christian polity to Islamic rule across the medieval period.

Historically Old Dongola rose to prominence in the early medieval centuries as a regional political and religious centre for Nubia; its prominence declined in the later medieval period as trade routes and political structures changed. Systematic archaeological investigation has been ongoing since the mid-20th century and continues to clarify the site’s chronology and functions.

The site lies on the east bank of the Nile in Sudan’s Northern State and is accessible from regional roads and river transport tied to settlements along the Nile.

• Capital of Makuria: Old Dongola was the capital of the medieval Nubian kingdom of Makuria and contains both Christian-period churches and later Islamic structures showing a long sequence of occupation.
• Long-term excavations: Archaeological work at the site has been carried out extensively by Polish teams since the mid-20th century, producing major finds on architecture and daily life.

What to See #

• Citadel: A raised fortified citadel area containing the remains of administrative and residential complexes from the medieval kingdom of Makuria.
• Church complexes: Excavated Christian churches and monastic structures, including remains often described as the Church of the Granite Columns, revealing Byzantine-influenced architecture.
• Fortifications and later structures: Defensive walls and later Islamic-period structures that show the site's long occupation and cultural transitions from Christianity to Islam.