Kirche der Granitsäulen, Medieval church ruins in Old Dongola, Sudan
The Church of Granite Columns sits on an elevated area near the Nile and is defined by sixteen granite and gneiss columns that divide the interior space. The structure rests on foundations of an earlier building and shows the typical floor plan of this period.
The building was constructed between 550 and 650 and replaced an earlier three-nave basilica. This period coincided with military upheaval that transformed the region.
The name refers to its most distinctive feature, the stone columns made from locally sourced stone. The building shows influences from different regions, reflected in how the space and structure were arranged.
The site is located far from major cities in a desert environment, so a visit requires careful planning. Visitors should expect challenging conditions and a remote location that demand proper preparation.
The site contained specialized building components like ceramic window grilles and terracotta tabernacle pieces. These findings reveal that advanced construction techniques were employed in making this structure.
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