Monastery at Ghazali, Sudan

Conservation and presentation of  a ruined mediaeval Christian monastery at Ghazali in Sudanese Nubia. The site is located near Gebel Barkal, one of Sudan’s most important ancient sites, in a location of outstanding natural beauty at the mouth of Wadi Abu Dom, which in antiquity was an important trade route. The monastery was founded  between A.D. 680 and 720, probably by the fabled Nubian king Merkurios. It was abandoned in the  13th century.

For more information about the site, click here.  

For the past few years, the monastery has been excavated by a team of the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology directed by Dr Artur Obłuski. ARCHiNOS has been commissioned to carry out the conservation and presentation components of the project.

The conservation work involves primarily consolidation of the stone masonry of the walled compound of the monastery, which includes two churches, living quarters for the monks, communal areas, and service facilities. The presentation component includes designing the visitors’ circulation, arranging the visitors’ paths, and informational and directional signage.

In the winter/spring 2019 season, two German journeymen (Wandergesellen) joined the team. Following centuries-old custom, they wear traditional dress indicating their guild membership and their trade.

Location: Deir al-Ghazali, Karima area, Northern State, Sudan 

​Planning and design phase: 2015 – 2017
On-site implementation: February 2018 – March 2019

Project Director: Agnieszka Dobrowolska

Head conservator and on-site manager: Stefan Bading.