Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region
Location: Northern Sudan
Year of Inscription: 2003
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The site includes the ancient city of Napata, as well as several important archaeological sites, such as Gebel Barkal, which was once the religious and political center of the Napatan Kingdom.
Prominent Features: The site is characterized by the presence of several important archaeological sites, including the ruins of the ancient city of Napata and the rock-cut temple of Gebel Barkal. The site also includes several pyramids and other monumental structures, as well as a number of rock art sites.
History: The site has a long and rich history, dating back to the 8th century BC, when it was founded as the capital of the Napatan Kingdom. The city flourished during the 7th century BC, when it became a major center of power and culture in the region. Over the centuries, the city and the surrounding area were the site of several conflicts and invasions, including the invasion by the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC.
Fun Fact: Gebel Barkal is known as the "Holy Mountain" and was considered to be the home of the god Amun by the ancient Egyptians and the Nubians.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the ruins of the ancient city of Napata and visit the rock-cut temple of Gebel Barkal, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also learn about the history and culture of the Napatan Kingdom at the nearby museums.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region is approximately $20 USD per person.
How to Reach It: The site is located in Northern State, Sudan, and can be reached by car or public transportation from the nearby city of Karima. Visitors can also hire a guide or join a guided tour to explore the site.
From Khartoum by bus there are daily buses from Khartoum to Karima, which take approximately 7-8 hours. Buses usually leave early in the morning and tickets can be purchased at the bus station.
Where to Stay: There are a few options for accommodation in the area, including guesthouses and hotels in the nearby city of Karima. Some recommended places to stay include the Nubian Rest House and the Karima Hotel.
Next Stop: Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe
Year of Inscription: 2003
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The site includes the ancient city of Napata, as well as several important archaeological sites, such as Gebel Barkal, which was once the religious and political center of the Napatan Kingdom.
Prominent Features: The site is characterized by the presence of several important archaeological sites, including the ruins of the ancient city of Napata and the rock-cut temple of Gebel Barkal. The site also includes several pyramids and other monumental structures, as well as a number of rock art sites.
History: The site has a long and rich history, dating back to the 8th century BC, when it was founded as the capital of the Napatan Kingdom. The city flourished during the 7th century BC, when it became a major center of power and culture in the region. Over the centuries, the city and the surrounding area were the site of several conflicts and invasions, including the invasion by the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC.
Fun Fact: Gebel Barkal is known as the "Holy Mountain" and was considered to be the home of the god Amun by the ancient Egyptians and the Nubians.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the ruins of the ancient city of Napata and visit the rock-cut temple of Gebel Barkal, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also learn about the history and culture of the Napatan Kingdom at the nearby museums.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region is approximately $20 USD per person.
How to Reach It: The site is located in Northern State, Sudan, and can be reached by car or public transportation from the nearby city of Karima. Visitors can also hire a guide or join a guided tour to explore the site.
From Khartoum by bus there are daily buses from Khartoum to Karima, which take approximately 7-8 hours. Buses usually leave early in the morning and tickets can be purchased at the bus station.
Where to Stay: There are a few options for accommodation in the area, including guesthouses and hotels in the nearby city of Karima. Some recommended places to stay include the Nubian Rest House and the Karima Hotel.
Next Stop: Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe