This northern-Sudanese market-town has a population of about 15,000. The town itself is of little interest, but there are several ancient sites nearby which are worth a visit.

Just 2km south of the town is the 100-metre high the Barkal Mountain (Jabal al-Barkal), a hill which was regarded as sacred by the Egyptians of the 18th Dynasty. From its summit, there is an excellent view of the Nile. At its foot lies the Temple of Amun, second only in length to the famous Temple of Karnak. This was once surrounded by about six smaller temples, and ruins of these, together with statuary and hieroglyphics, make this an interesting Cushite site.

Lying west of the temple are the Jebel al-Barkal Pyramids, similar in style to those at Meroe.