Babylon: The Gate of the Gods

Discover Babylon, the legendary Mesopotamian city, a cradle of civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iraq.

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Explore the ruins of Babylon, an ancient city on the Euphrates River in present-day Iraq, once the capital of the Babylonian Empire. See remnants of palaces and temples, and reflect on its historical and cultural significance.

A brief summary to Babylon

FH92+73G, Al Hashimiyah, Babylon Governorate, IQ

Local tips

Bring your passport and Iraqi visa, as they will be checked upon entry.
Hire a local guide at the entrance for insights into the history and significance of the ruins.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain.
Visit during the cooler months (October-April) to avoid the intense summer heat.

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Getting There

Taxi

From Hillah, take a taxi to the Babylon ruins, approximately a 20-minute ride. A taxi should cost around 5,000 IQD.
Public Transport

To reach Babylon from Baghdad, take a shared taxi from the Allawi South garage to Hillah for approximately 10,000 IQD. From Hillah, you can then take a taxi to Babylon.

Discover more about Babylon

Babylon, whose name in Akkadian meant "Gate of God" , was a major power in ancient Mesopotamia. Founded over 4,000 years ago , the city rose to prominence under Hammurabi in the 18th century BC, becoming the center of the Babylonian Empire. Babylon is associated with architectural marvels, such as the Hanging Gardens and the Tower of Babel.Under Nebuchadnezzar II (604–561 BC), Babylon entered a new golden age, transforming into an architectural marvel. The city's Ishtar Gate, now housed in Berlin's Pergamon Museum, welcomed visitors with its vibrant blue glazed tiles and depictions of deities. While the exact location of the Hanging Gardens remains a mystery, their legendary beauty continues to capture imaginations.Today, Babylon's ruins offer a glimpse into a rich past. Visitors can explore the remains of palaces, temples, and residential areas, imagining life in this ancient metropolis. Though much of what stands today is a reconstruction from the Saddam Hussein era , the site still evokes the grandeur and importance of Babylon as a center of culture, religion, and power. Despite facing periods of destruction and serving as a military base after the 2003 invasion , Babylon was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2019 , ensuring its preservation for future generations.