Ishtar Gate, Babel Travel Guide

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Explore the Ishtar Gate in Babylon, a symbol of ancient Mesopotamian power and artistry, adorned with vibrant blue glazed bricks and intricate reliefs.

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Ishtar Gate

The Ishtar Gate, dating back to 575 BCE, was the grand entrance to Babylon. Built by King Nebuchadnezzar II, the gate is adorned with stunning blue glazed bricks and reliefs of mythological creatures, symbolizing the power and prosperity of the Neo-Babylonian Empire.

A brief summary to Ishtar Gate

GCVF+C2X, Hillah, Babylon Governorate, IQ
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Monday 8 am-11:30 pm
Tuesday 8 am-11:30 pm
Wednesday 8 am-11:30 pm
Thursday 8 am-11:30 pm
Friday 8 am-11:30 pm
Saturday 10 am-9 pm
Sunday 9 am-7:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ishtar Gate.

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and experience the site in a more serene atmosphere.
Hire a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the Ishtar Gate and the surrounding city of Babylon.
Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the site involves walking on uneven ground.

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Explore Ishtar Gate on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Ishtar Gate, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

To reach the Ishtar Gate via public transportation, take a bus or shared taxi from Baghdad to Hillah. Buses depart from Al-Nasr Square in Baghdad and cost approximately 3,000 IQD. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Upon arrival in Hillah, take a local taxi to the Ishtar Gate, which is about 10 minutes away. Local taxis may charge around 1,000 IQD for the short trip.
Car

If traveling by car, the Ishtar Gate is located in Hillah, Babylon Governorate, approximately 85 kilometers south of Baghdad. Take Route 1 (the Baghdad-Hillah road) south. After about an hour's drive, exit towards Hillah. Follow the signs to the city center and use GPS coordinates GCVF+C2X to reach the Ishtar Gate directly. Expect to pay tolls along the highway, which may be around 1,000 IQD.

Discover more about Ishtar Gate

The Ishtar Gate, located in present-day Hillah, Iraq, was the eighth gate to the inner city of Babylon and served as its main entrance. Constructed around 575 BCE during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar II, the gate was dedicated to the Babylonian goddess Ishtar, though it also paid homage to other deities.The gate is renowned for its vibrant blue glazed bricks, which were meant to resemble lapis lazuli, a highly prized stone in antiquity. The walls are decorated with alternating rows of bas-reliefs featuring mušḫuššu (dragons), aurochs (bulls), and lions, symbolizing the gods Marduk, Adad, and Ishtar respectively. During the annual New Year's celebrations, statues of these deities were paraded through the gate along the Processional Way.Excavated by German archaeologist Robert Koldewey between 1902 and 1914, the Ishtar Gate was reconstructed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin. While the reconstruction is not the complete original gate, it offers a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Babylon. Today, only the lower parts of the gate remain in situ in Babylon.