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Ancient Ruins of Babylon: A Journey Through Mesopotamian History

Discover the ancient wonders of Babylon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to one of history's most influential empires.

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Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Babylon, located in present-day Iraq, and discover the remnants of one of the most influential empires of the ancient world. Wander through the ruins of grand structures, including the Ishtar Gate and Nebuchadnezzar's palace, and imagine the city's rich cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Ancient Ruins of Babylon

  • GCRC+Q93, سنجار, Babylon Governorate, IQ
  • Monday 9 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy the ruins peacefully.
  • Hire a local guide to gain deeper insights into the historical significance of the ruins.
  • Bring plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain.
  • Respect the site by not climbing on structures and following any posted guidelines.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Hillah, the closest city to Babylon, a taxi is the most convenient way to reach the ruins. Taxis are readily available in Hillah, and the ride to Babylon takes approximately 20 minutes. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A one-way trip should cost around 5,000 IQD.

  • Public Transport

    Shared taxis and minibuses travel from Baghdad to Hillah. From the Alawi South garage in Baghdad, a shared taxi to Hillah costs approximately 10,000 IQD and takes about an hour. Once in Hillah, you can hire a taxi to complete the final leg of the journey to Babylon. The taxi fare from Hillah to Babylon is around 5,000 IQD.

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Discover more about Ancient Ruins of Babylon

The Ancient Ruins of Babylon, situated about 85 kilometers south of Baghdad in modern-day Iraq, offer a captivating journey into the heart of Mesopotamian history. Once the capital of the Babylonian Empire, this UNESCO World Heritage site stands as a unique testament to one of the most influential empires of the ancient world. Founded over 4,000 years ago, Babylon rose to prominence under King Hammurabi in the 18th century BC, becoming a major city-state. Its fame grew even more under King Nebuchadnezzar II, who expanded the empire and commissioned the construction of magnificent structures, including the Ishtar Gate and the royal palace. Although the exact location remains a subject of debate, the legendary Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, were also said to have been built during his reign. Today, visitors can explore the sprawling site and marvel at the remnants of grand structures, including the reconstructed Ishtar Gate adorned with intricate blue tiles and reliefs depicting ancient deities and animals. Walk along the Processional Way, the main street in ancient Babylon, and imagine the bustling city that once thrived here. The site also includes several temples, ziggurats, and the remnants of the ancient city walls, each steeped in historical significance. While exploring the ruins, take the time to visit Saddam Hussein's palace, which overlooks the site and offers panoramic views of the ancient city. Although the palace's interior has been looted, it provides a glimpse into more recent Iraqi history. Babylon's prominence began to decline in 539 BC when Cyrus the Great of Persia conquered it. Over the centuries, the city fell into ruin, but its historical and cultural significance remains. Despite facing looting and damage, particularly during the American invasion, Babylon continues to attract tourists from around the world, offering a powerful reminder of our shared human heritage.

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