Ishtar Gate: A Glimpse into Ancient Babylon
Explore the Ishtar Gate in Babylon, a magnificent symbol of ancient Mesopotamian artistry and power, adorned with vibrant blue-glazed bricks and intricate reliefs.
The Ishtar Gate, located near Hillah in present-day Iraq, was the grand entrance to the inner city of Babylon, constructed around 575 BCE by King Nebuchadnezzar II. Adorned with stunning blue-glazed bricks and intricate reliefs of dragons, bulls, and lions, it symbolized the power and religious beliefs of the Babylonian empire.
A brief summary to Ishtar Gate
- GCVF+C2X, Hillah, Babylon Governorate, IQ
- +9647712779677
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and experience the gate in softer light.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you may want to walk around and explore the ruins nearby.
- Engage with local guides who can provide fascinating insights and stories about the Ishtar Gate and Babylon.
Getting There
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Taxi
From Hillah, taxis are readily available to take you to the Ishtar Gate, which is located a few kilometers away within the ancient city of Babylon. A typical taxi ride from Hillah to the Ishtar Gate costs approximately 5,000 IQD. Ensure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
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Public Transport
To reach the Ishtar Gate via public transportation, you can take a bus or shared taxi from Baghdad to Hillah. Buses leave from Al-Nasr Square in Baghdad and cost around 3,000 IQD. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Once you arrive in Hillah, you can either walk or take a local taxi to the Ishtar Gate, which is approximately 10 minutes away. Local taxis may charge around 1,000 IQD for the short trip.
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Car
If you're traveling by car, the Ishtar Gate is located in Hillah, Babylon Governorate, approximately 85 kilometers south of Baghdad. Take the Route 1 highway (also known as the Baghdad-Hillah road) heading south. After about an hour's drive, take the exit towards Hillah. Follow the signs to the city center, and look for the GCVF+C2X coordinates on your GPS, which will lead you directly to the Ishtar Gate. Make sure to pay any tolls along the highway, which may be around 1,000 IQD.
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