Ishtar Gate: A Jewel of Ancient Babylon
Explore the Ishtar Gate in Babylon, a symbol of ancient Mesopotamian power and artistry, with its iconic blue glazed bricks and intricate animal reliefs.
The Ishtar Gate, dating back to 575 BC, was the grand entrance to Babylon. Adorned with glazed blue bricks and reliefs of lions, dragons, and bulls, it symbolized the power and splendor of Nebuchadnezzar II's empire. Today, a reconstructed gate resides in Berlin's Pergamon Museum, while the original site can be visited in Hillah, Iraq.
A brief summary to Ishtar Gate
- GCVF+C2X, Hillah, Babylon Governorate, IQ
- +9647712779677
- 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
Local tips
- 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 ancient city of Babylon.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the ruins involves walking on uneven surfaces.
- Check the opening hours before your visit, as they may vary, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Be respectful of the site's historical and cultural importance.
Getting There
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Taxi
From Hillah city center, a taxi is the most convenient way to reach the Ishtar Gate. Taxis are readily available. A typical ride from the city center to the Ishtar Gate takes approximately 10 minutes. Expect to pay around 5,000 IQD for the trip.
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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. Be sure to check the bus schedules beforehand, as they may vary.
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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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