Qara Serai castle (The Black Palace)
Qara Serai Castle: A Glimpse into Mosul's Past
Bashtabya Castle: A Sentinel of Mosul's Past
Explore the ruins of Bashtabya Castle in Mosul, a historic landmark on the Tigris River, and a symbol of the city's resilience.
Bashtabya Castle, a ruined 12th-century fortress on the Tigris River's western bank, stands as a poignant reminder of Mosul's tumultuous history. Once a vital part of the city's defenses, it faced destruction by ISIS in 2015 but remains a symbol of resilience and a testament to Mosul's enduring spirit.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Bashtabya Castle
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
944C+5G6، حي الشفاء الموصل،, Mosul, The Right Coast, Nineveh Governorate, IQ
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Getting There
Walking
From the center of Mosul, head east towards the Tigris River. A good starting point is the Mosul Museum. Walk along Al-Mansour Street towards the river. Turn left and continue walking north along the river. Turn right onto Al-Najaf Street and continue walking until you reach the intersection with Al-Khadra Street, turn left. Bashtabya Castle will be on your right.
Public Transport
To reach Bashtabya Castle via public transportation, start at the main bus station in Mosul. Catch a local taxi or a shared ride to Bashtabya Castle. The taxi fare should be approximately 5,000 IQD.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Mosul. A short taxi ride to Bashtabya Castle from a central location in Mosul will cost approximately 10,000 IQD. Be sure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
Local tips
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Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the castle grounds involves walking and climbing.
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Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and experience the castle in golden sunlight.
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Hire a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the castle.
Discover more about Bashtabya Castle
Bashtabya Castle, also known as Bashtabiya Castle or Pashtabia Castle, is a historic structure that dates back to the 12th century. It was constructed as one of seven castles within Mosul's city wall. The castle's strategic location on the western bank of the Tigris River made it a crucial defensive point for the city.Throughout its history, Bashtabya Castle has witnessed numerous conflicts and periods of reconstruction. In 1393, the castle was damaged by Timur's forces but was later rebuilt by the Ottoman Empire. It played a significant role in the siege of Mosul during the Ottoman-Persian War of 1743-1746, when the Pasha of Mosul, Hajji Hossein Al Jalili, successfully defended the city against Nader Shah of Persia.In recent times, Bashtabya Castle suffered extensive damage at the hands of ISIS in April 2015, becoming one of many heritage sites destroyed by the group. Despite the destruction, parts of the castle remain intact, and the ruins were recaptured by the Iraqi Army in June 2017. The castle ruins remain an archaeological site and a symbol of Mosul.Today, visitors can explore the castle's grounds and take in panoramic views of Mosul and the surrounding landscape.
A brief summary to Bashtabya Castle
Use Bashtabya Castle as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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