About Babylon and the Ziggurat of Ur
Babylon, on the Euphrates south of Baghdad, was the holy city of the god Marduk. Its great temple Esagila and the towering ziggurat Etemenanki, often linked to the biblical Tower of Babel, stood at the center of the New Year Akitu festival. Today visitors walk among mud brick walls, a reconstructed palace of Nebuchadnezzar II, and the original foundations of the Ishtar Gate. Much of what visitors see today reflects modern reconstruction.
Some two hundred kilometers southeast near Nasiriyah rises the Ziggurat of Ur, built by King Ur-Nammu for the moon god Nanna about four thousand years ago. Its massive brick base and restored stairways make it the best preserved ziggurat in Iraq. Ur is also associated by tradition with the patriarch Abraham, and a reconstructed house near the ruins is shown to visitors as his home. Ur once stood beside the Euphrates.
What to see
- Ishtar Gate foundations with brick reliefs
- Processional Way of Babylon
- Lion of Babylon statue
- Ziggurat of Ur stairways
- Royal Tombs of Ur area
Visiting Babylon and the Ziggurat of Ur: practical guide
- Best time
- November to March
- Hours
- Open daily during daylight hours
- Entry
- Fees charged at each site
- Dress code
- Modest clothing, sun protection and sturdy shoes
- Nearest airport
- Baghdad International Airport (BGW), 100 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Babylon and Ur are 200 km apart; plan separate days
- Check current travel advisories for Iraq
- A local guide greatly improves the visit
Festivals and special days
- Akitu, historic spring New Year festival
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Ancient Mesopotamian Religion tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Check current travel advisories and use reputable local operators for Iraq and Syria.
- Do not climb on fragile mud-brick walls or ziggurat edges unless paths allow it.
- Never pick up pottery sherds or bricks; removing artifacts is illegal.
- Ask before photographing guards, checkpoints or local residents.
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, out of respect for local customs.
- Allow time for museum collections, which explain sites that are now mostly mounds.
Location map
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Babylon and the Ziggurat of Ur?
Babylon and the Ziggurat of Ur is in Hillah, Babil Governorate, Iraq, Asia. GPS coordinates: 32.5422, 44.4209. The nearest airport is Baghdad International Airport (BGW), 100 km.
What is the best time to visit Babylon and the Ziggurat of Ur?
November to March
Is there an entry fee for Babylon and the Ziggurat of Ur?
Fees charged at each site Opening hours: Open daily during daylight hours
What should I wear when visiting Babylon and the Ziggurat of Ur?
Modest clothing, sun protection and sturdy shoes
Which religion is Babylon and the Ziggurat of Ur sacred to?
Babylon and the Ziggurat of Ur is sacred to Ancient Mesopotamian Religion. Archaeological ruins. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
