Ancient Babylon مدينة بابل الأثرية

The ruins of Hammurabi’s and Nebuchadnezzar’s city on the Euphrates, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The ruins of Babylon include the foundations of Nebuchadnezzar’s palaces, the Processional Way, the Lion of Babylon and reconstructed walls. Original stamped bricks with royal inscriptions can still be seen.

Babylon was the capital of Hammurabi in the 18th century BC and of Nebuchadnezzar II in the 6th century BC, when it was one of the largest cities in the world. Greek writers described its walls and Hanging Gardens, and Alexander the Great died here in 323 BC.

The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019. A visit usually covers the Ishtar Gate replica, the Processional Way, the palace walls with their original inscribed bricks, the Lion of Babylon and the view from the modern hilltop palace over the river.

Visit with our tour: Historical & Cultural Tour of Iraq →

Travel tips

• Start early: there is little shade on the site.

Questions & answers

Where is Ancient Babylon?

Ancient Babylon is in Babylon, Babil Governorate, Iraq. The map on this page shows its location.

How can I visit Ancient Babylon?

Ancient Babylon is included in our Historical & Cultural Tour of Iraq tour (10 days / 9 nights). You can book it on WhatsApp, and we arrange the guide, transport and any permissions.

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