Borsippa Ziggurat (Birs Nimrud) زقورة بورسيبا

The ruined ziggurat of the god Nabu south-west of Babylon, linked in tradition to the Tower of Babel.

The vitrified remains of a great ziggurat south-west of Babylon, dedicated to the god Nabu.

Borsippa was the sister city of Babylon and the home of Nabu, god of writing and wisdom, whose temple and ziggurat were rebuilt by Nebuchadnezzar II. Today the ruined ziggurat, known locally as Birs Nimrud, still rises above the plain.

At the top, great blocks of brickwork have been fused into a glassy mass by intense heat, a striking sight that has puzzled travellers for centuries. Local tradition links the mound with the Tower of Babel. Borsippa is about 20 km from Babylon and easily added to a Babylon visit.

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

Questions & answers

Where is Borsippa Ziggurat (Birs Nimrud)?

Borsippa Ziggurat (Birs Nimrud) is in Babylon, Babil Governorate, Iraq. The map on this page shows its location.

How can I visit Borsippa Ziggurat (Birs Nimrud)?

Borsippa Ziggurat (Birs Nimrud) 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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