Babylon

While the original gate was dismantled and reconstructed in the Pergamon Museum, Berlin, this replica is similar in looks but smaller than the original.

Built by the Chaldean Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BC).

Also called Palace or Castle. It is the location of the Neo-Babylonian ziggurat Etemenanki of Nabopolassar and later Nebuchadnezzar and lies in the center of the site.

A temple of Marduk which also contained shrines to Ea and Nabu.

Reddish colored mound on the west side. Most of the Hellenistic remains are here.

In the northern end of the site, about 22 m in height. It has been extensively subject to brick robbing since ancient times. It held a palace built by Nebuchadnezzar.

Former ziggurat dedicated to the god Marduk. Constructed sometime between the 14th and 9th century BCE, it was fully destroyed by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE in order to prepare for a large reconstruction. However, the death of Alexander halted further work and it has been a ruin since then. Some scholars have suggested Etemenanki as a possible inspiration to the biblical story of the Tower of Babel.

Ridiculously over sized and out of place, the palace is one of the best examples of the former dictator's hubris. Situated on a hill overlooking the archaeological site, it provides excellent views. Visitors are free to wander within the palace and while some parts are covered in graffiti, many exquisite details such as ornaments remain intact.