Plizio Visual Lab
Ezekiel's Tomb
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
monument
Weather…
Water temperature…
Ezekiel Tomb, situated in the Iraqi town of Al Kifl along the Euphrates River, is considered by both Jewish and Islamic traditions to be the final resting place of the biblical prophet. The core of the current building complex is a sanctuary dating from the 14th century, accompanied by a 20-meter-high ribbed minaret. Inside the burial chamber stands the presumed wooden sarcophagus of the prophet, adorned with Hebrew inscriptions. Until the emigration of Iraqi Jews in the 1950s, the shrine was one of the most important pilgrimage sites for the Jewish community, especially during the festival of Passover. Today, the site primarily functions as part of the Al-Nukhailah Mosque and is managed by Shia Muslims, though its historical character has been preserved.
- Location: Iraq
- Top sights: Shrine Zaid Ben Ali · Ezekiel's Tomb
- Nearby: Kufa (16 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 10 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 31 | 36 | 38 | 38 | 33 | 27 | 17 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 20 | 16 | 13 | 13 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 18 | 13 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Ezekiel's Tomb in Al Kifl is usually open for pilgrims and visitors to see the traditional resting place of the prophet. The prayer hall and inner courtyard are accessible.
Typical hours
Religious sites in Iraq often open from morning until evening prayer, with a break in the early afternoon. On Fridays, access may be restricted for worshippers.
Photography
Photography is usually allowed in the courtyard and prayer hall without flash. Respect the privacy of worshippers and ask permission before photographing people.
Time needed
A visit typically lasts 30 minutes to an hour, depending on prayer times. If taking a guided tour, allow 45 minutes.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the old town of Al Kifl or the nearby Chibaish marshes. Both offer insights into Iraq's spiritual and natural heritage.
Getting there
Al Kifl is about 100 kilometers south of Baghdad. You can reach it by car via Highway 8. On-site signs point the way to the tomb.
Insider tip
Visit the tomb during a Muslim holiday to experience the bustling pilgrimage tradition. Dress respectfully - covered shoulders and legs are mandatory.
Geography
Facts
- The sanctuary complex acquired its current architectural form in the early 14th century.
- The brick minaret attached to the building reaches a height of 20 meters.
- Until the 1950s, nearly 5,000 Jewish pilgrims visited the site annually during Passover.
- A 19th-century Hebrew inscription can be read on the interior walls of the chamber.
- The shrine underwent significant restoration work in 2010 to preserve the minaret.
- The interior of the tomb chapel encloses a domed space with a diameter of 6 meters.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Ezekiel's Tomb (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Who is buried here?
The tomb is attributed to the biblical prophet Ezekiel.
What is the architecture known for?
The serrated, cone-shaped dome in the Seljuk style is particularly distinctive.
Is the site open to all religions?
Yes, it is a holy site revered by both Jews and Muslims.
How do I reach the tomb?
It is located in the town of Al Kifl, about halfway between Hilla and Najaf.
Are there visiting rules?
Visitors should behave respectfully and wear appropriate clothing.
Ezekiel's Tomb: where is it located?
Ezekiel's Tomb is located in Iraq.
Ezekiel's Tomb: what is there to see?
Highlights include Shrine Zaid Ben Ali, Ezekiel's Tomb.
Ezekiel's Tomb: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
Ezekiel's Tomb: why is it worth visiting?
Ezekiel Tomb, situated in the Iraqi town of Al Kifl along the Euphrates River, is considered by both Jewish and Islamic traditions to be the final resting place of the biblical prophet.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Iraq →
Nearby cities
Hillah
A modern city on the Euphrates, located next to the ruins of ancient Babylon.
Al Musayyib
A city on the Euphrates in Babil province, important for agriculture.
Al Qasim
A city in Babil province that is a popular local pilgrimage destination.
Mesopotamian Marshes
A unique wetland ecosystem in southern Iraq, home to the Ma'dan people and their iconic traditional reed houses.
Kufa
An historically significant city on the Euphrates, near Najaf.
Najaf
A holy city of Shia Islam in central Iraq.
Al Diwaniyah
An important agricultural city on the Euphrates River in central Iraq.
More places
Borsippa
An important Sumerian and Babylonian city, often associated with the Tower of Babel.
Babylon
One of the most famous ancient cities in the world on the Euphrates.
Kish
An important ancient city that, according to tradition, hosted the first royal dynasty after the Great Flood.
Iskandariya Industrial Complex
One of the largest and most important industrial zones in central Iraq, known for manufacturing vehicles and heavy machinery.
Imam Ali Mosque
One of the holiest sites of Shia Islam and the tomb of Ali ibn Abi Talib.
Bahr al-Najaf Depression
A large depression near the city of Najaf, which turns into a shallow body of water or a salt pan depending on rainfall.
Bahr Al-Najaf Nature Reserve
A desert depression that turns into a lake after heavy rains, attracting many migratory birds.
Karbala Refinery
A modern, strategic refinery in the Karbala Governorate, built to the latest environmental standards to reduce imports.