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Taq Kasra

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Taq Kasra, also known as the Arch of Khosrau, is the only standing remnant of the ancient city of Ctesiphon and a masterpiece of Sasanian architecture. Located about 35 kilometers southeast of Baghdad, the ruin likely dates back to the 6th century AD, during the reign of Khosrau I. The most remarkable feature of the palace is its monumental iwan, a massive brick barrel vault that reaches a height of 37 meters without internal supports. It is recognized as the largest unreinforced brick arch in the world and was once part of a magnificent royal palace complex. The facade was originally adorned with stucco reliefs and mosaics reflecting the grandeur of the Sasanian Dynasty. After the Arab conquest, the palace fell into ruin, but the arch remained for centuries as a symbol of the engineering brilliance of the ancient Persian Empire. Today, conservation efforts are focused on stabilizing this unique structure to prevent its collapse.

Location: Iraq
Top sights: Khoké · Taq Kasra · Bany hjaim
Nearby: Al Musayyib (41 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	9	12	17	23	30	35	38	37	33	27	17	11
Rain mm	34	30	26	22	7	0	0	0	1	11	26	24

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Taq Kasra is an impressive ruin of a Sasanian palace that can be viewed from the outside. Access inside is usually not allowed, but the scale of the arch is visible from afar.

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Typical hours

The site is freely accessible during daylight as it is an open ruin. There are no set hours; visit during daylight for the best experience.

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Photography

Photography is allowed and encouraged to capture the massive brick vault. For a good perspective, stand directly in front of the arch or use a wide-angle lens.

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Time needed

A visit typically takes 20 to 40 minutes to walk around the ruin and take photos. If you explore the surroundings, allow about one hour.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with the nearby town of Salman Pak and the tomb of Salman al-Farsi. The ancient city of Ctesiphon, of which Taq Kasra was part, gives other ruins in the area.

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Getting there

Taq Kasra is located about 35 kilometers south of Baghdad, near Salman Pak. By car or taxi, it takes about 45 minutes from Baghdad; road conditions can be variable.

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Insider tip

Bring a hat and sunscreen as there is little shade on site. An early morning visit provides the best light and less heat.

Geography

Coordinates

33.09360, 44.58060

Facts

The barrel vault of Taq Kasra is approximately 37 meters high and 25 meters wide.
It is recognized as the world's largest free-standing arch made of unreinforced brick.
The structure served as the main hall of the Sasanian palace in Ctesiphon.
In 1888, a major portion of the right palace facade collapsed during a flood.
Ctesiphon served for centuries as the capital of the Sasanian Empire.
The monument is located about 35 kilometers southeast of present-day Baghdad.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Diyala River12 km · SEExplore →

Sindbad Land21 km · SEExplore →

Daura Refinery24 km · SEExplore →

Al-Shaheed Monument25 km · SEExplore →

Tigris27 km · SEExplore →

Victory Arch27 km · SEExplore →

Al-Mutanabbi Street29 km · SEExplore →

Baghdad30 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Taq Kasra (10)

Khoké🏺 historical

An archaeological site representing part of the Sassanid-era city of Veh-Ardashir, near the Tigris.

Taq Kasra 🏺 historical

The world's largest single-span brick arch from the Sasanian era.

Bany hjaim📍 landmark

Traditional settlement area in the historic Madain region.

Qala Hamza🏰 castle

Ruined mud-brick fortress located within the Ctesiphon archaeological area.

Hamzah🏰 castle

Historic castle remains situated in the plains near the Tigris River.

Munir Beg🏺 historical

Ancient ruins of a mud-brick structure located in the Ctesiphon district.

Mosque of Salman Al-Muhammadi 📍 landmark

Important pilgrimage site housing the shrine of Salman the Persian, a companion of the Prophet.

Al-Furqan Mosque⛪ religious

Local Islamic place of worship featuring a traditional minaret.

Husseiniya (Religious Hall)⛪ religious

Shia assembly hall used for mourning ceremonies and religious education.

Al-Haq Mosque⛪ religious

Community mosque serving as a center for daily Islamic prayers.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Taq Kasra?

The ruin of a Sassanid palace arch, the largest free-standing brick arch in the world.

Where is this arch located?

In Ctesiphon, about 35 kilometers south of Baghdad.

Is the structure stable?

Restoration work is ongoing to prevent imminent collapse.

When was Taq Kasra built?

Likely built in the 6th century AD under Khosrow I.

Can you walk directly under the arch?

Often the immediate area under the arch is cordoned off for safety reasons.

Taq Kasra: where is it located?

Taq Kasra is located in Iraq.

Taq Kasra: what is there to see?

Highlights include Khoké, Taq Kasra, Bany hjaim.

Taq Kasra: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.

Taq Kasra: why is it worth visiting?

Taq Kasra, also known as the Arch of Khosrau, is the only standing remnant of the ancient city of Ctesiphon and a masterpiece of Sasanian architecture.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Taq Kasra

Best time to visit & climate