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Ziggurat of Ur

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Ziggurat of Ur is one of the best-preserved monuments of Sumerian architecture, located near the modern city of Nasiriyah in southern Iraq. This massive step temple was constructed around 2100 BC during the reign of King Ur-Nammu and his son Shulgi. The structure was dedicated to the moon god Nanna, the patron deity of the ancient city of Ur, which was once a leading center of southern Mesopotamia. The building consists of a core of sun-dried mud bricks encased in a protective layer of fired bricks set in bitumen mortar. Originally, the temple featured three levels reachable via monumental staircases. Archaeologist Leonard Woolley excavated the complex in the 1920s, highlighting the profound complexity of Sumerian civilization. The lower terrace was partially restored in the 1980s to preserve the structure's imposing presence for future generations.

Location: Iraq
Top sights: Albuhera · Tell al-`Ubaid · Egipar

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	11	14	20	25	32	37	39	39	35	29	19	13
Rain mm	21	12	11	10	4	0	0	0	0	7	17	17

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Ziggurat of Ur is an archaeological site near Nasiriya that is open to visitors. The massive stepped pyramid of mudbricks can be circled from the outside; climbing to the upper levels is usually not allowed.

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Typical hours

The site is typically open from sunrise to sunset, with restricted access during the hot midday hours. It is recommended to come early morning or late afternoon.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the site, but drones are typically not permitted. For the best shots of the monumental structure, early morning or late evening hours are recommended.

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Time needed

A visit to the ziggurat takes about one hour, including a walk around the ruins and the adjacent museum. For archaeology enthusiasts, allow two hours.

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Combine with

The ziggurat is near the ancient city of Ur and the Nasiriya Museum. Combining it with a visit to the Civil War Monument in Nasiriya or a trip to the marshlands south of Ur is worthwhile.

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Getting there

The site is accessible by car from Nasiriya, about a 20-minute drive. Parking is available at the entrance, and local guides are often available for a guided tour for a fee.

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Insider tip

Bring sun protection, a hat, and plenty of water as it can get very hot in the desert environment. A local guide can vividly explain the ziggurat's history.

Geography

Coordinates

30.96250, 46.10330

Facts

The ziggurat was built during the Third Dynasty of Ur around 2100 BC.
The foundation of the step temple measures approximately 64 by 45 meters.
Sir Leonard Woolley led the major excavations between 1922 and 1934.
The fired bricks of the outer casing were set using waterproof bitumen mortar.
Originally, the temple was about 30 meters high and consisted of three terraces.
The structure is located in the present-day Dhi Qar Governorate of southern Iraq.