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Nineveh
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Nineveh was one of the most powerful cities of ancient Mesopotamia and served as the last capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Located on the eastern bank of the Tigris River in modern-day Mosul, the city reached its greatest extent under Kings Sennacherib and Ashurbanipal in the 7th century BC. Spanning 750 hectares, it was briefly the largest city in the world, protected by a 12-kilometer-long city wall with 15 monumental gates. Nineveh is world-renowned for the Library of Ashurbanipal, which housed over 30,000 cuneiform tablets, including the Epic of Gilgamesh. The magnificent palaces were decorated with intricate stone reliefs depicting military victories and royal hunting scenes. The city fell in 612 BC following a long siege by an alliance of Medes and Babylonians, marking the definitive end of Assyrian dominance in the region.
- Location: Iraq
- Top sights: Nebi Yunus · Nineveh · Hanging Gardens
- Nearby: Amadiya (70 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 6 | 8 | 13 | 18 | 25 | 31 | 35 | 35 | 30 | 23 | 14 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 47 | 42 | 54 | 47 | 19 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 21 | 32 | 47 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The remnants of this once-great Assyrian capital are largely open-air archaeological areas that visitors can explore on foot. Due to urban encroachment and historical events, some specific excavated sections might be temporarily closed for preservation.
Typical hours
While the ancient walls and gates generally remain visible at any time, daytime is the only practical period for a comprehensive visit. Official opening hours are rarely standardized, so early morning or late afternoon exploration provides the best lighting.
Photography
Capturing the sprawling layout of the empire's former capital is generally welcomed throughout the unrestricted zones. However, always exercise extreme caution and avoid photographing modern military installations or local security forces operating nearby.
Time needed
Most visitors spend approximately one to two hours observing the surviving gates, massive ramparts, and scattered ruins. If you intend to closely inspect multiple areas of the site, allocating slightly more time is definitely advisable.
Combine with
Pairing your exploration here with a visit to Nimrud creates a highly educational journey through the ancient history of Mesopotamia. Local guides frequently arrange specialized day trips that logically connect these closely related historical centers.
Getting there
Situated extremely close to modern-day Mosul, the site is most safely accessed by arranging reliable transport through a vetted tour operator. Navigating the current urban landscape surrounding the ancient footprint often requires deep local knowledge.
Insider tip
Engaging the services of an experienced archaeological guide will completely transform your visit by bringing the fragmented stones to life. They can efficiently explain the complex history of the empire and safely navigate the surrounding environment.
Geography
Facts
- In the 7th century BC, Nineveh was the largest city in the world, covering 750 hectares.
- The outer city wall had a total length of approximately 12 kilometers.
- King Sennacherib made Nineveh the official Assyrian capital around 700 BC.
- Over 30,000 clay tablets were discovered in the ruins of the Library of Ashurbanipal.
- The city was destroyed in 612 BC by a coalition of Medes and Babylonians.
- The archaeological site today consists of two main mounds: Kuyunjik and Nabi Yunus.
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.
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Sights in the town Nineveh (9)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Was Nineveh a capital?
Yes, it was the magnificent capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire under Sennacherib.
What can still be seen today?
The massive city walls and gates (partially reconstructed) as well as palace ruins.
Where is Nineveh located?
Directly on the eastern bank of the Tigris, opposite the modern city of Mosul.
Was Ashurbanipal's library found here?
Yes, thousands of cuneiform tablets were discovered in the ruins.
Are there entrance fees?
A small fee is often charged for official excavation areas.
Nineveh: where is it located?
Nineveh is located in Iraq.
Nineveh: what is there to see?
Highlights include Nebi Yunus, Nineveh, Hanging Gardens.
Nineveh: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Nineveh: why is it worth visiting?
Nineveh was one of the most powerful cities of ancient Mesopotamia and served as the last capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire.
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Mosul Woods
A forested recreation area on the banks of the Tigris, considered the green lung of the city of Mosul.
Mount Maqlub
A mountain in the Nineveh Plain northeast of Mosul, holding historical significance for the local Christian communities.
Nimrud
An ancient Assyrian city famous for its massive palaces and giant stone figures.
Mishraq Sulphur Mine
One of the largest sulphur deposits in the world near Mosul, representing an important resource for the Iraqi chemical industry.
Lalish Temple
The holiest sanctuary of the Yazidis, located in a picturesque valley in the north of the country.
Mosul Dam
The largest dam in Iraq, located on the Tigris River, of immense importance for flood control, irrigation, and power generation.
Hatra
A fortified ancient city with impressive Hellenistic and Roman architecture.
Sinjar Mountains
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