Mosul Travel Guide

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City

Facts and practical information

Located in the Ninawa region of Iraq, Mosul is a city that holds a rich history and cultural significance. Despite facing numerous challenges in recent years, Mosul is slowly reclaiming its place as a popular tourist destination. With its captivating architecture, ancient ruins, and vibrant markets, this city offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers.

One of the must-visit attractions in Mosul is the historical site of Nineveh. This ancient city was once the capital of the mighty Assyrian Empire and is now an archaeological treasure trove. Visitors can explore the ruins of ancient palaces, temples, and other structures that date back thousands of years. The impressive stone reliefs and statues that have survived the test of time provide a glimpse into the grandeur of this once-thriving civilization.

For those interested in religious history, the Great Mosque of al-Nuri is a must-see landmark. Built in the 12th century, this mosque boasts a distinctive leaning minaret that has become an iconic symbol of Mosul. The mosque's intricate architecture and beautiful interior make it a fascinating place to visit and learn about the city's Islamic heritage.

No visit to Mosul would be complete without exploring the bustling markets. The historic market of Al-Najafi is a vibrant hub of activity, offering a wide array of goods and local products. Visitors can wander through the narrow alleyways, haggle with friendly shopkeepers, and immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and aromas of the market.

For a peaceful escape from the city, the nearby Al-Hadbaa Waterfall is a hidden gem. Surrounded by lush greenery, this picturesque waterfall is a popular spot for picnics and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere, take a refreshing dip in the cool waters, or simply marvel at the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Local name: الموصل Population: 1.74 mil. (2019)Area: 69.5 mi²Elevation: 719 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 36°20'51"N, 43°8'21"E

Location

NinawaIraq

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Mosul Top Attractions

Mosul Attractions - What to See and Explore

Mosul offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Monastery of Saint Elijah, Nineveh, Mosul Museum, Al-Tahera Church. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Monastery
Monastery of Saint Elijah
Nestled in the historically rich city of Mosul, Iraq, the Monastery of Saint Elijah stands as a testament to the long-standing Christian presence in the region. This ancient monastery, also known as Dair Mar Elia, is believed to have been founded in the late 6th...
City • Archaeological site
Nineveh
Nineveh was an ancient Assyrian city of Upper Mesopotamia, located on the outskirts of Mosul in modern-day northern Iraq. It is located on the eastern bank of the Tigris River and was the capital and largest city of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, as well as the largest city in the world for several decades.
Museum
Mosul Museum
The Mosul Museum is the second largest museum in Iraq after the National Museum of Iraq in Baghdad. It was heavily looted during the 2003 Iraq War. Founded in 1952, the museum consisted of a small hall until a new building was opened in 1972, containing ancient Assyrian artifacts.

Church
Al-Tahera Church
The Al-Tahera Church is a partially demolished Syriac Catholic church in Mosul, Iraq.
Mosque
Mosques and shrines of Mosul
The Islamic Sites of Mosul, Iraq, are of varied ages, the oldest being the Umayyad Mosque from 640 AD. and the modern being the Mosul Grand Mosque.
Church
Our Lady of the Hour Church
The Our Lady of the Hour Church also known as the name of the Latin Church, was a Catholic church in the center of Mosul, in northern Iraq.
Forts and castles
Bash Tapia Castle
Bash Tapia Castle, also known as Bashtabiya Castle or Pashtabia Castle, is a ruined 12th-century castle located on the western bank of the Tigris river, forming part of the city wall of Mosul, Iraq.
Mosque
Mosul Grand Mosque
The Mosul Grand Mosque is an incomplete Sunni Islamic mosque located in Mosul, Iraq. The mosque is situated in the Taqafah district bordering the Tigris river near the Nineveh archeological site.
Mosque
Great Mosque of al-Nuri
The Great Mosque of al-Nuri was a mosque in Mosul, Iraq. It was famous for its leaning minaret, which gave the city its nickname "the hunchback".
City • Archaeological site
Tarbisu
Tarbiṣu was an ancient city about 3 miles north of Nineveh.
Archaeological site
Tepe Gawra
Tepe Gawra is an ancient Mesopotamian settlement 15 miles NNE of Mosul in northwest Iraq that was occupied between 5000 and 1500 BC. It is roughly a mile from the site of Nineveh and 2 miles E of the site of Khorsabad. It contains remains from the Halaf period, the Ubaid period, and the Uruk period.
Archaeological site
Shibaniba
Tell Billa is an archaeological site near Bashiqa in Nineveh Province. It is the ancient city of Shibaniba, not far from Assur. The name Shibaniba comes from the Middle Assyrian sources.
Universities and schools
University of Mosul
The University of Mosul is a public university located in Mosul. It is one of the largest educational and research centers in the Middle East, and the second largest in Iraq, behind the University of Baghdad.
Library • Greek Revival architecture
Library of Ashurbanipal
The Royal Library of Ashurbanipal, named after Ashurbanipal, the last great king of the Assyrian Empire, is a collection of more than 30,000 clay tablets and fragments containing texts of all kinds from the 7th century BC, including texts in various languages.
Bridge
Fifth Bridge
Fifth Bridge is a bridge in the city of Mosul, located in the province of Nineveh Governorate in Iraq over the Tigris River. The bridge was constructed in the 1980s and links the east and west sides of the city.
Neighbourhood
Mosul District
Mosul District is a district in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq. Its administrative center is the city of Mosul. Other settlements include Al-Qayyarah, Al-Shurah, Hamam al-Alil, Al-Mahlaah, and Hamidat.

Day trips

Mosul – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Mosul, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Kurdish Textile Museum (Arbil), Citadel of Erbil (Arbil), Qaysari Bazaar (Arbil).

50 milesE
Museum
Kurdish Textile Museum, Arbil
Nestled in the heart of the ancient city of Arbil, Iraq, the Kurdish Textile Museum is a cultural gem that celebrates the rich heritage of Kurdish weaving and fabric arts. Established to preserve and showcase the intricate craftsmanship of Kurdish textiles, this museum...
50 milesE
Ancient citadel with a mosque and museums
Citadel of Erbil, Arbil
The Citadel of Erbil is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the city of Arbil, Iraq. Standing as one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the world, this ancient fortress has dominated the skyline of Arbil for millennia.
50 milesE
Shopping, Market
Qaysari Bazaar, Arbil
Nestled within the heart of Arbil, Iraq, the Qaysari Bazaar stands as a bustling testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the region. This vibrant market is not just a shopping destination; it is a historical landmark that encapsulates the spirit of Kurdish life...
49 milesE
Mosque, Museum
Mudhafaria Minaret, Arbil
The Mudhafaria Minaret stands as an enduring emblem of the city of Arbil, also known as Erbil, in Iraq. This historical tower is a remnant of the city's rich Islamic heritage and is situated within the vicinity of the ancient Citadel of Arbil.
28 milesN
Monastery
Rabban Hormizd Monastery
Nestled in the rugged mountains of northern Iraq, the Rabban Hormizd Monastery stands as an enduring testament to the region's ancient Christian heritage. This remarkable sanctuary, carved into the mountainside and overlooking the Alqosh valley, has been a site of...

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Best Time To Visit Mosul

Learn when is the best time to travel to Mosul weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

February and December are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in January, September, October and November.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in June, July, August and September. Most of it rains in February and March.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Mosul?

The top attractions to visit in Mosul are:

What is the best time to visit Mosul?

February and December are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in January, September, October and November. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.