Explore Samarra

Samarra

Samarra was the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate in the 9th century. One of the most famous landmarks is the Great Mosque of Samarra with its iconic spiral Malwiya Tower, which stands 50 meters high.

Explore the historic Abu Dulaf Mosque, the golden-domed Al-Askari Shrine, and Qasr al-Ashiq. For ancient history, visit Tell es-Sawwan (5000 BCE). All these sites are part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

Explore ancient mosques, palaces, and archaeological ruins. The city offers beautiful views along the Tigris River for relaxation.

Visit local markets to learn about the city’s culture and experience the historic atmosphere.

Around: Samarra is relatively small. Visitors usually travel by taxi or private car to reach historical sites. Walking is great for the city center.

Best Time: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (October–November). Summers are very hot, and winters can be windy.

Status

UNESCO

To Baghdad

~125 KM (2h)

Top Site

Malwiya