The palaces of Saddam Hussein represent a colossal manifestation of the power and ambition with which the dictator shaped the Iraqi landscape during his regime. Among these monumental constructions is the imposing Palace of Babylon, built on an artificial hill with direct views of the ancient ruins of Babylon, one of the most legendary cities of ancient Mesopotamia.
The site is impressive not only for its size and strategic location, but also for its symbolic significance: it unites Iraq's glorious past with the modern narrative that Saddam sought to impose. Today, walking through its empty rooms and contemplating its architecture on such an emblematic archaeological site is a profound experience for those who wish to connect with the country's contemporary history.
During his rule, Saddam Hussein had between 70 and 100 palaces built across Iraqi territory. These strategically located presidential residences combined extreme luxury, political symbolism and military security. But among them all, the Palace of Babylon is unique: not only because of its scale or its views, but also because it is located above an ancient city that marked the history of mankind. At Viajes a Irak, we invite you to discover this fascinating place, where every wall holds stories of power, propaganda and legacy.
The Palace of Babylon: power over ancient ruins
A colossus over the ancient city of Nebuchadnezzar
The palace is situated on an artificial hill that offers a commanding location overlooking the ruins of the mythical city of Babylon, south of Baghdad. It was built in the early 1990s, at the height of the Ba'athist regime, as a symbolic affirmation of the link Saddam Hussein sought to establish between himself and the great monarchs of Mesopotamian history, notably Nebuchadnezzar II.
The design of the palace was carried out by a team of Iraqi architects under the direct supervision of Saddam himself. The structure combines a modernist style with robust lines - even close to the architectural brutalism- with decorative details inspired by the Babylonian legacy: columns, wall reliefs, friezes and frescoes imitating ancient imperial glories. Although many of these paintings are now faded, the intention to merge modernity and antiquity in a single monumental work is still discernible.
It was built with modern materials, but in a square plan with a central courtyard reminiscent of Mesopotamian architecture. Completed in the early 1990s, there are doubts as to whether it was actually used by the president. It is said that Sadam have visited it only once or twice, and may even have wished to be buried there, in the manner of a modern pharaoh, in order to continue projecting his power beyond death.
In the tradition of the ancient Babylonian kings, Saddam Hussein had his name and initials inscribed in bricks and reliefs throughout the palace. One of the most notable inscriptions is the one on the bricks of the south wall, which reads:
"In the reign of the victorious Saddam Hussein, President of the Republic, may God preserve him as guardian of the great Iraq and renewer of its renaissance and builder of its great civilisation, the reconstruction of the great city of Babylon took place in 1987".
In addition to these inscriptions, the palace is decorated with reliefs depicting Saddam Hussein in battle scenes, seeking to emulate the grandeur of ancient Mesopotamian leaders.
Privileged views and propagandistic symbolism
From the top of the hill: the past beneath your feet
What is most striking about this palace - and what we always highlight in our routes of Viajes a Irak- are its breathtaking views. From the top, you can see the Euphrates River, fields of crops and, of course, the archaeological remains of ancient Babylon. It's a brutal contrast: ancient temples and streets at the foot of a modern palace, a symbol of the personality cult of a 20th century dictator.
This contrast is one of the most talked about aspects of our tours. Some travellers are fascinated by the majesty of the structure; others are uncomfortable with the arrogance of having built on invaluable historical heritage.
Anecdotes and scars of the recent past
From presidential palace to military base and historic ruin
After the 2003 invasion, the palace was taken over by US troops and used as a military base. Graffiti left by soldiers can still be seen today on the walls that once bore the symbols of the regime. It is one of Iraq's many paradoxes: layers of overlapping history, from Nebuchadnezzar to Saddam to the conflicts of the 21st century.
One of the anecdotes most remembered by our groups is the famous marble throne that once stood in the main hall and disappeared after the war. Some say it was destroyed, others that it is in a private collection. On every visit with Viajes a IrakThis mystery often arouses debate and curiosity.
Visiting one of Saddam Hussein's palaces today
Despite being in ruins, Babylon Palace is part of our themed tours of Saddam Hussein's palaces. Walking through its empty corridors, looking through the windows once used by the dictator, and listening to the echoes of a recent past is an experience that leaves a lasting impression.
At Viajes a Irak, we offer guided tours with historical and cultural context, so that you not only see an imposing building, but also understand its symbolic weight and its place in the contemporary history of the country.
Conclusion: A dictator who wanted to be emperor
The Palace of Babylon is not only one of Saddam Hussein's most striking palaces in terms of its architecture or location, but also for what it represents: the dictator's obsession with projecting himself as the heir to a millennia-old imperial lineage.
Saddam made no secret of his admiration for Nebuchadnezzar II. The great king of Babylon who built the Hanging Gardens and expanded the Babylonian empire in the 6th century BC. In his propaganda, Saddam presented himself as a new Nebuchadnezzar, capable of restoring Iraq to its past greatness. He had parts of Babylon rebuilt with new bricks inscribed with his name, like the ancient kings. And right on top of those ruins, he erected his palace, as if he wanted to literally sit on top of history.
Today, the palace is empty, eroded by time and history. But its symbolism lives on. It is a reminder of how power can use history to build a myth, and how architecture can become a political message. To visit this place with Viajes a Irak is a unique opportunity to reflect on the weight of the past, the fragility of power and the memory left by stones.
Would you like us to help you organise your trip to Iraq?
Take a look at our travel offer to Iraq and contact us to start preparing your trip.
Want to know the 10 breathtaking places you should not miss on your trip to Iraq?
Take a look at our post on 10 places not to miss on your trip to Iraq.
