Erbil Citadel (Qelat)

A mound city above Erbil, lived in for thousands of years and on the UNESCO list since 2014.

Erbil 1–2 hours 5 min

About this place

The citadel stands about 30 metres above the plain, on a mound made of the layers of every town that stood here. UNESCO put it on the World Heritage list in 2014. You walk in from the south gate ramp, past the restored stone houses, the old hammam and the Kurdish Textile Museum. Much of the inside is still a restoration site, so keep to the open lanes and look out over the bazaar from the wall.

Visiting times

Citadel lanes open every day in daylight. The Kurdish Textile Museum is usually 9:00–17:00 and closed on Friday. Walking in is free.

Times can change on holidays and in bad weather. Ask us in the direct chat if you need the current hours.

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