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The Ennigaldi Nanna’s Museum is like stepping into a site where the past comes to life. Every object has a tale to share and this site is not created for the kings but for the scholars, people who love history. This museum is a space that will invite you to discover all the threads of past life. You will find this ancient museum situated in the core of the ancient city of Ur. Established by Princess Ennigaldi, who used to be a trailblazer during her time, this particular museum captures the soul of Mesopotamia.
Quick Details Ennigaldi Nanna’s Museum
Address: Mahatt Ur, Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq
Timings: 24*7
Ticket Price: None
Nearest Railway Station: Basra Railway Station, approximately 160 km away
Nearest Airport: Basra International Airport, around 170 km away
About Ennigaldi Nanna’s Museum
Photo: مجتبى حميد / Wikimedia Commons
Said to be the very first museum in the world, the Ennigaldi-Nanna Museum was established back in the 6th century BCE by Princess Ennigaldi, the daughter of Nabonidus, the last king of Babylon. This unique site is not only filled with random antiques but was organised properly to display all the artefacts from Babylon, Akkad, and Sumer. The museum was discovered by an archaeologist Leonard Woolley in 1925 when he was excavating the city of Ur.
Every item at this site had an inscription, which described its meaning. This creates a spectacular understanding of sharing and maintaining history. The museum used to be part of a temple complex that was built to honour the Sumerian moon god, Nanna. Even though this place is in ruins, the structure provides evidence that all the rooms were designed to store and show all treasures. What makes this museum unique is the use of multilingual labels, signifying that Ennigaldi wanted to make history available to all visitors. Her concept is regarded as an early illustration of cultural education and conservation.
How To Reach
Photo: Kaufingdude / Wikimedia Commons
You can easily reach the Ennigaldi Nanna’s Museum address via a blend of road, rail and air travel. Here is an easy guide to get to this hidden gem of Ur:
By Air: The Basra International Airport is the closest airport to this museum. From the airport, you can join the guided tour or take a local taxi to get to the city of Ur, where you will find the location.
By Rail: Take a train to the Basra Railway Station, which is a primary place for checking out southern Iraq. From there, you have to take a road transport to reach Ur.
By Road: You can book a private vehicle, pick up an organised tour or take a local taxi to reach the museum. The entire journey will be filled with the stunning plains of southern Iraq and will offer an outstanding experience.
Things To Do
When you visit this ancient gem, you will feel you have gone back to the past. However, there are several things you can do at this ancient museum:
1. Check Out The Ruins
Photo: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg) / Wikimedia Commons
When you walk through the remains of the Ennigaldi Nanna’s Museum Iraq, you will feel the history is still alive in all the weathered stone and broken walls. The structure of all the rooms, which used to be filled with many artefacts, will let you imagine what it was like in the past. Every step you take will connect you with the individuals who have preserved the stories of humanity. As you keep exploring, allow the ruins to whisper their unique sagas to you.
2. Learn About The Stories
Photo: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg) / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The clay labels of the museum will tell you a lot more than information. These labels were written in Akkadian and Sumerian languages and played the role of guides for all the visitors in the past. These inscriptions explained the value of every time they were displayed at the museum. When you interpret all these tales, you will surely follow in the footsteps of all those history fans who walked this specific path in the past. These clay labels showed Ennigaldi’s love and intelligence for education.
3. Feel The Spirituality
Photo: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg) / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located near the museum, the Temple of Nanna radiates a peaceful energy. This temple is earmarked to the Sumerian moon god, and it’s a holy site that once uplifted amazement and devotion. When you stand in the temple’s shadow, you will instantly feel the spiritual linkage that might have pushed Enigaldi’s task of maintaining her civilisation. Stand here for a while, breathe deeply and allow the energy to encircle you.
4. Meditate On The Desert’s Embrace
Photo: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg) / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Step away from the museum and soak in the calmness of the Mesopotamian desert. Under the blue sky, you will find the golden sands stretching endlessly, and you can take some time to meditate. When the sun sets on the horizon, you will feel a deep connection with not just the past but also with Princess Ennigaldi herself, whose goal was to preserve her lineage for the years to come.
Places To Visit Near Ennigaldi Nanna’s Museum
When you explore the museum during the correct Ennigaldi Nanna’s Museum timings, you can also check out some of the splendours of ancient Ur located nearby.
1. The Ziggurat Of Ur
Photo: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg) / Wikimedia Commons
Rising against the horizon, the Ziggurat of Ur is an incredible illustration of ancient devotion and architecture. This is a massive stepped pyramid devoted to Nanna, the moon god, and used to be a holy site for prayer and rituals. When you walk up the steps, you can imagine all the worshippers and the priests gathering jointly under the moonlight sky. Once you reach the top section, you will get to witness the spectacular vistas of the Mesopotamian plains.
Distance From Museum: 150 Meters
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
2. The Royal Tombs Of Ur
Photo: Gary Todd / Wikimedia Commons
Known as the final resting area of all the Sumerian queens and kings, the Royal Tombs of Ur are filled with countless artefacts that consist of unique craftsmanship. You will find elaborate relics, lapis lazuli and gold that display the splendour of a culture that greatly respected its remarkable artistry and rulers. When you visit these tombs, it will feel like you have stepped into a time capsule, as it will let you peek into the beliefs and rituals of an ancient era.
Distance From Museum: 150 meters
Timings: 24*7
Where To Stay
Photo: sidath vimukthi / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
If you’re planning to spend a few days in the Museum, you’ll find a wide range of accommodations to choose from, catering to both budget-friendly travellers and those seeking high-end luxury. However, since the museum is located at a remote site, you will not find any lodgings nearby. Instead, you will find accommodations in nearby cities, such as the Palace Hotel and Basra International Hotel in Basra. You can also stay at the local villages or campsites offered by your tour operator.
Where To Eat
Photo: Oben Kural / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
To experience authentic cuisine, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and local eateries to savour. Several dining options are also conveniently located in the nearby city of Basra, which is about 1.5 km away from the museum, offering a true taste of the region. Some of the eateries are Fawzy’s Restaurant, Basra International Hotel Restaurant and Shams Restaurant.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Husseinal-mauktar / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
A trip to Ennigaldi Nanna’s Museum in Iraq costs around ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 (approximately 300,000 to 500,000 IQD). This estimate covers flights, accommodation, meals, and local transportation. Prices can vary based on travel season and personal choices. It’s advisable to plan your visit in advance to ensure a more enjoyable experience exploring this historical site.
Tips For Travellers
- Check travel advisories and secure necessary permissions.
- Join a tour group for in-depth insights and a safer experience.
- Opt for modest clothing and sturdy footwear to navigate uneven terrain.
- Carry water, especially during daytime visits because of the extreme heat and desert area.
- Remember, you’re walking through history. Preserve its sanctity.
As you walk through the Ennigaldi Nanna’s Museum ruins, you’ll feel a bond with the age-old curators who believed in the ability of storytelling through antiques. This is not just a visit to a museum, it’s a trip to the core of human history. To explore this ancient museum, the first in the world, the only way is to plan it with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Kaufingdude / Wikimedia Commons
