Erbil Citadel

The Citadel of Erbil, capital of Iraq's Kurdistan Region, rises dramatically on a great tell, an artificial mound built up over millennia of continuous settlement, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on earth. Its ring of tall, close-packed house facades forms a fortress-like crown above the modern city, enclosing old lanes, a historic mosque and a textile museum, and it is inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. At its foot spreads the lively Qaysari bazaar, a warren of stalls, teahouses and workshops. Together they offer a genuinely rewarding glimpse of the region's deep heritage and everyday life.

What you actually see

• The citadel mound - the great tell of continuous ancient settlement.
• The ring of facades - the fortress-like crown of old houses.
• The Qaysari bazaar - the lively old market at the citadel's foot.
• The old lanes - the historic mosque and museums within.

When to go

October to April, the cooler and often pleasant months, are best for climbing to the citadel and wandering the bazaar, avoiding the hot summer; spring brings green to the surrounding hills. The mild seasons suit the outdoor exploring the citadel invites.

Honest expectations

Parts of the citadel's interior have been under long-term restoration and periodically closed, so the ring of facades and the views may be more accessible than the inner lanes at any given time. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on earth, a UNESCO World Heritage site above a bustling bazaar, though, Erbil Citadel is a genuinely rewarding highlight.

Nearby

The Qaysari bazaar, and the mountains and towns of Kurdistan, lie around Erbil.