North of Baghdad, on the west bank of the Tigris River, Mosul is called the "City of Two Springs" because its autumn is like spring. It's a fairly scenic, hilly town. Sites include the Umayyad, Djami, Mujahidi and Nurid mosques (unusual minarets); the Black Palace of Badr Ud Din Lulu; and numerous ancient churches.
Like the Iraq Museum, the once impressive Mosul Archaeological Museum was looted in April 2003. After years of restoration, just as the museum was about to reopen, Daesh terrorists destroyed its exhibits once again (along with many nearby archaeological sites). At last report, Daesh was still in control of Mosul and visits were impossible. When the city returns to Iraqi government control—as it eventually will—visitors will find that the view from the Bash Tapia Castle, set on a steep cliff overlooking the Tigris River, is wonderful. Mosul is located 225 mi/360 km northwest of Baghdad.
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