This Roman Catholic church had to be rebuilt after suffering severe damage from the war - the mix of old and new is what makes it so unique. The bishop seat is made of steel, and the windows are stained glass. Come here for a moment of peace and tranquillity.

The Grand Aquarium is an attraction enjoyable to the whole family. Here you can see 600 different species of marine animals and watch them up close - there is even a contact basin where visitors can touch the fish directly. Do not miss the underwater ride in the submarine at the end.

Founded in 1986 by Professor John Beetlestone and his colleagues from Cardiff University, Techniquest is a discovery and science centre with many exhibits and activities for children and science lovers. Inside you will find a science theatre, a planetarium and more than 120 different exhibits where you can test your abilities and discover more about the world of science and technology.

Samarra is a small yet historically rich city located approximately 125 kilometres north of Baghdad. Founded in 836 AD by the Abbasid Caliph al-Mu'tasim, it holds deep significance for Sunni Muslims and features some of Iraq's most iconic Islamic architecture. The easiest way to visit Samarra is on a day trip from Baghdad. Head to the Alawi garage to catch a shared taxi or minivan. A one-way journey in a minivan costs around 10,000 Iraqi dinars. Shared taxis are slightly more expensive but offer a faster and more comfortable ride. Samarra’s most famous landmark is the spiral minaret of the Great Mosque, which was once among the largest mosques in the world. The minaret stands at 52 metres and features a distinctive spiral ramp that winds its way to the top. Climbing the minaret is not always allowed and it is unclear when it's possible to climb it and when it's not. There's also another similar minaret nearby called the Abu Dulaf Minaret, located 28 kilometres from the Great Mosque. Samarra is also home to the Askariyya Shrine, an important site that is sacred to Shia Muslims due to the tombs of the tenth and eleventh Imams. Non-Muslim visitors are allowed inside, but modest dress, respectful behaviour, and compliance with local customs are expected. Due to the shrine’s religious importance, security is very tight and includes several checkpoints. As a predominantly Sunni city in a complex religious landscape, Samarra maintains strict security protocols, particularly for foreigners. If you're not part of an organised tour, expect to be the only foreigner on the journey. This may result in added scrutiny at checkpoints, including detailed passport checks and questions about your travel plans.