Saddam’s crib

Saddam probably never slept there and only visited once or twice, but it seems likely the former Iraqi dictator never imagined his palace near the ancient site of Babylon would become a tourist attraction. After the U.S. invasion in 2003, the palace overlooking the Tigris River initially served as a billet for American and Polish troops. However, it’s since been opened up to the public, with guests paying less than a dollar to tour the gutted mansion. (Looters took almost everything but murals and Frescos depicting Saddam.) For less than $200 a night, guests can even bunk in one of the guesthouses. “This is so weird that I can walk into Saddam’s palace,” says one Iraqi visitor.

NPR