About Göbekli Tepe
On a limestone ridge above the Harran plain, hunter gatherers raised circles of massive T shaped pillars more than eleven thousand years ago, long before pottery, writing or the wheel. Many pillars are carved with foxes, boars, snakes, vultures and stylized human arms and belts, suggesting they represent beings of great importance. Excavations led by Klaus Schmidt from 1995 changed ideas about the origins of ritual and settled life. It overlooks a fertile plain.
Researchers continue to debate how the enclosures were used, whether for feasting, ritual gatherings, or as part of settled villages. A protective roof now shelters the main excavation, and walkways let visitors view the enclosures from above. The nearby Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum displays finds including the Urfa Man statue, and the city itself is revered in Islamic tradition as the birthplace of Abraham. Excavations and research continue every season, adding new discoveries.
What to see
- Enclosure D with its carved central pillars
- Animal reliefs of foxes, boars and vultures
- Visitor center and reconstruction
- Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum
- Nearby Karahan Tepe
Visiting Göbekli Tepe: practical guide
- Best time
- April to May and September to October
- Hours
- Open daily, roughly 8:00 to 19:00 in summer and to 17:00 in winter
- Entry
- Fee charged; Museum Pass Turkey accepted
- Dress code
- Sun hat and sturdy shoes
- Nearest airport
- Şanlıurfa GAP Airport (GNY), 35 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Summer heat is extreme; visit early morning
- Combine with Karahan Tepe and the Urfa museum
- Shuttles run from the visitor center to the hill
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Prehistoric Religion tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Book timed tickets for popular sites like Stonehenge and Newgrange.
- Do not touch cave walls; original painted caves are mostly closed to protect them.
- Visit replica caves such as Lascaux IV and Chauvet 2 for close views.
- Never climb or chip megaliths.
- Respect modern pagan gatherings at solstices and follow site rules.
- Stay on paths around burial mounds and fragile earthworks.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Göbekli Tepe?
Göbekli Tepe is in Şanlıurfa, Şanlıurfa Province, Turkey, Asia. GPS coordinates: 37.2231, 38.9224. The nearest airport is Şanlıurfa GAP Airport (GNY), 35 km.
What is the best time to visit Göbekli Tepe?
April to May and September to October
Is there an entry fee for Göbekli Tepe?
Fee charged; Museum Pass Turkey accepted Opening hours: Open daily, roughly 8:00 to 19:00 in summer and to 17:00 in winter
What should I wear when visiting Göbekli Tepe?
Sun hat and sturdy shoes
Which religion is Göbekli Tepe sacred to?
Göbekli Tepe is sacred to Prehistoric Religion. Archaeological ruins. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
