About Hattusa and Yazılıkaya
Hattusa was the capital of the Hittites, a Bronze Age power that rivaled Egypt. The city spread across rugged hills and held dozens of temples, the largest being the Great Temple dedicated to the Storm God of Hatti and the Sun Goddess of Arinna. Thousands of cuneiform tablets found here document a religion so inclusive that the Hittites spoke of a thousand gods. Hattusa was abandoned around 1200 BCE amid wider collapse.
Just outside the walls lies Yazılıkaya, an open air sanctuary in natural rock chambers. Its walls are carved with two processions of male and female deities meeting at the center, and an image of King Tudhaliya IV embraced by his protective god. Visitors can follow a loop road past the Lion Gate, the Sphinx Gate with its tunnel, and the reconstructed stretch of city wall. The rock chambers still feel set apart and quiet.
What to see
- Yazılıkaya rock reliefs of the gods
- Great Temple foundations
- Lion Gate and King's Gate
- Yerkapı rampart and tunnel
- Reconstructed city wall
Visiting Hattusa and Yazılıkaya: practical guide
- Best time
- May to June and September to October
- Hours
- Open daily, roughly 8:00 to 19:00 in summer and to 17:00 in winter
- Entry
- Fee covers Hattusa and Yazılıkaya
- Dress code
- Sturdy shoes and sun protection
- Nearest airport
- Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB), 200 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- A car is useful for the 6 km loop road
- Visit the Boğazköy Museum for tablets and finds
- Combine with Alacahöyük nearby
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Hittite Religion tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Wear good shoes and sun protection; Hattusa covers a large, hilly area.
- Drive or take a tour between site areas, which are spread out.
- Do not climb on carved reliefs at Yazilikaya or Alacahoyuk.
- Respect fenced zones where excavations continue.
- Visit the Ankara museum before the sites to understand the finds.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Hattusa and Yazılıkaya?
Hattusa and Yazılıkaya is in Boğazkale, Çorum Province, Turkey, Asia. GPS coordinates: 40.0197, 34.6153. The nearest airport is Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB), 200 km.
What is the best time to visit Hattusa and Yazılıkaya?
May to June and September to October
Is there an entry fee for Hattusa and Yazılıkaya?
Fee covers Hattusa and Yazılıkaya Opening hours: Open daily, roughly 8:00 to 19:00 in summer and to 17:00 in winter
What should I wear when visiting Hattusa and Yazılıkaya?
Sturdy shoes and sun protection
Which religion is Hattusa and Yazılıkaya sacred to?
Hattusa and Yazılıkaya is sacred to Hittite Religion. Archaeological ruins. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
