Alacahöyük Museum and Archaeological Site, located in the Alaca district of Çorum, houses 15 building layers belonging to the Hittite and Hatti civilizations, hosts Turkey's first local museum and the Sphinx Gate; gold artifacts from the Early Bronze Age royal tombs are exhibited.
Alacahöyük is a small town 45 km from Çorum and 17 km from the Alaca district. What makes this place special is that four layers of civilization have been uncovered on the same mound: Late Phrygian, Hittite-Hatti, Early Bronze Age, and Late Chalcolithic. Excavations were started by the Turkish Historical Society in 1935, and the mound was first noticed by W.G. Hamilton in 1835. The Sphinx Gate is the most recognized part of the archaeological site. Built with andesite blocks on a limestone foundation, it is 10 meters wide and was used as the monumental entrance to the great temple.
The crucial find of the archaeological site is 13 royal tombs dating back to the Early Bronze Age (2500-2000 BC). Rich grave goods made of gold, silver, electrum, copper, and bronze were found in these tombs, which were walled with stone on all four sides and covered with wooden beams. These artifacts played a major role in understanding the indigenous Hatti civilization, which formed the basis of Hittite culture. The Alacahöyük Museum holds the title of Turkey's first local museum. It was established in 1940, moved to its new building within the archaeological site in 1982, and reorganized in 2011.
The museum halls are named after the excavation directors. The Hamit Zübeyr Koşay Hall is full of panel information explaining the place of Alacahöyük excavations in Turkish archaeology. In the Remzi Oğuz Arık Hall, artifacts from the Chalcolithic, Early Bronze Age, and Hittite periods are exhibited; in the Mahmut Akok Hall, Hittite and Phrygian period finds are displayed. There is also an ethnographic section consisting of local carpets, kilims, wooden agricultural tools, weaving looms, and piercing-cutting tools and weapons from the Ottoman period.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Çorum historical places, İncesu Canyon.
Guide's Note
When to Visit
The archaeological site is entirely open-air, with almost no shade. In summer, skipping midday hours and preferring early morning or late afternoon provides a more comfortable visit. In winter, the inland climate of Çorum can be cold and windy, so warm clothing is necessary. Spring and autumn are more suitable for those who want to take photos, both in terms of temperature and light.
How to Get There
Reaching Alacahöyük by public transport is almost impossible. It is 45 km from Çorum city center and only 17 km from Alaca district center. The most practical way is to go by private car; the signs from Alaca clearly show the way. For those coming via Sungurlu, the distance is 26 km. Organized tours usually combine Boğazköy-Hattuşa and Alacahöyük on the same day, which is a practical option for those without a vehicle.
How Much Time to Allocate
The museum and archaeological site can be comfortably visited together within 1.5-2 hours. For those who want to linger a bit longer at the Sphinx Gate and the royal tombs area, this period can extend to 2.5 hours. If planned together with nearby Hattuşa and Boğazköy Museum, the day turns into a full archaeology-focused program.
Suggested Itinerary
Alacahöyük becomes more meaningful if visited as part of Çorum's Hittite route. A day plan can be made as Boğazköy-Hattuşa Archaeological Site and Boğazköy Museum in the morning, and Alacahöyük Museum and Archaeological Site in the afternoon. The distances between the three points are short, and it is possible to travel by car within the same day. Those who want to add Çorum Museum to their itinerary should allocate an extra day.
Things to Consider
There is no shade at the archaeological site, so it is useful to have a hat and water. The ground is uneven stone and soil in some sections, comfortable shoes are essential. The ticket office closes at 18:15, so it is advisable not to go close to closing time. Those who want to take photos are advised to consult museum staff for the use of tripods or special equipment.
Photo Spots
The Sphinx Gate provides the most recognized view of the archaeological site in frames taken both close up and from a little further back. The intramural area where the royal tombs are located is an interesting shooting spot for those who want to show the details of the stone structure. Taking photos without flash in the showcases displaying gold artifacts inside the museum both protects the artifacts and provides clearer images.
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