Hattusa Ancient City, located in the Boğazkale district of Çorum, is the capital of the Hittite Empire and is on the UNESCO World Heritage list with its ruins such as the Lion Gate, Yerkapı, and the Great Temple; due to its vast area, it is recommended to explore by car.
Hattusa was a settlement that served as the capital of the Hittite Empire for approximately 400 years in the 2nd Millennium BC. Today, it is spread over a large hilly area within the borders of the Boğazkale district of Çorum. More than 30,000 cuneiform tablets have been found in excavations that have been ongoing in the city since 1906. These tablets were used to decipher the daily life of the Hittites and their diplomatic agreements.
The archaeological site is not limited to a single point. The Lion Gate, King's Gate, the sphinx-lined passage of Yerkapı, and the Great Temple where religious ceremonies were held are located at distant points from each other. Visitors agree on the size of the area: exploring only on foot without a vehicle is very tiring, with some stating it takes 3-4 hours. Sturdy-soled shoes are recommended for the stony and sometimes slippery paths.
Most of the ruins are dilapidated. While some visitors are disappointed by this, for others, the truly impressive aspect is the scale of the area and the thought of an empire established here thousands of years ago. It is also possible to see flocks of sheep and grazing animals in the vicinity. In some comments, this scenery is mentioned as part of its naturalness, while in others, it points to the site's lack of maintenance. The museum at the entrance is a separate stop; the artifacts and replicas found here complete the story of the ruins.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Çorum historical places, Alacahöyük Museum and Archaeological Site.
Guide's Note
When to Visit Hattusa
Spring and autumn months are the most comfortable times to visit. In summer, walking around the large area under the sun is tiring. One visitor suggests going early in the morning to explore the area without rushing. In winter, access to some sections may become difficult, so check seasonal conditions before you go.
How to Get to Hattusa
Hattusa is located in the Boğazkale district of Çorum, approximately 80 km from the city center. There is no direct public transport from Çorum city center. Therefore, going by your own car or booking an organized tour is the most practical option. For those coming from Ankara, the distance is approximately 200 km. Visitors who come by private vehicle state that the road conditions are good.
How Much Time to Allocate
The site is not just a single structure. The Lion Gate, King's Gate, Yerkapı, and the Great Temple are located at quite distant points from each other. Visitors report that the tour can take 3-4 hours by car. Exploring on foot or by bicycle is found to be challenging due to the distances. If you include the museum at the entrance in your program, you might need to allocate half a day.
Suggested Itinerary
The general flow is as follows: after the entrance, the Great Temple, then the city wall extending to the Lion Gate and King's Gate, and finally the sphinx-lined passage and tunnel at Yerkapı. Stopping at each point with your car, examining it, and then moving on is the most efficient method. Leaving the Boğazköy Museum as the last stop clarifies the context of the ruins you have seen.
Where to Stay
There are a limited number of small guesthouses and accommodation options in the Boğazkale district center. Those who prefer the Çorum city center for wider hotel options can plan a day trip, leaving early in the morning.
Things to Pay Attention To
Most of the area consists of ruined remains. Do not expect a view full of castles and statues; some visitors state they were disappointed for this reason. Stony paths can sometimes be slippery, so sturdy shoes are a must. It is advisable to prepare your Museum Card or digital ticket application in advance, as the POS device at the ticket office might not be working. It is possible to encounter free-roaming animals in the area.
Photo Spots
The sphinx-lined staircase passage of Yerkapı and the wide valley view from the top are among the most preferred shots. The stone reliefs at the Lion Gate and the green stone floor of the Great Temple are also prominent spots for photography. Morning light makes the stone texture more distinct.
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