Laçin Kapılıkaya Rock Tomb is a Hellenistic period rock tomb dating back to the 2nd century BC, located in the Kırkdilim area of Çorum's Laçin district. Carved into the rock for Commander Ikezios, it is situated 65 meters above the valley.
Kapılıkaya is carved into the northwest corner of a rock mass in the Kırkdilim area, part of the Laçin district, 27 km along the Çorum-Osmancık road. It dates back to the Hellenistic period, 2nd century BC. On the door of the tomb chamber, there is an inscription of Ikezios and a cross motif made with red ochre. To the right and left of the entrance to the square-plan chamber, there are carved figures of the deceased in niche form. According to Çorum Governorship sources, the tomb is 65 meters above the river level and has a trapezoidal facade arrangement.
Getting here is not easy. You can drive up to a certain point, after which a walk and a short climb are required. One visitor notes that it's not possible to reach the tomb by car, as the road is completely blocked at one point. Another states that the ascent is tiring but the valley view from the summit is worth it. For someone who has seen the Pontus rock tombs in Amasya, this is a simpler and less-known alternative. It's suitable for those who want to examine the craftsmanship up close without crowds.
The area is covered with a pine forest, and a large part of the valley can be seen from the tomb. The sound of a small stream on the slope attracts the attention of some visitors. For the climbing part, hiking boots should be preferred over flat-soled shoes, as the path is rocky and narrow in some places.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Çorum historical places, Alacahöyük Museum and Ancient City.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable periods. One visitor writes that when they went in the right season, everything was green, and the path was not visible as they progressed. Since the path can become slippery after rain, it's safer to wait a few days if there has been recent rainfall. In winter months, road and path conditions can become difficult.
How to Get There
From the 27th kilometer of the Çorum-Osmancık highway, head towards the Kırkdilim area, which is part of the Laçin district. One visitor states that they thought it was a car road and entered, but at one point, the road was completely blocked. So, it's not accurate to say that navigation will show you a car road right up to the tomb; at least the last part needs to be planned for walking. After parking the car, you ascend to the front area of the tomb via stairs and a path, and from there, again by stairs, to the rock tomb itself.
How Much Time to Allocate
15-20 minutes are sufficient to explore the tomb itself, but including the round-trip walk and climb, a total of 1-1.5 hours should be calculated. For those who want to enjoy the valley view without rushing, the duration may extend.
Things to Consider
Multiple visitors mention difficulties with the path. One writes that it's not possible to reach the tomb by car, and another advises against the climb due to the risk of falling. Since you will be moving on steep rocky terrain, sturdy shoes and possibly a hiking pole are beneficial. It's a safer choice to postpone the climb on days with unsuitable weather conditions.
Good Spots for Photography
The platform in front of the tomb is suitable for framing both the carved craftsmanship on the rock face and the valley behind. Scenic photos can also be taken on the path through the pine forest. In the morning hours, the angle of the light hitting the rock shows the Ikezios inscription and the cross motif more clearly.
Historical Background
The tomb was built in the Hellenistic period for a commander named Ikezios. The inscription on the door and the red ochre cross motif are the most concrete clues about the identity of the structure. The square-plan chamber, with figures of the deceased carved in niche form on both sides of the entrance, reflects the stone craftsmanship of the period. Some visitors compare it to the Pontus tombs in Amasya among similar rock tombs in the region; this one is smaller in scale and receives fewer visitors.
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