Yazılıkaya Open-Air Temple is an open-air sanctuary located 2 kilometers northeast of Hattusa, featuring Hittite god and goddess reliefs carved into natural rock galleries; it is the only place reflecting the Hittite pantheon, explored through its A and B chambers.
Yazılıkaya is considered the national temple of the Hittite Empire. It is an open-air sanctuary nestled among natural rock formations, 2 kilometers northeast of the ancient city of Hattusa. There are two galleries carved into the rocks: Chamber A and Chamber B. Chamber A features reliefs of twelve underworld gods, followed by a procession of gods and goddesses, while Chamber B is smaller and serves as a monument to Tudhaliya III.
The layers of the structure belong to different periods. In the first phase, a perimeter wall was built to separate the rock temple from the outside world. In the second phase, a section conforming to classical Hittite temple tradition was added, along with a monumental entrance structure; most of this phase and the reliefs in the Great Gallery date to the reign of Hattusili III. In the third phase, the east wing was transformed into a more functional entrance in front of the Small Gallery; the Tudhaliya relief in the Great Gallery and the final state of the Small Gallery belong to the time of Tudhaliya IV.
Most visitors come here after exploring Hattusa. It is generally described as a brief but impactful stop. Since the area is not large, one can wander without getting tired; the fact that the reliefs are three thousand years old and still stand on the rock amazes many. Some visitors express concern about the artifacts being exposed to the open air, subject to sun and rain, and eroding over time.
Related discoveries: Places to visit in Çorum, Historical Places, Historical places in Çorum, Alacahöyük Museum and Ancient Site.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
Yazılıkaya is entirely in an open area, with almost no natural shade except for the shadows of the rocks. Midday hours in Central Anatolia during summer can be quite tiring due to the sun; going early is advantageous for managing both light and crowds. Spring and autumn offer more suitable temperatures for a long walking tour combined with Hattusa. In winter, the Boğazkale region can be cold and occasionally snowy, which can make walking on the rocky ground difficult.
How to Get There?
From Çorum city center, it takes about an hour by private car to Boğazkale; take the D190 highway to Sungurlu, then follow the signs to Boğazkale. A similar route applies for those coming from Ankara, though the distance is slightly longer. Since public transportation options are limited, most visitors come by their own car or organized tours. From the entrance of the ancient city of Hattusa, it takes a few minutes by car to Yazılıkaya, and they can be visited consecutively on the same route.
How Much Time Should Be Allocated?
Yazılıkaya itself is not a large area; 15-30 minutes is usually sufficient to explore Chambers A and B, view the reliefs, and take photos. The main time is spent in Hattusa; those who wish to see the ancient city's walls, temples, and points like Yerkapı should dedicate a full day to this region. Leaving Yazılıkaya as the last stop of the Hattusa trip is a logical sequence to conclude the day.
Suggested Itinerary
A common preference is to start in the morning at Hattusa's great gates (Lion Gate, King's Gate, Yerkapı), visit the Great Temple area towards noon, and then proceed to Yazılıkaya at the end of the day. This way, long walks coincide with the cooler morning hours, and the day concludes with a short and focused visit to Yazılıkaya. There are a few restaurants and rest areas in Boğazkale village for a short break.
Things to Pay Attention To
The rocky ground is uneven in some places, so wear sturdy shoes. There are street vendors selling jewelry and souvenirs at and around the entrance; visitor comments frequently mention that prices are initially high and can be lowered through bargaining, so it's advisable to compare prices if you plan to shop. Some of the reliefs have been exposed to sun and rain for years in the open air and are noticeably eroded; it is important to photograph them from a distance without touching them to help preserve the artifacts.
Photo Spots
The main gallery in Chamber A, where the procession of gods and goddesses extends in a line, is the most photographed section. The depth of the reliefs appears more distinct with side lighting in the afternoon; in flat light during early hours, details are somewhat lost. The narrow passage in Chamber B and the Tudhaliya III monument, when framed with the natural texture of the rock, create a different atmosphere.
Relationship with Hattusa
Yazılıkaya was built as one of the religious centers of the ancient city of Hattusa; the two are inextricably linked. It is believed that Hittite New Year celebrations were held in this open-air temple. Almost all visitors to the region enter here with a Hattusa ticket and do not make a separate travel plan.
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