Yazılıkaya Valley is a sacred site of the Phrygian civilization located 75 km northwest of Eskişehir; it houses 3,000 years of history with rock-carved monuments, the ruins of the City of Midas, and the Midas Monument on the UNESCO Tentative List.
Yazılıkaya Valley is the most striking stop in the Phrygian Highlands Region, which spreads across the triangle of Eskişehir, Afyonkarahisar, and Kütahya. The rocky slopes, rising 60-70 meters from the valley floor, are covered with rock-carved monuments, niches, and geometric patterns left by the Phrygians. The region is considered the religious capital of the Phrygians; open-air ceremonies where priests addressed the public took place among these rocks. Traces of Phrygian-era walls can still be discerned around the valley, suggesting the city was walled.
The most remarkable structure in the region is the Midas Monument, which is on the UNESCO Tentative List. Its inscriptions and geometric decorations are considered among the best-preserved examples of Phrygian architectural tradition. Yazılıkaya Valley and the City of Midas also form an important link in the 506 km long Phrygian Way, Turkey's 3rd largest nature walking trail. For trekking enthusiasts, the approximately 4 km Midas City route passing through the valley is also separately marked.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Eskişehir historical places, Nasreddin Hodja's House.
Guide's Note
When to Visit?
The best time to visit Yazılıkaya Valley is during April-May and September-October. In spring, the valley surroundings turn green, and hiking conditions are comfortable. In autumn, the changing colors add a completely different look to the valley. In July-August, the rocky areas get very hot in the afternoon; if you come during this period, choose the early morning hours and carry plenty of water. In winter, roads can occasionally be icy; especially on village roads after Seyitgazi, caution is required.
How to Get There?
The easiest way to reach the valley is by private car. From Eskişehir city center, drive approximately 75 km towards Seyitgazi; the remaining distance from Seyitgazi district center to Yazılıkaya Village is about 30 km. Access is also possible via Çifteler, which is about 39 km. Public transport options are extremely limited; renting a car from Eskişehir or Seyitgazi or joining organized cultural tours covering the region is much more practical. For those coming from Ankara, alternative routes via Afyonkarahisar or Kütahya are also available.
Suggested Route
Upon arriving at the valley, visiting the ruins of the City of Midas is a good starting point. Afterwards, you can walk to the Midas Monument at the eastern end of the valley; this distance is covered by an approximately 4 km marked Phrygian Way route. Allow some time to admire the valley view while examining the geometric patterns and Phrygian inscriptions on the monument. Those with high hiking capacity can connect this section of the Phrygian Way to a longer route and visit other Phrygian sites in the Afyonkarahisar or Kütahya regions. The total 506 km long trail is Turkey's 3rd largest trekking route.
Photo Spots
Yazılıkaya Valley offers an extremely rich area for macro and wide-angle photography due to its geometric patterns and niches on the rock surfaces. The Midas Monument provides striking shots, especially in the morning light; framing the valley depth from in front of the monument is a classic but effective composition. Wide-angle photos taken looking up at the 60-70 meter height of the cliffs from the valley floor best convey the scale of the area. In autumn, with the coloring of the surrounding vegetation, the valley also provides a suitable backdrop for documentary-style nature photographs.
What and Where to Eat?
Restaurant or cafe options in the immediate vicinity of Yazılıkaya Valley are quite limited. You can meet your basic food and drink needs in Seyitgazi district center. If you are planning a long hike, we recommend buying ready-made sandwiches, fruit, and plenty of water from Eskişehir or Seyitgazi. When you return to Eskişehir, you can experience the city's famous Eskişehir böreği and various local delicacies.
Things to Consider
The rocky terrain within the valley can be uneven and slippery; sturdy hiking shoes are essential. Reaching the Midas Monument with sandals or flat-soled shoes may be difficult. Cell phone signal in the region may be weak or non-existent; it is recommended to download important information in advance and use offline maps. Not touching the rock monuments and not writing on them is extremely important for the preservation of this historical heritage. If you plan to walk long sections of the Phrygian Way, check trail information and weather conditions in advance.
History of Phrygia and the Importance of Yazılıkaya
The Phrygians established a powerful civilization in the inner parts of Anatolia between the 9th and 7th centuries BC. This civilization, synonymous with the legendary King Midas, used Yazılıkaya as its religious center. The rock-carved monuments within the valley served as temple facades, niches dedicated to the goddess Cybele, and ceremonial areas. The Midas Monument, being on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, also highlights the region's international importance. Yazılıkaya and the surrounding Phrygian ruins constitute one of the most comprehensive open-air archaeological sites in Turkey.
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