Midas Monument (Yazılıkaya)

The most suitable periods to visit the Midas Monument are April-June and September-October. During these periods, the weather is mild, the vegetation is vibrant, and crowds are relatively small. In mid-summer, the sun can be harsh in the open terrain of the Phrygian Plateau; if you choose this season, visiting in the morning or late afternoon will be much more enjoyable. In winter, it is advisable to check the road conditions to Han district before setting off; snow and ice may be seen on the plateau.

Reaching the Midas Monument from Eskişehir city center takes approximately 80 kilometers. You can arrive at Yazılıkaya Village by following the signs directing to the Han district. Road conditions are generally good, and it can be easily reached with a standard vehicle. There is a parking area near the monument; from there, you can reach the monument with a short walk.

Direct access by public transport is quite limited. Although there are bus services from Eskişehir to the Han district, additional transportation may be required to cover the last few kilometers to the village and the monument. Therefore, renting a car or going with organized day trips from Eskişehir is the most practical way.

For those who only want to visit the Midas Monument, 1-2 hours may be sufficient. If you include the surrounding rock tombs, the ruins of Midas City, and other points of the Phrygian Valley, you should plan between half a day and a full day. The monument can be combined with Seyitgazi and surrounding villages to create a comprehensive full-day Phrygian tour.

Starting from Eskişehir, you can first visit the Seyitgazi district, explore its historical structures, and then proceed to Yazılıkaya Village via the Han district. After visiting the Midas Monument, we recommend examining the surrounding Phrygian rock tombs and the ruins of Midas City in the high rocky area. By covering short distances between different points of the Phrygian Valley by car, the entire region can be seen in one day.

The giant rock facade of the Midas Monument creates dramatic shadow-light plays, especially during morning and late afternoon hours. During these times, the geometric decorations and Phrygian inscriptions on the rock surface appear much more distinct. Wide-angle photographs taken from the rocky hill opposite the monument are ideal for framing both the monument and the surrounding valley together. The high point where the ruins of Midas City are located offers a good shooting area for panoramic views of the Phrygian Plateau.

As the Midas Monument is located in an open-air area, there is very little shade; do not forget to bring enough water and sun protection. Climbing the rock surface or touching the inscriptions is both dangerous and harmful to the monument; it is recommended to observe from a distance. Sturdy shoes are essential as the surrounding terrain is uneven. Options for food and drink in the village are quite limited; it is advisable to bring enough provisions with you.

The Midas Monument is one of the most striking architectural traces of the Phrygian civilization in Anatolia. Dating back to between the 8th and 6th centuries BC, the monument stands out with its geometric decorations carved into the approximately 17-meter-high rock surface and inscriptions written in the Phrygian alphabet. The monument's name is based on an expression found in an inscription on it and has been associated with King Midas; this connection continues to be debated in academic circles.

Located at the center of the vast archaeological area known as the Phrygian Valley, the Midas Monument, along with its surrounding rock tombs, rock temples, and ancient settlement remains, serves as a holistic open-air museum. The area is open to the public and free of charge, with no entrance gate or official administrative structure.